Is my Essix retainer causing an oral infection?
Q.
Hi Mark. In your experience, can Essix retainers used to maintain orthodontic treatment give you fungal infections? I’ve had to have a replacement Essix retainer made after my old one has worn out but when I am wearing it, even for 10 minutes I am getting these white rings at the gumline, receding gums and white spots all over my gums from it. My new orthodontist has tried adjusting it and remaking it but the same thing keeps happening. I’ve never had the problem before as I have been wearing Essix retainers for 10 years now. The orthodontist won’t make me a new one and my general dentist is telling me to stop wearing it but I need to wear it to continue to keep my teeth straight but i’m damaging my gums in the process. What do you recommend? Many thanks.
Hi Mark. In your experience, can Essix retainers used to maintain orthodontic treatment give you fungal infections? I’ve had to have a replacement Essix retainer made after my old one has worn out but when I am wearing it, even for 10 minutes I am getting these white rings at the gumline, receding gums and white spots all over my gums from it. My new orthodontist has tried adjusting it and remaking it but the same thing keeps happening. I’ve never had the problem before as I have been wearing Essix retainers for 10 years now. The orthodontist won’t make me a new one and my general dentist is telling me to stop wearing it but I need to wear it to continue to keep my teeth straight but i’m damaging my gums in the process. What do you recommend? Many thanks.
A.
Hi and thanks for the questions
Hi and thanks for the questions
I’ve never come across it before but it certainly is a possibility that a fungal infection could be precipitated by the Essix.
Have you had any tests on the white lesions to confirm if they’re fungal or not and if so have you been prescribed any anti-fungal medication?
How do you keep your Essix retianer clean? have you tired Retainer Brite?
Those would be my first steps before considering anything else
Hope that helps
Mark
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