Introduction
Retainers are important dental appliances used after finishing orthodontic treatment, like braces or aligners. Their main job is to keep the teeth straight and stop them from going back to how they were before. Retainers are specially made for each person to make sure they fit comfortably. They can be taken out or fixed, and the duration of retainer usage varies depending on individual needs. Wearing orthodontic retainers regularly, as advised by the orthodontist, is important for keeping the results of orthodontic treatment and having a nice smile that lasts.
What Are Essix Retainers?
Essix retainers are a removable type of retainer, which are clear and removable plastic trays or molds that fit over the teeth. These are entirely transparent trays and are less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. Essix retainer covers the entire arch of teeth, unlike conventional Hawley's retainer, and is therefore called overlay retainer.
How Long Do Essix Retainers Last?
The average lifespan of an Essix retainer is around 18 to 24 months. But if proper care is taken, they can last for a more extended period. If the Essix retainer set gets damaged, an orthodontist should be contacted for a new set of Essix retainers. For such situations, one should have one extra set of retainers. If the older set is misplaced or broken and the individual is relocated to a new place, a new orthodontist can help them get a new set of Essix retainers.
How Long Should One Wear Essix Retainers?
Duration of wear depends on the type of case. For the first six months, they should be worn full time, and afterward, it is advised to wear only at night time for a year or two.
What Are the Pros of Essix Retainers?
Essix retainers have many advantages.
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They are removable.
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They are easy to clean as they are easily removable. Remove, brush, and keep it in the cleaning solution for better hygiene.
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They are of exact and secure fit of the teeth as they are molded on the teeth, and so it gives comprehensive retention and is more effective.
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They are comfortable.
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They are molded on teeth and provide retention and long-lasting effectiveness while keeping the teeth in place.
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They can be easily cleaned by brushing and soaking them in the cleaning solution for easy and better hygiene, unlike the permanent retainer, which is difficult to remove.
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Essix retainers are transparent and so are comparatively less recognizable.
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Essix retainers are removable, so they do not interfere while eating or drinking.
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After the meal, they should be cleaned with water and then worn to maintain hygiene. On the other hand, a permanent retainer is challenging to clean as food and other debris gets stuck or trapped in the permanent retainer.
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There will not be any food restrictions with the Essix retainer. They are removable and can be removed when the individual has their favorite food, so no fear of debonding like a permanent bonded retainer.
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Essix retainers are lightweight and less bulky, and therefore, less likely to irritate gums, lips, and tongue when compared to wire retainer or Hawley's retainer.
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There is no wire component in the Essix retainer, so there will be no soft tissue irritation or soft tissue trauma, or hurting.
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Speech impairment will be less with Essix retainers when compared to the permanent retainer, which will be with wire components and comparatively heavier than Essix.
What Are the Cons of Essix Retainers?
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Essix retainers or plastic retainers are less sturdy, delicate, and less durable than permanent retainers or retainers with wire components.
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The process of making an Essix retainer is to mold plastic on models of a person’s teeth. Hence, there is no other possibility to do minor correction or adjustment, whereas with retainers having wire components, one can do minor adjustments and corrections.
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As the Essix retainer is made up of plastic, one has to take extra care to protect it from heat and breakage.
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When an Essix retainer is exposed to heat, it may warp and may not be helpful further.
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Breakage or crack cannot be repaired; it needs to be replaced.
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Essix is transparent retainers; they are clear plastic. Hygiene and maintenance are essential if one has to keep its esthetic proper. When Essix is not cleaned correctly, it may take up stains of food and discolor and will not be esthetic anymore, so maintenance is equally important.
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There might be a slight discomfort for a patient while wearing an Essix retainer because the upper and lower retainer touches each other.
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Patient compliance is a must in the case of Essix retainer as it is removable compared to the fixed retainer.
How to Eat With Essix Retainer?
Essix retainer has to be worn full time except while having food. Use the case of retainer given, to keep both of the retainers while having food; then, after food, do not forget to brush the teeth and rinse the retainer. After that, put them back in the mouth. Similarly, brush the teeth before putting the retainer back in the mouth at night before sleeping.
Are Essix Retainers a Temporary Solution for Missing Tooth?
In recent years, Essix retainers have been used as a temporary solution for hiding a hole created by a missing tooth by painting a retainer white, like a tooth at the site of the missing tooth. But this is not a permanent solution for a lost tooth replacement.
How Should We Clean Essix Retainers?
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Do not use toothpaste to clean Essix retainers as it may cause scratches.
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Use lukewarm water and a soft-bristle brush for cleaning. Use a storage box for retainers provided for keeping retainers when not in use.
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Rinse the retainer with cold water every time it is removed or put back.
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Do not keep the retainer in hot water or sunlight as it will distort.
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Wash the retainer with a specialized cleaning solution once every two or three months.
Conclusion:
Routine dental hygiene protocol should not change because of wearing retainers. To maintain adequate oral hygiene, one should brush twice daily with a soft bristle brush and fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day. Essix retainers prevent relapse after orthodontic treatment and are easier to maintain oral hygiene. Despite the type of retainer, it is essential to use the retainer as instructed by the dentist to get the desired result.
