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His orthodontist is offering us the choice of top and bottom clear retainers or top and bottom wire retainers (the removable kind, called hawleys). The wire ones seem easier to keep clean and are more open for teeth, but he is concerned about that plastic part that seems to fit in the roof of his mouth (and I guess the bottom ones also have a plastic part).
He will have to wear his retainers 24/7 for the first year, so I feel the pressure is on to get him something he likes.
He should choose whatever is more comfortable for him. The Hawley seems, for most, to be adaptable after initial wearing (that is, the user gets used to it). Hopefully, there was an in-depth discussion with the orthodontist as to the pros and cons of each.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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The problem is that you cannot try both to see which suits him better. Our son got the wire, daughter got the clear. Both hated them, but the only real problems were with the wire one, when the regular dentist damaged it when doing routine work.
If the Orthodontist doesn't recommend one over the other, it may be an "appearance" based decision by your son.
He should choose whatever is more comfortable for him. The Hawley seems, for most, to be adaptable after initial wearing (that is, the user gets used to it). Hopefully, there was an in-depth discussion with the orthodontist as to the pros and cons of each.
Yes, the orthodontist went over the pros and cons. basically the essix is harder to clean and more fragil, plus somepeople don't like it covering their teeth. But it's also see through. Hawley is easier to adjust and last longer, although my son is worried that it's bigger and more in his mouth. We are leaning towards the hawley, I am sure he can adjust.
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