Retainer.shopHow it works & delivery
How it works & delivery
From your order to your finished appliance
Your appliance is custom made in our UK dental laboratory. The journey depends on whether we already hold a suitable scan or need an impression or model from you.
Your order journey
The two-day manufacturing period begins only after our laboratory has received and accepted a suitable impression or model. It does not include the time taken to send an impression kit or return it to us.
Order
Choose a clear retainer, night guard or bleaching tray and select the options you need.
Impression if required
If we need a new impression, your kit is dispatched the next working day. Working days exclude weekends and UK bank holidays.
Return your impression
Follow the supplied instructions and use the prepaid Royal Mail Second Class return label. Check your impression before posting.
Laboratory receipt
We check the impression or model for suitability before manufacture begins. If another attempt is needed, we will explain the next step.
Scan & manufacture
We digitise the accepted impression or model and manufacture your appliance for your teeth.
Quality check
Your appliance is trimmed, finished and checked before packing.
Dispatch
The finished appliance is sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery. Manufacture is normally approximately two working days after acceptance.
Care & review
Follow the supplied care instructions and check your appliance regularly. See our care advice and FAQs.
Timing made clear
First: if required, the impression kit is dispatched the next working day. You then take and return your impression.
After laboratory acceptance: manufacture normally takes approximately two working days, followed by Royal Mail Special Delivery dispatch.
Postal transit and the time taken to complete an impression are separate from manufacturing time. These are normal timings rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
Already have a scan or model?
We hold a suitable scan
Previous customers do not normally need another impression when we still hold a suitable scan. Reuse remains subject to our existing scan-suitability and dental-change rules.
You have a dental model
A suitable intact stone or plaster model, or a suitable 3D-printed model, may be usable. Contact us before ordering so we can confirm the route.
Your teeth or dental work changed
Tell us before relying on an older scan if you have had significant dental treatment, tooth movement or a material change in fit.
What happens in the laboratory
Once an acceptable impression or model arrives, the process is straightforward and carefully checked.
Receive
Your case is matched to the order.
Check
The impression or model is assessed for suitability.
Digitise
We create the digital information needed for manufacture.
Make, finish & dispatch
The appliance is manufactured, finished, quality checked and packed.
Postage at a glance
| Stage | Service |
|---|---|
| Impression kit for a qualifying appliance order | Free UK postage |
| Your impression returned to us | Prepaid Royal Mail Second Class label where applicable |
| Finished appliance | Free Royal Mail Special Delivery on qualifying appliance products |
| Putty-only supply order | £3.50 per order, regardless of quantity |
Delivery is available to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. UK and Republic of Ireland shipping charges are shown in the basket and checkout. Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and UK bank holidays.
Before posting your kit, check your dental impression using our existing guide.
Before posting your kit, check your dental impression using our existing guide.