Help! I threw out my retainer by accident!

Message

#1 Post by **chillin-in-grilz** » Fri May 29, 2009 6:42 pm

Umm does it cost to replace?

#2 Post by **Audra** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:08 pm

I can't see it being free.

#3 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:54 pm

Sorry to hear this bad news about your retainer.

Well, the average price is around $250, depending on your orthodontist and the lab he uses. And the type of retainer.

Fri May 29, 2009 11:45 pm

Probably more in Canadian

#5 Post by **newsboysgrl777** » Sun May 31, 2009 8:11 pm

againbrace wrote:OOPS! Best to get a replacement ASAP tho.

I agree. Although $250 IS a lot of money, it is FAR less than $4-6,000 for needing braces again later on down the road because you didn't wear your retainer. :-\

Good luck Chillin.

#6 Post by **Andromeda** » Sun May 31, 2009 8:35 pm

Is the $250 the average price of a retainer in general or is it that cheap because most orthos maybe charge less for a replacement than your first one?? I am just curious because I get my braces off and retainers on Tuesday and I am being charged $650 for my Essix retainers. Is this abnormally high?

#7 Post by **bbsadmin** » Sun May 31, 2009 9:33 pm

Andromeda, that sounds high to me. Is that for only one set of retainers, or does it include potential replacement sets?

Here's why retainers are so expensive: most of them are made in outside labs. First there's the time and materials for taking the impressions of your teeth. Then, there is the fee charged to your orthodontist by the outside lab.

If your orthodontist makes his own Essix retainers, by all rights it SHOULD be cheaper than if he sent it out to get it done. Some orthodontists have the machinery and the trained staff to make Essix retainers in their offices, but many do not.

And...some orthodontists roll the retainer fee into the total cost of your treatment. I believe that's what mine did.

#8 Post by **Andromeda** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:53 am

Thanks Lynn. My ortho does make the retainers in office so he does not pay to have them sent out. I get my braces off and molds tomorrow and then go back a couple hours later to get the Essix. I don't know if it covers replacement sets... now I feel cheated at the price.

My retainer fee is separate from the total treatment cost. I paid up front for treatment and they said Id owe the $650 tomorrow (at the time of retention).

Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:38 am

I believe he makes them in the office. because when i needed to have it fixed, i gave it to them, then in a few mins i had it back with the adjustments. and i heard machernery going

#10 Post by **newsboysgrl777** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:42 pm

did you ever get the replacements???[/quote]

Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:58 pm

No i have yet. i have an appointment in auguust. i cant in july cuz im out of town all month