Questions about each of the two retainers? clear (essix) and metal (hawley)?

[vtnangel]

I have some questions if you had a clear retainer?
1) Do you need to change them every year or so?
2) Are they a hassle to wear in your mouth?
3) Do they crack easily or get holes?
4) Are they bulky?
5) Do they get dirty easily?
6) did it keep your teeth in place?


and questions if you had a metal retainer?
1) Are they bulky?
2) Are they annoying to have in your mouth?
3) Did you like them?
4) Did it keep your teeth in place?

If you had both which do you prefer and which do you think is better in the long run (money and durability?)

thank you

btw i am getting braces off soon! woohoo!

[Sunny]

I've had both ... and soon to get the clear aligner style again, but this time with bonded upper and lower retainers ... my most favourite so far!

Both felt bulky to begin with and I adjusted to both easily. The clear aligner was the better to wear in public and I therefore wore it as required.

How often you have these retainers changed depends on you. If you care for them when cleaning and wearing, you should find they last a long time ... several years or longer. If you don't clean them carefully and properly, or leave the lying around so pets can find them or you loose them, then you'll need to replace them much sooner. Replacement is at your cost, so you and your ortho can have input into how often you want to change.

Both will get dirty and smelly if you wear them when eating. They both need to be cleaned with a soft toothbrush, cold wter and non abrasive material ... NOT toothpaste. We recommend using liquid soap.

I didn't find either a hassle to wear ... once I got through an initial period of adjustment. Some people find the hawley (the one with the metal bar) can cause their gag reflex due to the piece that covers the roof of their mouth, but fo most this isn't a problem.

Both of these retainers will wear well as long as you don't eat with them in. I've seen both after regular wear for two or three years and they look fine and are still doing a great job retaining teeth.

I think the bonded retainers are the best for retaining the front teeth, due to them being their all the time. I'm getting clear aligners next week to wear daily for three months and then nightly for life. I'm not looking forward to the three months wear, but I can't wait until the nightly for life.

It's fantastic to get your braces off and the most important thing is your retainers. Talk to your ortho about what they recommend, as it's best to go with your ortho's recommendation. Good luck with getting your braces off and you loving your smile and bite!

[vtnangel]

Wow thank you very much Sunny! You gave me an idea about what kind of retainer I want! (if the ortho lets me choose) after searching asking a long time on other sites. And I think I will go with the metal because I've always wanted those before I got braces. Because I like that you can personalize and choose colors . And thanks for saying to use liquid soap because I would have actually planned to use toothpaste when I get my retainers! :O Congrats on getting your braces off!!!