Table of contents
What Is an Essix Retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear, thin plastic tray that is custom-made to fit over your teeth. It is virtually invisible and very discreet to use. Essix retainers are often used after completing treatments like Invisalign. Invisalign’s Vivera retainers are essentially Essix retainers.
How Long Do I Need to Wear an Essix Retainer?
Any retainer must be worn continuously for the first few months after completing orthodontic treatment. Gradually, you can reduce this wear time until you only use your retainers once or twice a week, wearing them while you sleep.
Why Choose an Essix Retainer?
Reasons for choosing an Essix retainer include:
- An Essix retainer is virtually invisible in the mouth, just like clear aligner trays.
- There are no wires on an Essix tray that could dig into cheeks and lips.
An Essix retainer has a minimal impact on everyday life and is unlikely to cause any issues, such as speech problems.
Potential Disadvantages of Essix Retainers
- Cannot be adjusted.Because this is a clear, plastic tray, it cannot be adjusted in any way. If your retainer begins to fit less snugly, it must be replaced.
- Cannot be repaired. Clear, plastic retainer trays cannot be repaired if damaged and instead must be replaced entirely.
- An Essix retainer can discolor over time, especially if you try to eat or drink without removing it.
- Your teeth cannot come into contact with each other when wearing an Essix retainer, which can feel unnatural.
How to Care for an Essix Retainer
Eating and Drinking
You must remove your Essix retainer when eating and drinking anything except for water. This is extremely important. Even drinking something that seems harmless could affect your dental health if that beverage is sugary.
Eating and drinking while wearing a retainer will inevitably trap food and plaque underneath. This can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease unless you clean your teeth and retainer soon afterward.
If you don’t remove your retainer during meals, it will likely become permanently stained and discolored, which will show every time you speak or laugh while wearing it.
Cleaning Essix Retainers
If you have previously worn removable aligners, caring for your Essix retainer is similar.
- Each time you remove your retainer, rinse it under cold water to remove loose debris and then clean it thoroughly using a proprietary cleaner or dish soap.
- Don’t use toothpaste to clean your retainer as it tends to be abrasive. If the surface becomes scratched, it will appear cloudy and discolored, and this will be much more noticeable in the mouth.
- Store your retainer in the container provided when not wearing it and keep it out of the reach of pets.
- Don’t soak your retainer in hot water or store it near direct heat, as this could distort it.
How long Will Essix Retainers Last?
With proper care, your Essix retainer should last a reasonable amount of time before it needs to be replaced. We suggest bringing it with you to every dental checkup.
During your checkup, we can assess the fit of your retainer to make sure it is still retaining your teeth correctly. When necessary, we can order a new retainer for you. Schedule your appointment today to protect your smile!
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096