Hi from East TN...new Essix user here :)

[knoxmami]

Hi to everyone... a little bit about myself: I am currently 32 years old; I got braces at the end of my freshman year in hs and got them off before my junior year (just in time for pictures!). I had crowding problems when I was younger and did the palate extender, upper and lower braces, hawley retainer, then had my impacted wisdom teeth removed after my braces came off. I was pretty good about wearing my retainer as a teenager, however I wasn't so good about it after I turned 18 and eventually stopped wearing it altogether. Of course, I now know that this was a pretty stupid move on my part but in my defense, I really don't remember anyone saying that I had to wear the thing for life!! My top incisors started shifting at some point soon after and I finally got to the point where I really wanted to do something about it. My husband's company recently switched insurance providers, and we were blessed that with the new policy it covered ortho with no age limit. So after talking with my reg dentist, I made an appointment with my old ortho, went through the whole xrays, pics and impressions (ugh) again and he recommended the Essix retainer for me. He said that the Essix would do the same thing as the Invisalign but without the cost and wait on time. With constant use of the Essix, my teeth would be realigned in approx 6-9 months, and then then I would have to wear the final tray for life. I did ask him about a Hawley but he said that for adults the Essix is more liked because it is less noticable and does as good a job as a Hawley. And for around $250, it seemed like a pretty affordable way for me to fix my mistake.

Well, that was last week. I went in today for my first fitting. I had to have the front teeth shaved prior to the placement which wasn't so bad. I have to say, I do like the smooth feel of the Essix, however the not being able to close my jaw is strange. I am worried about biting down and cracking something, although the plastic does feel pretty sturdy. My only other complaint is that the Essix is not as "invisible" as I would have hoped. I am guessing that this is b/c of the way my incisors pushed out that makes a "bubble" at the bottom of my front teeth instead of being completely smooth but it is noticeable enough for me to not want to smile with the retainer in...especially since it is new and I have more spit than usual....the Essix seems to catch this quite well and hold it in that space. Not exactly something I want to be showing my co-workers and patients!

Does anyone else have this problem? I have been reading other threads about the Essix and bite problems and am hoping that this won't be an issue for me. I am beginning to think that maybe the Hawley would have been a better choice? Or should I give it until my next appointment and see how things go? I have my first follow up at the end of Oct.

Thanks a bunch for any help! ~Kim

[Avantika]

Oh hi I don't know anything about that but welcome. I guess people might not read in this forum? Good luck!