What is an essix appliance?
5 min read
Asked by: Nellie Sutton
The Essix appliance is a light, almost invisible removable plastic device that snaps over the teeth and is used mainly for retention. After an initial period of full-time wear, the patient is advised to wear the retainer only while sleeping.
What is an essix in dentistry?
An Essix Appliance is a clear plastic shell that conforms exactly to the contours of the teeth to aid in the maintenance of tooth position (retention). The Essix material does not typically cover the palatal tissues.
What is the purpose of an essix retainer?
What is an Essix Retainer? Essix retainers are a type of orthodontic retention device used to protect the results of your braces or clear aligner treatment. They are a set of clear, removable plastic retainers, and you will wear them regularly following your treatment.
Can you eat with an essix appliance?
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (except plain water) while wearing the Essix retainers. Any liquid with sugar (or even acid, like diet soft drinks) will pool around the teeth and can cause decay or white (decalcification) spots on the teeth!
How much does an essix retainer cost?
Essix retainers are the least expensive retainers on the market, ranging in price from $500-$750. However, that price reflects what your dentist will charge. It’s important to note that with proper care, most retainers will last for 2 years before you need a replacement.
How long does essix retainer last?
about 3 years
Essix retainers (removable clear retainers, similar to Invisalign®) typically last about 3 years before they need to be replaced.
What does an essix retainer look like?
Essix retainers are unique in their low-profile appearance. They’re constructed entirely of transparent plastic with no metal wires and are removable for meals and brushing. Your dental professional or a third-party company creates Essex retainers from an impression or mold of your teeth, custom-made for your smile.
Can teeth move with essix retainer?
A series of Essix aligners can slowly move your teeth back to their desired position.
Can you sleep with essix retainer?
Clear retainers are usually worn at night while you sleep, although your orthodontist may instruct you to wear yours during the day as well when your braces first come off. An Essix retainer can be used in conjunction with a permanent retainer to ensure that teeth do not shift out of place.
Should I sleep with an essix retainer in?
Essix retainers are only for esthetics. Remove your retainer for eating and sleeping. Clean retainer with cold water and a soft toothbrush. It is best not to use toothpaste as it is abrasive.
How much is an essix retainer with fake tooth?
Replacement cost is $350.00 for each retainer with fake teeth. The clear essix retainer you may also have been given is $95.00 to replace. * With proper care, your retainers should last through the entire retention phase.
What is the difference between a mouth guard and a retainer?
Although night guards and retainers might look similar to a layman’s eye, they are not the same thing. Each type of mouth guards has a distinctive purpose. A retainer is designed to help teeth stay in place while a night guard is designed to protect teeth.
Are essix retainers comfortable?
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.
Can you drink water with essix retainer?
If you have an Essix retainer, you may be advised to avoid drinking liquids (except water) when the retainers are in place. Liquids can seep into the retainer, and the liquid is held against the teeth until the retainer is removed. Liquids with color (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.)
What kind of retainer is best?
Hawley retainers may be the most widely recognized type of retainer. Commonly referred to as wire retainers, this style has been around for decades and continues to be a reliable option for orthodontists. They are made from a molded acrylic arch and wire, custom-fitted to the wearer’s mouth.
Do essix retainers cause cavities?
Do not eat with your essix in place or sugar and staining food particles will promote cavities and stains because of proximity to your teeth. Although orthodontic retainers don’t cause caries it is very important that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Is it OK to brush your retainer with toothpaste?
Some things to NEVER do to clean your retainer! Do NOT use toothpaste or anything abrasive; it will scratch your retainer, causing bacteria to build up and make it look cloudy. Never soak your retainer in HOT/boiling water or run it through the dishwasher ; it can melt it and distort it.
Do retainers cause gum recession?
Although there are reports to the contrary, the best scientific evidence concludes that orthodontic treatment (with braces, invisible braces, removable clear trays, or removable appliances) in general and its retention phase (retainers after treatment) are considered risk factors especially for the development of …
Do retainers cause yellow teeth?
Retainers can quickly accumulate plaque and begin to yellow if they are not properly cleaned after each wear. A retainer will often spend hours in your mouth holding your teeth in place, so before you know it, your once clear retainer may be looking opaque.
What is the white stuff on my retainer?
The white layer is a buildup of calcium deposits from your saliva. Plaque and tartar from your mouth stick to your retainer if you’re not cleaning it regularly. Fill a cup with white vinegar and soak your retainer. In a few minutes, brush the retainer thoroughly.
Why does my retainer smell?
Just like on your teeth, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can build up on the surface of your retainer. This build-up contributes to the bad smell you may experience. While brushing and flossing your teeth are important to keep these things in check, regular cleaning of your retainer is also important.
