My retainer has broken, can I get a replacement?
Mark, if an Essix retainer splits or is cut down, does that affect the effectiveness of maintaining the teeth positions? My Essix retainer has split quite badly now after several years and so feels a little loose as parts of the plastic on it are missing, my bite feels a bit off when i take it out now and it doesn’t feel as ‘tight’ as it were. I don’t have an orthodontist now to replace it as he is now retired but am nervous about my teeth moving.
I live in the London area close to you. How much approximately would you charge to make a replacement Essix for me if I saw you? Many thanks.
Hi and thank you for your questions
If the retainer is split then it’s not ‘retaining’ or holding your teeth in the most ideal position. So you should definitely replace it. On average my patients will repalce their Essix retainers, if they do not have fixed retianers as well, about every 1-2 years.
Costs vary according to the quality of the retainers, from £100 to £200 per retainer. Invisalign make a great version of the Essix retianer called ‘Vivera’ and they come as a pack of 3 for £350 which is very good value -they are about 30% stronger than traditional Essix retainers. You must factor in consultation fees as well, which are from £95 in my practice.
Hope that helps
Hopefuly see you soon
Mark
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