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Lost retainers

Hi my son has lost his teeth retainers. I feel for him as he has worn them absolutely faithfully the whole time apart from when he is cleaning his teeth and when he is eating.
Then this week was like a whirlwind as he had so much going on and he lost the case with the retainers in.

When he got the retainers we were told it would cost £120 to get new ones. Will the orthodontist take a new cast of his teeth or will they have the mould still and just order a new set?

Any ideas on how long this will take? Will his teeth start to move back within this time or will they be OK do you think? He is so fed up that this has happened and after such a great week as well.

We have spent since friday looking over the whole house bit by bit but I am now certain they are not here. It is a real shame as we can ill afford this at the mo' as we have trouble with the car as well but hey, life does this.

Lots of questions sorry.

Comments

  • donteatthat
    donteatthat Posts: 359 Forumite
    More than likely they will need new casts -the impressions don't keep and often the models are damaged during construction.
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are usually right.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Generally takes about a week from impressions to get the new retainers. No permanent damage should happen in that time, but get it sorted quickly.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • geekgirl
    geekgirl Posts: 998 Forumite
    Thanks for replies. I am ringing them first thing in the morning so it will only be about 3 days of not wearing them for him, plus the turnaround for new ones to arrive.
    We do know that as soon as the new ones arrive the others will turn up!! Sods law.
  • geekgirl
    geekgirl Posts: 998 Forumite
    Thanks again for replies. Went to the orthodontist today and they did a new impression. They make the new retainers on site so will be ready to be picked up tomorrow afternoon. Cost is £118. Pretty fast service though.

    The new ones will be going into a fluorescent tub, with stickers, with name and phone number engraved on tub, with keyring where you can clap and it will beep, with a chip and pin, with a flex so that it can be attached to him at all times like a dummy, with a .....................I think you get the picture!
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Much cheaper to use a staplegun!!!!!!!!
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
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