Need Ortho Advice ASAP

[psychout]

I've had a few unpleasant experience with my ortho's office, and wanted some opinions from people with experience......

It's been five weeks since I started Invisalign. Week three I had a question and called the office (I had to wait an extra week for set #3 and was wondering why I couldn't get them before the office closed for the holiday). It was because I needed attachments but it took twenty minutes on the phone with the tech before she understood what I was asking and told me.

Then I had my second appointment, where they put on the attachments. Long story short - glue everywhere and the same non-responsive tech. It was like we were speaking another language; I'd say that it felt like too much on the top and she'd pick at the bottom.

While there I commented that they hurt my gum line. The ortho misunderstood me twice and explained how to use wax to ease lip pain. When I was able to explain that it was my gum, he told me it was due to puffy gums, and that I should pay more attention when I brush and use mouthwash - all said without looking in my mouth. I found that last part pretty insulting.

Finally, the next morning in the shower I was brushing and an attachement partially ripped off. According to the Clincheck and the (lack of) accomodations on the aligner, it was on a tooth that shouldn't have had an attachment (and that tooth is now covered with glue). I emailed the ortho and was told to come in Friday or Saturday so they could figure out what is happening.

A few things I could dismiss, but this seems ridiculous, and the practice isn't large enough to change doctors or techs. Am I overreacting? How would you address this?

[Dr.B]

Sorry to hear that. Are you going to an orthodontist or and general dentist? You pay for both service and product in ortho. That's where the assistants really help. If it was an assistant, I would pull the doc aside and tell him/her what happened. If it was the doc, then I am really sorry. Attachments are normal, usually at the 1st or 3rd appointment.

[psychout]

It is an orthodontist. I visited three of them before I chose this guy and he's considered one of the best in the state (and is a highly-ranked provider - I forgot the exact terminology they use).

The assistant/tech was part of the problem - so asking her to help with the doc is pointless.

[SharonV]

Sorry to hear you are having problems psychout,
I have been very fortunate with the treatment that I have been getting from my dentist. She is always in room with the assistant and does all the attachments. I never feel rushed or that my questions are not getting answered.

In fact on Monday's visit she even cleaned my bottom teeth a bit where I have lots of crowding until my cleaning appt in several weeks.

Hopefully you can have chat with ortho and get issues resolved. Good luck....

Sharon

[Weddo84]

hi there

I thought I would share with you, my treatment is nearly over in 2 weeks i have done around 29 upper invis retainers and normal brackets in the bottom, I had crowdy teeth but now that all are aligned i feel better.
one slight issue is my upper on the my right side there is a gap and i feel it will not close in 2 weeks keeping in mind i did IPI for some teeth as i had crowded ones, but will this gap close by time and or by the refining retainers?

i need also views if i should go for whitening or just normal cleaning will it negatively weaken my teeth ?

please please thanks

Wedad

[pinkfaith]

Depends on how you feel about your actual ortho. If you feel he is ok and most of the problem is the assistant I would say give him a firm talking to that you are extremely dissatisfied with your treatment thus far but you have faith in him and only him and would like to request that assistant not work on you. Then again, you don't want them to f things up more AND you're wasting time and money with these people so it might be beneficial to look at other providers. Do what your gut tells you.

Can you report a dentist/orthodontist to the BBB (Better Business Bureau)? If not you can definitely contact your state's Dental Board - they might have ideas for you on how to deal with this or how to file a complaint with them.

[myhollywoodsmile]

Hi there,

Can you quietly complain about the technician to the orthodontist? This might help.

I am surprised they told you to use wax, I have never heard of this being necessary. My ortho was careful to smooth my attachments so there were no rough edges. It sounds like the technician might be lacking experience in the best techniques as to fitting attachments. As an aside my orthodontist does everything, checkups, fitting attachments, the works. Not sure I'd be happy with a technician doing my attachments.

Having said that I think most orthos experience the odd attachment coming off, that isn't unusual. A pain, but not unusual. So, I think any complaint about that would be futile.

Have you thought about writing directly to your orthodontists office explaining that you are not happy with the treatment you are receiving from this technician and their inability to respond to your queries. They will then (hopefully) feel obliged to respond in writing, which would make it harder to fudge the issues.

Good luck