Are Essix Retainers Comfortable?

It is almost time for your braces to finally come off and reveal your beautiful new smile. However, now you and your orthodontist have to decide on the best retainer to use in order to keep that smile. In many cases, your orthodontist may have a particular retainer that they recommend, but it also comes down to your preferences. While all retainers have pros and cons, many people find that, when it comes to comfort, Essix retainers are the most comfortable.

How Essix Retainers Are Different Than Other Retainer Options

When it comes to removable retainers, there are two main types: Hawley and Essix. Hawley retainers are the oldest type of retainer and are made of a combination of acrylic material and wires. The acrylic material covers the entire soft palate of your mouth, while wires go around your teeth. This design can often affect speech and the wires can cause mouth irritation. Because it covers the entire soft palate, many find this retainer uncomfortable to wear.

Essix retainers are a little different. Similar to Invisalign aligners, these retainers are a clear plastic material that molds to your teeth, for a snug and comfortable fit. In addition, the clear plastic makes these retainers fairly unnoticeable.

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Studies Show That Essix Retainers Rank Higher for Comfort

A retainer can only do its job when a person wears it, and comfort can make all the difference. Let’s be honest, if a retainer is uncomfortable or even causes pain, how likely are you to wear it as prescribed? Probably not very likely.

Studies show that patients believe Essix retainers to be much more comfortable for daily wear!

A 2017 study in the European Journal of Orthodontics looked at how a patient’s compliance with wearing a retainer was affected by levels of comfort. Their study included 86 patients, half wearing Essix retainers and the other group wearing Hawley retainers. All participants received surveys with 10 questions covering biting, fitting, speech, appearance, oral hygiene, durability, gingival irritation, swallowing, self-confidence, and comfort. Over a 6-month retention period, Essix users scored higher in speech, appearance, gingival irritation, swallowing, self-confidence, and comfort!

Better Comfort Can Come with Additional Challenges

Another study, published in 2018 in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, confirmed that patients prefer Essix retainers for appearance and their oral comfort. However, that comfort can come at a price.

Because Essix retainers cover the surface of your teeth, they can trap bacteria, leading to increased plaque and cavity risk. The good news is you can avoid this with good oral hygiene and proper retainer care. For more information, read our blog “Cavities: Why Cleaning Your Essix Retainer is Important.”

A retainer is considered insurance for the smile you worked so hard to achieve. But it only works when you actually wear it. Having a comfortable retainer, such as the Essix or Essix Plus retainers from SportingSmiles, makes it much nicer to wear. This helps to ensure your teeth stay in place and your smile stays beautiful for years to come! It’s important to note that with proper care, most retainers will last for 2 years before you need a replacement.

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