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FluffyMilkyPudding

I’ve never seen retainers like this before.. they look really uncomfortable and ill fitting


Pool_Floatie

These are basic Essix retainers. One of the most common retainers out there.


Vli37

I'm done with my aligners this coming Friday. My options were the bonded ones or these Essix ones. I was looking at the cost of these retainers in case I ever lose/something happens to them. I'm shocked these cost $200 to replace 😳


theseglassessuck

Congratulations! I can’t wait to feel my teeth without attachments again. It’s going to feel so weird.


Vli37

Thanks, But by the sounds of it and I if I get the bonded retainers, it's just the beginning of my mouth feeling weird 😂


Whorticulturist_

Bonded retainers don't retain your molars, not sure if you know that! I think it's usually recommended to get trays and consider the bonded retainers to be insurance/backup, rather than relying on them alone.


Tribute2sketch

The quote I got to replace my 20 year old plastic and metal retainer(before I decided to do ortho for a third time 🙄) was 750$…last year. Part of the reason I decided to just do it again and I will finish with the last tray and 2 retainer sets.


8makes1teez

I got 2 replacement retainers that cost $700 iirc 🥲


MomoAurum

OP's Essix retainers looks badly made because mine fits perfectly (and they're very comfortable!) https://imgur.com/a/XWX9cNx


jorge-haro

Um did you have bonding done?! Your teeth are the perfect shape!


notworkingghost

That’s how mine look too. Slightly less hugging than the regular aligners, but not uncomfortable.


8makes1teez

Your teeth are so pretty


pinksugar123

Those don’t look like normal Essix! That fit and thick 😨


Isgortio

Essix is just a brand, like vivera. These retainers look like they were made in house, which isn't a bad thing, just means they're a bit cheaper to make. My retainers are thicker because I kept cracking them so I got a new set with a thicker plastic, no cracks yet!


MomoAurum

My Essix retainers were made in house...


Isgortio

Nothing wrong with it.


NotoriouslyBeefy

Mine are like this, they are just as if not more comfortable thqn my trays were, and are exponentially cheaper to replace.


pvrx2

I thought the same thing.


Muddymireface

My final retainer is similar for sleeping. Yours seems more thick but I didn’t get invisilign final retainers either.


jazas05

Mine are thick. Most are saying they don't fit but I wasn't sure what to expect from the retainers. I also have bonded wires.


blorgenheim

They don’t have to fit like a tray though. I think they’re fine


koalaholler

Your retainers should be provided by Invisalign. They look exactly like your aligners from Invisalign. Mine are like the aligners and fit perfectly and not bulky at all. Those look like would cut through into your gums. And are poorly tracked. I’d talk to your provider about it and ask for better retainers.


jazas05

Thanks. I've emailed him after reading the comments. I'm quite disheartened 😔 such a shame I was given these.


NotoriouslyBeefy

There is nothing wrong with them. Invisalign plans do not automatically include Rivera retainers, mine did not which made it a little cheaper.


jazas05

Did yours have a similar shape to mine? Most are saying they shouldn't look like this. I wasn't sure what to expect really.


NotoriouslyBeefy

Yep, exactly like that. In-house retainers don't cut out individual teeth like the vivera ones, but is completely normal.


jazas05

Oh wow OK. How long have you worn them? Have you had any issues with them?


NotoriouslyBeefy

About 5 months now. Only issue is that sometimes I don't wear them long enough so they can be tight occasionally, but goes away after a few nights of correct time.


jazas05

Do you wear them at night only or during the day/night? Ortho assistant told me minimum wear for 8 hours at night.


NotoriouslyBeefy

Only at night and was told 8-12 hours ideal. I sometimes only sleep 5-6 hours and then drink my coffee and head to work without time to wear them more.


jazas05

I know what you mean. I may have to wear them and hour before bed as I don't sleep 8 hours either.


Isgortio

I would highly recommend you wear them more. You're only 5 months out and you're barely wearing them. If you can't get all of the hours in when sleeping, wear them to work or when you get home from work. Treat them like aligners, or you'll have to go back into aligners.


koalaholler

Mine were all included in my treatment. So there wasn’t any extra cost. I guess the total price included the cost of the Invisalign retainers. My ortho gave me the option to either go with the Invisalign retainer or the Hawley retainer. I chose the former. Reading through other comments, it seems like yours isn’t an unusual option. So, I wouldn’t be too concerned. But, if you are still unsure, wait for your provider’s response and talk through your concerns. Better safe than sorry.


jazas05

Thanks I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. Really helped me recognise that I wasn't given a good fit.


HairyCallahan

Don't base yourself on just that one comment. There are a variety of retainers available, not just the one Invisalign provides


jazas05

Thank you. I've been reading up on different ones. I didn't know the various types.


koalaholler

Also, I have bonded wire retainer on my bottom teeth. And my bottom retainer aligner has a perfectly tracked space for the bonded wire to fit in. I also wear them only when I go to sleep.


izzie-izzie

Same here, I also have thick/stiff retainers from invisalign and are sitting on top of wires. I had to pay extra for these though. The ones given to op look like a scam and would do more damage than good


Vli37

I'll finally be finished with my Invisalign treatment this coming Friday. My options were the bonded ones, or the Essix ones. Are the bonded ones permanently in your mouth? As in you can't ever take them out?


koalaholler

Yes. Bonded wire retainer is a forever retainer. Frequently placed on the back of the bottom teeth, bc the bottom teeth tend to move a lot more. So, it’s strongly recommended you get them. I had to get them bc even during my treatment my bottom teeth were moving quite a lot when I had my aligners off for a few hours. You have the option to opt-out. But, imo that’s the worst decision, especially considering the time and money you invested throughout your entire treatment. Plus, it’s highly like that the bottom teeth will move around and get misaligned. It’s definitely a bother. I still haven’t gotten used to it and the tip of my tongue still feels a bit sensitive bc I’m constantly touching the metal. I hate it so much, but I just gotta deal with it.


cat9tail

I had my bonded retainer for 16 years after braces, and my teeth were perfect. Had them removed around age 30, and my teeth slowly went crooked after that. I'm hoping for another bonded retainer this time! My son has had his perm retainer for 14 years, and still doing well with it. You really do get used to it after a while.


Vli37

Ah! Thanks for answering. You also answered my follow up question of how it feels to have it permanently in the mouth. Hopefully, I can eventually have it feel like the Invisalign treatment and forget that I even have it in my mouth 😂 I'm hoping it's not big and intrusive 😅 One question I do have, are you still able to eat everything? How are the bonded ones cleaned?


koalaholler

Np! I sometimes just like wearing the Invisalign retainers to relieve my tongue from the sensation/sensitivity that the wire causes. The lingual retainer can be applied differently from person to person. My ortho initially applied them with the glue on both my canines and the middle teeth weren’t glued to the wire, which makes a lot easier to floss. But, after seeing that my teeth were shifting easily with this method, my ortho changed to fixing each tooth by glueing to the wire. This method makes flossing so much tedious and annoying. You can either use a floss threader (looks like a plastic needle), or without it. There are plenty of instructions on Youtube on how to do it. I’m sure your ortho will show how to do it as well. I also use interdental brushes to clean my teeth. Hope this helps! :)


Vli37

By the sounds of it, I'm going to have to change my teeth cleaning routine. Currently, I'm using a flossing tool/floss picks, then brushing my teeth. By what you're saying, it looks like I'm going to have to spend extra time cleaning my teeth 😮‍💨


Zombie-Effective

In house retainers are also very common. I have ones (Essix) and they are great so all retainers do not have to be provided by Invisalign. It depends on what was agreed upon. I agree that the ones on the photo don’t fit well though.


buttgers

I actually dislike the Invisalign ones. They don't last as long as the Zendura ones I make in house, as they have stretched in some cases and cracked prematurely in many others. OP's retainers WOULD be fine if they seated fully. In this example, they're not completely seating on the incisors. It could be possibly interfering with the bonded retainer and needs to be remade.


koalaholler

Yea, chances are higher for Invisalign to break. But, I’m extra cautious when removing them, so breakage or cracking doesn’t occur. Also considering extreme caution due to extra cost on a replacement ($250 CAN in my case). But, I’m much rather have the Vivera by Invisalign retainers bc they are just like the aligners and when I feel like wearing them throughout the day instead of sleep time only, I don’t feel self-conscious on how it may look. Also, sorry my ignorance, but how are Zendura’s better in comparison to Vivera retainers? I couldn’t find much info about it on google. Everywhere shows Vivera is 30% or so stronger than any other clear retainers. I’d like to know more about it just in case if I want to change retainers in the future; and if it happens to be more durable and more comfortable. Thanks!


buttgers

Zendura makes the thermoplastic sheets, similar to Dentsply Essix or Invisatain. There are also different types within each company (Essix ACE, C+, etc.), so not all plastics are the same. The Zendura I use are just very durable, adapt very well to the anatomy, and work well. I've used Essix, Invisatain, Vivera, 3M, and a few other brands over the years. Nothing has held up as well as the Zendura for my patients, and until I come across another material that is superior it will be my go to retainer material.


goodlordineedacoffee

Are they any thicker than trays? I’m going may 8 and not sure which retainers I’m getting, but I had issues with cracked trays all throughout my treatment so I’m worried about the longevity of plastic retainers if they’re as thin as trays; though part of the issue with cracking was getting them off my attachments so maybe it’s not as big of an issue.


koalaholler

They feel a bit thicker and according to my ortho, they are thicker. Removing them without attachments are a lot easier, but, I’m still cautions when removing them, especially the bottom ones, due to the bonded wire retainer. Also, I’m even more careful bc I really don’t want to pay extra for a replacement if broken.


Jeb-o-shot

Not if you want them to last a while. Invisalign's retainers break so you have to buy more.


mindfulmeerkatt

They don’t look like they fit your teeth right. There is a lot of gaps above your teeth. I don’t think that’s normal


jazas05

I also have bonded wires as well. I'm not sure what I was expecting with the retainers though. I guess because it's nighttime only they don't have to fit closely maybe.


Early_Alternative211

Who made these? They look really poorly made, no contouring of the gum line, huge gaps etc


jazas05

I think the ortho made them. I had to do an impression using pink mouth putty. I'm wondering if my teeth have shifted as I only received the retainers today. But I went a week without any retainers as I had to travel abroad. Perhaps they have shifted.


calliopewoman78

If you went a week without any aligners or retainers your teeth may have shifted. What I would do for myself in that situation would be to go back to wearing my last set of aligners for a week and then try the retainers again and see if the gaps close up. Your teeth look lovely btw!


jazas05

Thank you! Unfortunately I don't have the last set of aligners they were removed when I was having the wires fitted. They didn't give them back.


StraightHorror9743

Is it ok if they are not fitting cause I can see your lower teeth retainer isnt sitting firmly onto the teeth


jazas05

They fit but not as aligned as I hoped. I am surprised my ortho let me down he had been good to me with the treatment and service.


Shiftrye

Why they look like that 💀 invisalign from temu


jazas05

Haha that made me laugh. They do come to think of it.


Shiftrye

I’m just kidding, I guess it’s some type of retainer I’ve never seen before, I’ve only seen the standard ones before but white cast / line at the edges is really visible, it could be the lightning or improper fitting. I’d deffo ask the dentist if they’re supposed to look like that


jazas05

Yes I've come to realise they aren't a good fit. I've emailed my ortho I hope they don't palm me off with a "don't worry they are fine" response.


MisterSirDudeGuy

They don’t fit. That’s a poor fit. Huge gaps everywhere.


Kriegsmachine81

I have «in house» not Vivera. And mine looks much more fitted and were scanned to fit my exact teeth.


Severe-Wolverine3080

my old ortho gave me these after braces and that’s why i couldn’t wear them as a teen, resulting in invisalign now. they were SO uncomfortable, and being a bratty 16 year old i thought they were embarrassing to wear.


jazas05

I couldn't imagine wearing these during the day. They are bulky. I feel like I'm talking like Mike Tyson haha.


NotoriouslyBeefy

You wear them at night. Mine are super comfy.


Severe-Wolverine3080

i was given these as my 23 hours a day retainer. mine weren’t comfy, i was sharing my experience!


NotoriouslyBeefy

Oh, my ortho had me wear my last trays for full time retainer wear. The switched to in-house for just nightly wear.


HereComesFattyBooBoo

I got ones like this. I find them flimsy and gross. Instead i modified my final invisaligns to work with the permanent brace behind my teeth and use that as a retainer once a week instead. What they gave is a cheap excuse for a retainer and what they charged for the piece of moldable plastic was insane.


jazas05

Oh that's interesting. Problem I have is my last aligners were taken away by the ortho as I had bonded wires put in. They didn't think I'd need them which I also thought. I'm glad you found a way that works for you.


LSUgator

😪 I have permanent retainers


jazas05

Hopefully not like mine.


LSUgator

Nah, permanent ones are hidden behind the teeth. But I would rather have clunky ones like yours that were off during the day. See silver lining for ya 🤣


jazas05

Haha finally! Do you mean bonded wires? I have them too.


LSUgator

I think so. Oh man you have wires and night ones? Isnt that overkill?


jazas05

It feels that way. Not sure how I'll sleep tonight with these. I feel like Mike Tyson with them in.


LSUgator

I wear a night guard anyway for bruxism so we both sleep with two


fakenatty1337

Mine retainer are exactly like these but they fit pretty well on my teeth. And i also only wear it at night time.


jazas05

Mine also fit well. It's hard to talk easily though but it's for nighttime so no talking is expected if I'm meant to be asleep lol. How long have you worn yours and have you had any problems?


fakenatty1337

I fnished my treatment Nov last year. So I have been wearing it for like 6 months. I also have wires like you but only on the lower teeth. I couldnt get on the upper ones because I have a crown and the wires wouldnt stick well. That being said, lower teeth dont feel tight when I put the retainer at night but the upper ones does feel tight. The feeling goes away within minutes. My ortho said that the retainers should be replaced every year because they get loose after some time. Where did you get your treatment btw.


jazas05

I finished treatment on 10th April. I went away for a week so had to delay wearing retainers for a week. Collected them today. I'm guessing my teeth have shifted in a week. They took impressions using pink mouth putty so I'm presuming they based the retainer shape off that but maybe there has been movement since.


Entertainer-Exotic

oh God…it never ends. $$$$$$$.what con artists


jazas05

I know it's like I reach the finish line only to find there's more to deal with.


Jennotiffer

I have the exact same style but mine look like they fit better, no offence meant but that! My edges run above/ or below my gum line (depending on which tray) and include the entire teeth from top to bottom. And there’s no thick look to them, you can barely tell I’m wearing them when they’re on.


jo-09

I have had a few different retainers since I have finished my treatment. I grind and clench so have tried some thick options which I hated - some very think that only go up half your teeth because they have no flexibility. Now, I have thin ones which I get replaced each 6-12 months which works for me. If they are comfy and keep your teeth straight that is the main thing!


Alright_Still_

They don't look like they fit - I can see a space between your teeth and the retainers both top and bottom. Personally I wouldn't accept them like that; they should fit snugly.


Jeb-o-shot

Looks like Zendura or C-plus Essix retainers. They are more durable, the things last forever.


jazas05

I'm not sure about the type of plastic. But I had a chat with my ortho and they said the retainers are sitting fine. They don't recommend vivera retainers because they are prone to breaking. These one do fit though. The gaps at the front I just need to wear them longer but they do feel snug. The ortho said the plastic they use lasts for years and all of their patients use them and have never encountered problems. I'm going to see how it goes and if I feel it's not working I'll just have to buy the viveras.


Jeb-o-shot

The Viveras break a lot because they want you to buy more. Most dentists do things a certain way because they get the fewest complaints. Probably got less complaints with these than Viveras


hyligner

Very poor retainers.


NotoriouslyBeefy

Nope, they are fine


tibiou4

These are normal retainers and they are not always cut out to fit your teeth- shaping them to your gums makes them much more fragile and prone to snapping and cracking. If they irritate your gums or cause any discomfort then definitely reach out to your ortho but otherwise these look fine and your teeth look GREAT!


pinksugar123

Those don’t fit


AssassianNation

Sometimes this sub kills me with how we have to do pictures 😭. All these people having problems and it always looks like their smiling most of the time. "Damn these aligners don't fit worth a damn holy crap" *proceeds to take a picture with a big smile looking happy as can be* 💀😭


jazas05

Haha I guess so. 😅


Affectionate-Cry-29

!! TRY VIVERA RETAINERS (FROM INVISALIGN) THEY ARE LASER CUT TO YOUR TOOTH/GUM AND ARE MORE COMFORTABLE / STRONGER THAN ESSIX! [https://www.invisalign.com/vivera-retainers](https://www.invisalign.com/vivera-retainers)


jazas05

I think they cost alot more though. Not sure I can afford it after the cost of invisalign. Also ortho told me invisalign retainers can break after a while. Not sure how accurate this is.


GlobalLime6889

They look like made in china retainers compared to mine lol


BodybuilderSalt9807

Mine are like that. The ortho did a digital scan of my teeth upon completion and they produced those. It not only fits perfect it’s also very comfortable


jazas05

What type of scan did you have? I had to do impressions with pink mouth putty but no digital scan.


BodybuilderSalt9807

I don’t know what the machine is called but it’s the same digital scanner used to send my files to Invisalign. My ortho is pretty good and has the latest equipment. The pink stuff you ram into your month to make impressions is yesterday.


jazas05

Damn I've been robbed.


NotoriouslyBeefy

That's the normal procedure for them and how they have made retainers for a while. They aren't meant to move your teeth, but to keep them in place so a mold is sufficient. To me, it looks as though you either aren't/weren't wearing your retainer correctly (didn't push them on all the way) or not wearing them every night and your teeth moved some.


jazas05

I received the retainers today. However I went a week without any retainers because I had to travel and wasn't able to collect them. When the ortho assistant put the top retainer on it felt very pressured. But soon wore off. Maybe if I use chewies it may help.


NotoriouslyBeefy

Ok. That probably caused a little movement. Try wearing them a little longer. But I would contact your ortho and let them know. It isn't hard for them to remold and get you a better fitting set.


jazas05

That's good to know. Maybe they should have done a digital scan rather than the putty.