Break the Matrix

This forum has lots of info on facepulling but little info on the actual equipment we need for facepulling!
Ive tried to find ways to get a retainer. Ive finally found an orthodontist that can supply me with a basic hawley retainer in the uk but im not sure if that is what I need for face pulling.

Things that could work:
Mouthguard (with shoestring): cheapest option, easy to obtain, Hard to get a good mould on teeth, tried it pulling got TMJ and only bucked my front teeth out, had to clench when pulling otherwise it would fall out. not really worth the time.

Essix retainer: More expensive, an upgraded mouth guard, much better fit, (the alternative retainer used on plato's guide) haven't tried but i'm sure if it fits well then its just a matter of punching holes through the sides and finding a way to pull and apply force. I might try it out before investing in a hawley retainer

Hawley retainer- According to Plato all you need to face-pull but needs to have hooks behind eye teeth to pull from (that would surely make it a custom build),or where else would you pull from?. A custom retainer would be a pain to find and buy.

Anyone know where they bought there retainers and how much did they pay? If you cant find a retainer, I think another option would be just to get fixed braces and at-least you have the observation of the orthodontist.

So many options here

Type retainers in ebay and you could get 1 made for 30 to 40. You could just add a wire like on the tmj facepulling website.

Yeah, I was going to buy a retainer but I was tempted by the palatal expanders. Purchased a custom 3-pin Y plate expander from a German orthodontist which im waiting to arrive and also the upper jaw plate expander from the fakebraces website. Both have hooks for face pulling so there should be no problem there, the expansion will be a nice bonus. I'm praying that they both fit fine because I sent some really doggy moulds to the dental labs.