Clear Plastic “Essix Style” Trays: how to make them and 7 ways they can help patients
The clear plastic tray sometimes called an Essix tray has a lot of uses and can be easily made quickly in the dental office by the dentist and the assistant. With just an impression, whether it’s an intraoral scan of the teeth or an alginate impression, making a stone model and then using a vacuum machine to create the tray.
Fabrication of the clear plastic trays
There are two machines that you can use to make the Essix trays on a model.
Many dental offices have a relatively inexpensive vacuum former machine, and with this, you put the model on the machine.
The vacuum pulls the heated plastic material down over top of the model. It pulls it with a suction, and it’s perfect for making soft bleaching trays.
As the material gets thicker for the clear plastic trays, it’s a little bit harder for the vacuum to get enough suction to pull and shape it around the model, but you can still use a vacuum form to make the Essex trays with a harder 030 or 040 size plastic.
Your office probably already has a vacuumformer machine to make bleaching trays, if so, you can get some of the necessary plastic material to heat and form to make the tray on the model. Most of the time that will work.
If you’re making a lot of these plastic trays, you may want to look at the Biostar or the Druphomat.
Instead of have vacuum that pulls the plastic down over the model, these machines actually hook to the airline and have a positive pressure. And it’s pushing the plastic down over top of the model. Also, instead of pulling it down from below the model, it actually pushes it from on top of the model down onto the model itself, pushing it against there. And with 80 PSI, it really can accommodate stronger materials like thicker plastics and create a well defined shape.
The Biostar or Druphomat machines can be used to make night guards, sports guards and similar dental appliances with even thicker materials, too.
Now, as far as the model that you’re using, you can use a stone model, but if you have a plastic material that’s too strong or thick, there’s a good chance that stone model will break when you get the plastic off of the model.
If you are in an office that has a scanner and a 3D printer, then you can scan the patient and with a relatively inexpensive resin printer, you can print the model and use the printed resin model to make these trays.
The nice thing about a printed model, it doesn’t break when you make the Essix tray. So you can give that model to the patient, they can bring it in anytime they need a replacement and you don’t have to take a new impression or pour a new model or print a new model, they can reuse that same model.
So that’s the fabrication.
What to do if you don’t have the equipment in-office
Even if you don’t have the vacuum machine to make bleach and trays and you have no equipment you can still use the Essix clear trays. As long as you can take an alginate impression and pour up a model, you can send it to a dental lab.
The lab can make the Essix clear tray for you or your patient.
7 uses for Essix clear trays
Of course, a common use is to use the clear tray as a Essix style clear retainer just to hold the teeth in place, especially after orthodontics or Invisalign. However, there are at least 7 uses for the clear trays.
Replacement retainer
We mentioned the tray can be used as a retainer. It’s a lot less bulky than the traditional Hawley style retainers that had the acrylic in the roof of your mouth and the wire around the teeth.
Support healing of implants or dentures
It can be a perfect option for patients who had a recent implant rather than a flipper, which is like a one tooth partial denture that has the acrylic and a tooth on there.
The flipper is going to put pressure on that implant while it’s healing and maybe pressure on the gums, but an Essix clear tray will be tooth supported.
The pressure will be going on the adjacent teeth, and there could be a replacement tooth made out of composite or a denture tooth that’s in the clear tray, and so that there’s no pressure on the implant itself. All the biting pressure is supported by the rest of the teeth that hold the tray.
If you’re making the replacement tooth, you could just take a little composite and make a tooth and put it on the model and then make the tray over top of it.
Or if you had a denture tooth, you could attach it there and then make the tray on the model with the tooth in place so that the tray fits around the tooth that’s on the model.
Emergency use
Another use for these trays is in an emergency.
If a front tooth breaks, whether it’s just the full tooth or maybe there was a crown that broke and part of the tooth broke off inside of the crown, and now you’ve got a root that’s right at the gum line and there’s no retention for filling or to resubmit the crown.
And maybe there is a new post and crown that’s planned for the tooth, or there’s an implant that’s planned for the tooth.
But the problem is the patient doesn’t want to leave your office with a broken tooth. They have a lot of anxiety about the anterior space in their smile..
So this can be a temporary tool to give the patient some confidence. All you have to do is take the impression, make a clear tray with the tooth, and then give the patient this later that day or early the next day, just so that when they’re smiling, you’ll barely notice the clear tray and it’ll hold the replacement tooth to fill in that space on one of those front upper incisors, for example.
This can give the patient more confidence if an emergency happens and we need more time for a longer-term treatment.
Whitening trays
Another use of course, is you could use these trays for bleaching trays to do whitening.
The bleaching material for the bleaching trays typically are a little bit softer and probably more ideal for bleaching than the 030 or 040 thickness harder plastic Essix style trays. But still, if you already have one of these trays, you could just add some bleaching gel to it and use it as a bleaching tray and as an orthodontic retainer, for instance, another use, this could be a daytime occlusal guard.
Managing bruxism/daytime occlusal guard
Maybe the patient has a night guard they’re using at night, but they want something smaller to maybe control a clenching habit during the day.
You could add some composite on the lower canines on the model, make a lower tray, and then give that to the patient with the composite buildups on the lower canines to disclose the occlusion.
Because during the day, they don’t want a thick night guard that kind of obstructs their talking. But if you had just a lower Essex tray and under the Essex tray, it had two composite blobs on the lower canines, just enough to help disc exclude the teeth at the canines.
It could serve as a reminder to help the patient relax the muscles and try to stop or reduce the clenching habit.
Temporary partial denture
The clear tray with some composite teeth could be a temporary partial denture to use while the gums are healing.
In this instance, let’s say a patient comes in and they need to get two incisors taken out, and we’re going to make a removable denture, but we want to let the gums heal for a week or two before doing final impressions for the partial dentures.
We can take an impression, do the extractions, and use the model with the teeth still in place to make the tray, then do the two extractions. You’ll already have an outline of the shape of the original teeth.
Just add some composite into the tray because the tray already has the shape of the original teeth because the impression was made before the teeth were extracted.
Then just add some composite.
Where the teeth are extracted, you can give that tray to the patient, they’ve got something to fill in that space while we wait a week or two for the gums to heal. And then we come back, do another impression with the teeth out and the gums healed so that we can make a cast partial denture, for instance, after the gum has healed.
So that could be another option just for an inexpensive temporary idea, depending if there are enough teeth to support the tray. And there was enough reason to have a tray to fill in some spaces in the front.
Removable braces
There’s also other occasional uses. For example: someone who’s getting ready to get their braces off and they’re taking their braces off because it’s time their orthodontic treatment is completed.
But maybe this patient that loves how their braces look and they want to be able to see that again. And so when the braces are removed, you could make a tray that you call removable braces.
Basically when the braces are removed, just leave the brackets attached to the wire with the colors, unhook all the brackets, but leave the wires and the elastic colors in place on the wire.
And that wire with the brackets and colors attached can be glued on the model and then make the tray over top of it. Then the patient can put the tray in, which will hold the brackets in place. When they smile, you’ll see the brackets.
The clear tray is hardly noticeable, and then of course they can take the tray out, brush clean and eat.
So it’s just something to look nice for the pictures.
But these clear trays have lots of uses, especially in an emergency. It can be something that can be made the same day and can be a temporary solution for many different situations that arise when more time is needed to do a more definitive treatment, like a new post and crown, or if we’re waiting for an implant to be restored.
The versatility of Essex clear trays
The versatility of Essex clear trays is something to keep in mind when you’re looking for an option to solve a situation quickly and need something to help until other options are available.
Hmm it looks like your website ate my firs comment (it was extremely long)
so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly
enjoying youhr blog. I too am an aspiring blog bogger but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips and hints for neewbie blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=695828
No matter if some one searches for his essential thing, so he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here. https://depot.lk/user/profile/29843
Hello colleagues, nice article and fastidious urging commented
at this place, I am in fact enjoying by these. https://advansbum.by/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=888336
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your article seem to be running off thee screen in Ie.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue orr something tto
doo with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d
pos to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you
get the issue resolved soon. Thanks https://www.fionapremium.com/author/ernestoslag/
I do believe all of the ideas you’ve intoduced to your post.
They’re really convincing and can certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please lengthen them a littfle from next
time? Thsnk you for the post. http://forum.prolifeclinics.ro/profile.php?id=1175923
Fantastic blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that cover the ssme topics talked aout in this article?
I’d reakly like to be a part of online community where I can get
suggestions from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
If you have anyy recommendations, please let me know.
Cheers! http://www.superstitionism.com/forum/profile.php?id=1268067
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to understand so much
about this,like you wrote the e-book iin it or something.
I believe that you could do with soke % to pressure the message home
a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read.
I’ll definitely be back. http://forum.altaycoins.com/profile.php?id=474031
Thee other day, while I wass at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad
aand tested to see if it can survive a 25 fokot drop,
just so she can be a youtbe sensation. My apple ipad is
now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is comoletely off topic buut I hhad to share
it with someone! http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=695319
Hmmm itt appears like your website ate my forst commennt
(it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I
had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the
whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it. https://www.mazafakas.com/user/profile/4175920
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say tha
I’ve really enjoyed surfingg around your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write gain very soon! http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=152262
Does your website have a contact page?I’m having problems locating it but, I’d
like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you miight be interested in hearing.Either way, great blog and I
look forward to seeing it expandd over time. http://links.musicnotch.com/josie7173603
Thanks for finally writing about >7 Ways You Can Use Clear Plastic Esssx Trays to Help
Patients <Liked it! https://advansbum.by/component/k2/itemlist/user/888357
This post is worth everyone’s attention. How can I find out more? https://depot.lk/user/profile/29750
Thiss web site certainly has all of the information andd facts I wanted concerning tis subject and didn’t know who too ask. http://forum.altaycoins.com/profile.php?id=472652
excellent put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of tthis sector do not realize this.
You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already! https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=327561
What’s up mates, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say concerning this paragraph, in my view its actually
awesome designed for me. https://www.alonegocio.net.br/author/dwaincorral/
If some one wants to be updated with most recent technologies afterward he must be pay a visit this
web site and be up to date daily. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693629
Howdy! I understand this iis somewhat off-topic but I had to ask.
Does operating a well-established website like yours take a lot of work?
I am completely new to writing a blog bbut I do wtite in my journal daily.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions
or tips for new asspiring bloggers. Appreciate it! http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=695235
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
now each time a comment is added I gett several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any wayy you can rempve mee frdom that service?
Thanks! http://www.ozsever.com.tr/component/k2/itemlist/user/406249
Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your site.
Im really impressed by it.
Hi there, You have done an incredible job. I
will definitely digg iit annd iin my view recommend to my friends.
I am sure they’ll bbe benefitted from this
web site. http://www.ozsever.com.tr/component/k2/itemlist/user/406261
This site truly has all the info I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask. http://alpervitrin40.xyz/author/rosalievarl/
Amazing blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start mmy own blog soon buut I’m a little lost
on everything. Would you suggest starrting with a free platform
like Worspress or go for a paid option? There are so mmany choices out there that I’m totallly confused ..
Any tips? Cheers! https://www.ufe3d.com/forum/profile.php?id=390914
Youu are so awesome! I doo not think I’ve truly rread anything like this before.
So greeat to discover another person with original thoughts on this issue.
Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality! http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=150525
Hi, its fastidious article about media print, we all understand media is a enoemous source of information. https://www.fionapremium.com/author/maryannlea/
I rarely comment, but after looking at a few
of the remarks on this age 7 Ways You Can Use Clewr Plastic Essex Trays
to Hellp Patients. I do have some questions for you if you do not mind.
Is it simply me or do a few of the comments look aas if they
are left by brain dead people? 😛 And, if you are writing at additional sites, I’d like to follow
you. Could yoou list of every one of aall your social pages like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile? https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=329200
I’m gone to infform mmy little brother, that he should also go
to seee this weblog on regular basis to get updqted from most recent news. https://advansbum.by/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=888297
Hey there! This is my first comment here so
I just wanted to give a quick shout oout and tell you I truly enjoy readjng through your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the
same topics? Thanks! https://www.mazafakas.com/user/profile/4176638
After I originally left a comment I appear too have clicked the -Notify me when new commdnts are
added- checkbox aand now whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be aan easy method you can remove me from that service?
Thanks a lot! http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=152108
I needed too thank you for this fantastic read!! I
absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check
outt new things you post… http://forum.altaycoins.com/profile.php?id=472673
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own bloog
and was curious what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like
yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very wweb svvy so I’m not 100% sure.
Any recommendations or addvice would be greaztly
appreciated. Appreciae it https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=327537
There is definately a great deal too know about this subject.
I really like aall of the points you made. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693538
I amm sure this piece of writiing has touched
aall the internedt people, its really reallly pleasannt paragraph on building
up new webpage. http://www.ozsever.com.tr/component/k2/itemlist/user/406157
Hey there I am so excited I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahopo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to
sayy many thankks for a incredible post and a all round exciting
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have timee
to read it all at the minute but I have saved
it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
will be back to read a lot more, Please doo keep up the superb b. https://www.alonegocio.net.br/author/marimein92/
I every time used to read post in news papers but now as I am
a user of net so from now I am using net ffor articles
or reviews, thanks to web. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693493
This information is invaluable. Where can I find out
more? https://98e.fun/space-uid-7736283.html
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do believe tyat you ought
to publish more on this subject, it may not bee a taboo subject but generally people do
not discuss these subjects. To thee next!
Kindd regards!! https://www.alonegocio.net.br/author/enriqueprin/
Hello there, I found yor bblog by the use of Google even as looking for a comparable matter, your sit
came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just became aaware of your blog thru Google, and
located that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful iin the event you proceed this inn future.
A lot of folks can be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://camillacastro.us/forums/profile.php?id=169980
Write more,thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on thee video to make your point.
You definitely knbow what yure talking about, why throw away our intelligence on just posting videos to your siote when you
could be giving us something informative to read? https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=328982
Hello Dear, are you trully visjting this web site on a regular basis, if so after
that you will absolutely obtain fastidious knowledge. https://oncallescorts.com/author/angieupjohn/
Thanks very nice blog! https://advansbum.by/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=888313
With havin so mmuch content and articles do you ever run into any problems of pagorism or copyright
infringement? My website has a lot of exclusie content I’ve eitger written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it iss popping it upp
all over thee internet without my authorization. Do you
know any solutions too help stop content feom being ripped off?
I’d definitely appreciate it. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693591
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this web page is actually good and the users are genuinely sharing
fastidious thoughts. http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=150488
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help
from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up
your own blog? I’m nott very techincal but I cann figure things outt pretty fast.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you
have any tips or suggestions? With thanks http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=152445
What’s up mates, fastidious post and good urging commented here,
I am genuinely enjoying by these. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=695350
Hi exceptional blog! Does running a blog like thijs take a great deal off
work? I have very little understtanding of coding
however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways,
should you have any suggestions or tips for nnew blog owners please share.
I know this iis offf subjct nevertheless I just had to
ask. Thank you! http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=696010
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previos
to and you’re just extremely magnificent.
I really like what you’ve acquired here, reallky like what you’re saying and the way
in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care forr to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read much more from you. Thiis is actually
a great website. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693583
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally
different topic but it has pretty much the same layout
and design. Super choice of colors! https://migration-bt4.co.uk/profile.php?id=304519
Great delivery. Great arguments. Keep up the gokod spirit. http://www.ozsever.com.tr/component/k2/itemlist/user/406267
Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else may just
I am getting that type of information written iin such an ideal means?
I have a challenge that I’m imply now running on, and I have been at
the glance out for such information. http://forum.altaycoins.com/viewtopic.php?id=693808
I was recommended this blog by means off my cousin.
I am now nott positive whetheer this put up is written by way of him aas nobody els recognise such specific about my difficulty.
You’re amazing! Thanks! https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=327186