Retainers and Frequently Asked Questions

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Our customers often ask us about the clear Essix retainers that we stock. We understand, there are several options out there and a lot of confusing terms to get to grips with. We thought we would clear things up a little and put together a list of our most retainer FAQs to help you out. 

Essix Retainers FAQs:

What is the difference between Hawley retainers and Essix retainers?

Hawley retainers are the older style of retainer. They are made from acrylic and use orthodontic wire to maintain the position of the teeth. They can be adjusted by a dentist, which makes them more adaptable, but they are much less comfortable and can cause issues with speech. Essix style retainers are clear and are molded to fit the teeth exactly and hold them in place. The material that Essix retainers are made from is similar to the material used with Invisalign. They are thin, less intrusive, and much cheaper to replace.

How do I clean my retainer?

After carefully removing the retainers with both hands you want to rinse them under warm, not hot water. Then clean them with a soft-bristle toothbrush with nonabrasive toothpaste, ensuring that you use even pressure and support the entire retainer to avoid twisting. For a deep clean we recommend using Fresh Guard and follow the instructions.

If my retainer cracks can it be repaired?

Yes and no. If you have an acrylic Hawley retainer it can be repaired. If you have a clear Essix retainer it will have to be replaced.

With SportingSmiles, replacing your Essix retainer is discounted as long as we still have your impression on file. If you have never ordered a retainer from SportingSmiles, you will receive the same high-quality Essix retainer your dentist would provide, but at a fraction of the cost!

Retainer Replacement - Set

Will retainers straighten my teeth?

Retainers will not straighten your teeth. They will prevent them from shifting any further or keep them in place after you have straightened them through an orthodontic procedure.

I have a permanent fixed retainer. Can I still get an Essix retainer?

Yes, we can still make an Essix retainer if you have a permanent retainer bonded on your teeth. The Impression process is exactly the same. During creation, dental lab technicians will block out the area where the wire is bonded.

How do I remove my retainers?

You want to use two hands when removing the retainers to ensure that you don’t twist them. Improper removal is a common cause for retainer breakage. Twisting them will place unnecessary tension on the retainer and can lead to cracking.

My Essix retainers are getting yellow. What can I do?

Some of our customers report having good luck removing the yellowing by user Retainer Brite. All clear retainers will naturally yellow over time, but if you follow our instructions and properly care for your retainer, you should get between 2-6 years of use from it.

What is the cost of an Essix Retainer?

The price of retainers varies depending on the dentist and the area of the country. We have seen prices from $300 – $750 for upper and lower retainers. We currently sell upper and lower with shipping included.

Can I get a replacement if my retainer cracks or breaks?

Most dentists do not keep the impressions on file. They will make you go through the whole impression process again and charge standard pricing. With SportingSmiles retainers, we keep your impressions on file for 1 year after the reorder date, so our replacement retainers are discounted 30%. We hope this retainer FAQ blog has helped you out. If you have any other questions feel free to contact us.

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