Hawley vs. Essix?!?!

Question

i am basically wondering why some people get hawley retainers (the like metal wire kind) and some get the essix (clear plastic) kind. i hear that most people are given a choice, however i never got the choice. my orthodontists just gave me the essix's. why did they do that? why did they just automatically give me the essix retainers? is there some dental reason?

thx.

Answer 1

I actually am a Dental Lab Tech, I make those things...

Hawleys are meant for more severe cases. They're acrylic and wire... therefore they can create a greater impact on your teeth than essixes which are thin and plastic (they actually can be made in about 45 minutes for about $5).

A lot of orthodontists will start their patient out with an essix, because a Hawley does take longer to make. An essix can be provided that same day... sometimes by the end of the visit if the lab doesn't have a bunch of other stuff to do.

Answer 2

no, It all depends on the Orthodontist.

Essix is a more advanced retainer and gives more comfort than Hawley retainers, essix retainers are as well more expensive. Like my orthodontist feels that he should treat his patients in the most comfortable manner so thats why he provides Essix. He also runs a very successful business and definetely has the money to provide better retainers. but there is no dental reason. and no, most people are not given a choice. but i do say however, most orthodontists offer hawley. and thats not true that hawleys are meant for more severe cases, well, where i live it isnt anyhow. because my orthodontist would provide them to the people if they had severe cases. and essix do not take 5 minutes to make. i shadowed my orthodontist and his lab tech, and orthodontic technicians for part of my dental school hours. and it takes up to 6 hours to make an essix retainer, and it costs $250 per arch retainer to replace it.

so i dont know what Kat F is talking about if she really is a Dental Lab Tech.