Thanks Steve, it's appreciated. Also thanks for the bump to keep this thread out of the archives one more time.
Haven't really got to do anything "new" for a while, but still have plans for a few things which I hope to get to by summer.
Just to put things in perspective price wise, since that was one of the reasons this thread came into being in the first place: I have had a partial bottom plate in my mouth for nearly 12 years now. No need to go into the reasons I had to get it initially, but today I went to have it "relined", as it was getting loose from my gums shrinking over the years. I believe the plate originally cost about $200. That included the impression session where they made a "mold" of my gums and remaining teeth on the bottom, making the plate, fitting the plastic teeth to it and then adjusting it to fit comfortably. This WAS over 12 years ago, granted, but I can't imagine the materials going up that much over that time span. I went in this morning at 7:40 was in the chair/office for less than 40 minutes, while they took new impressions of my gums and teeth. I left and was told to return at 1:00pm which I did. They sent the plate off to a tech who "relined" it with new plastic to fit my new gum configuration, using the existing teeth, and metal clasps that hold the plate to my remaning bottom teeth. In other words, very little new material was used, and the time, including my office visit, return trip, delivering the plate to the tech, having it returned from the tech to the dentists office was less than 5 hours. The bill?..................(drum roll)...............$354.00! Granted, this is very specialized work, but come on, they didn't even have to make a plug first
! It usually takes me at least two days to make a set of wing stands. No, that's not 48 hours straight, but over the course of that 48 hours, they can be started and finished. Doug now sells them for $220.00 I think. So before somebody else says it, I will.........I'm in the wrong business!
Like I said, this example is just to help put things in a little better perspective. Ok, rant over.........I feel better now.
Anyway, thanks again Steve for the kind words, and I'd also like to extend my sincere sympathies for your recent loss, I can't imagine having to deal with a situation like that. Stay strong for your loved ones, they need you now.
Happy Christmas to you and everybody at PFF, and thanks again to Cliff Pennock for creating and maintaining this place for all of us. Happy New Year too!
HAGO!
