h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Pimms,

Was it you who gave me the website of his friend who's a cosmetic dentist? If so, I'm trying to find the message to do something about it.

If not, back to the drawing board.

Yes it was me. I can't find the message myself but Raj's current website http://www.smilestudio.co.uk/ (his former address also links to this (http://www.smilesbyraj.com/))

with the smile

Thanks very much Pimms!

I searched all my messages, and I think there has been a culling of old stuff. I couldn't find anything before March 2005. Perhaps it has been done to save space.

What's put me off so far is thoughts of cost. However, if I don't find out, I can't make plans to save up.

Am I right in remembering that you were best man at his wedding (or it may have been vice versa, although my bet is on the first option).

He was my best man. Over ten years ago now.

Ah, I got it the wrong way round, then. Still, I'm amazed that I can remember - I haven't the best memory in the world! I've whacked off an e-mail, so I'll await a response.

10 years ago! Are you still good friends?

Had a reply from him - he's in Florida on a lecture tour. A hard life, eh?

We've been in touch as far as Christmas cards and the odd e-mail, but not seen each other in some years. I didn't know he was in America.

He said he'd contact me when he gets back, although I don't know when that will be.

Heard from Raj today. He's back from America. He's referring me to a colleague. I gather you live on an island!

Just looked at your space again - it says that there! I used to go there when I was a little girl and remember eating strawberries and cream in the Abbey. Mmm!

It doesn't say which island on my space (but it isn't hard to guess by looking at my entry list or talking to someone who knows me in RL ) I hope the colleague is as helpful as Raj.

I've never had any at an Abbey on the island. Brambling is more my scene A7209623

Pimms

Do they not still do at Rushen Abbey, then? I don't remember brambles, but I do remember the spectacular fuschias. I still love fuschias (although I'm not sure I can spell them at the moment!).

I'll let you know how I get on with the teeth!

I went for my appointment just before Christmas and saw a nice lady orthodontist. She recommends three teeth out via my own dentist and then braces. The whole thing will take around 18 months and cost £3.5-4k. It was an interesting procedure. The dentist measured my teeth, took lots of photos (which involved sticking loads of uncomfortable things in my mouth (including a mirror, which she stuck down my throat, triggering the gag reflex), taking x-rays and then showing me what could be done.

I'm going to go back to my dentist to finish some outstanding work, before doing anything else. I think at the end of it, it should be worth it - I'm told she should be able to correct the alignment and then my smile will be much nicer.

I've just had a written quotation from the orthodontist and it's just under £8k! That's a price hike of 100%. When I phoned to question it (I thought it must be a typing error), I was told that the dentist didn't remember me (that's encouraging!) and didn't remember any such conversation. I'm now shocked beyond belief and feel totally misled and let down. I could have gone ahead and had the three teeth taken out that she had suggested - and then found myself with a bill which I couldn't pay. The dental work would have had to have been done within a week of the extractions, or my teeth would start to wander - making any dental work that much more difficult later - and probably more expensive as a result.

to hear you've been messed around.

I'm not sure if it will make any difference but if I were you I'd pass your experience back to Raj.

Maybe he will be able to help , or at least be aware that his recommendation of the lady in future should include warning the person looking for an assessment to ask for a written quotation at the first meeting.

Pimms

Thanks for the advice, Pimms. I'll do just that.

It didn't help the situation to hear that the dentist didn't remember me at all.

Has this saga reached a conclusion, or is it a continuing tale of tribulations?

Hope you have a (and aren't in serious debt )

Pimms

I went to another orthodontist, who is really nice - and the husband of my existing dentist (well, she was until she moved practices earlier this year) and it turns out that he trained the one at the Q Clinic - and at not much over a third of the cost. Isn't life strange!

I had a brace put on the bottom teeth a couple of weeks ago, and I'll get the top one fitted in July. It's not that noticeable as I have white fixings to the teeth at the front. In about two year's time, I'll have beautifully straight teeth.

It's an interesting sensation, though, having a brace. It affects the way I talk slightly and it's like eating with a cheese grater in my mouth. My teeth have never had so much brushing.