10 Things your Orthodontist Won't Tell You (Article)

Message

#1 Post by **turrrtlelove22** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:19 pm

I found this just doing some research...thought you all might be interested...It's 2 yrs old so I dont' know if it's been posted here before...searches are difficult on here sometimes...(to me)

http://www.smartmoney.com/10things/inde ... vember2004

#2 Post by **bbsadmin** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:09 pm

Great article!

Thank you for posting the link!

Does anyone want to add to the list of things that you feel most orthodontists don't tell you about your treatment? We can make our own extended story!

I agree about the "non-retention" tidbit NOT being the ortho's fault. Who told the patient to only wear their retainer for a year? Certainly not their ortho. The patient was just lazy. As for me, after paying 5 grand and spending 3 years in braces, I wear my retainers almost every night!

#3 Post by **eoberhauser** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:15 pm

Maybe I have just the most super duper Orthodontist, but these things were all explained to me in detail not only in my original consultation but are brought up at different occasions during my treatment. My Ortho is Board Certified and he's wonderful. I think if you're dealing with the hypothetical Ortho in this article you should bear some of the responsibility. I believe that consumers have a duty to educate themselves on whatever it is they are venturing into. Just my 2 cents.

Erin

#4 Post by **turrrtlelove22** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:25 pm

Meryaten I can agree with it being a little on the negative side. Especially for someone as myself who has not started treatment yet. It made me doubt even more if I want to go through with it. But at the same time it gave me a lot of info to consider once I do start treatment and the options that I have as me being the patient and it being my money that I am paying for out of pocket. Therefore I am willing to do all that is needed to keep my smile worth every bit of the $5,500 I will pay for it.

You are very welcome Lynn, and I agree with you and Meryaten about the retainer thing. That was just her own ignorance.

#5 Post by **turrrtlelove22** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:34 pm

I believe that consumers have a duty to educate themselves on whatever it is they are venturing into.

I can't agree more Erin. That is exactly why I am taking the time to read as much as I can, on this site and others. And on the internet and from ppl I know that have had braces. Every chance I get I ask someone who their orthodontist is just in case they happen to be the one I chose. This is a big decision for me and I have no intentions in going into blind. So like you said I am educating myself before I venture into this. I am very glad I found this article and others. As well as this website. I have yet to find one that does a better job!!!... I love this place. I get a lesson in Orthodontics everyday!!!...

#6 Post by **cowlypso** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:02 pm

I actually just ran across this the other day as I was doing my own reading.

I definitely agree with #2, that fees are negotiable. I'm getting a 5% discount for paying cash up front. Of course, I'm going to make sure that there is something in the contract that discusses what happens if I happen to move or if he happens to stop practicing or whatever else could cause issues with having paid for treatment that I can no longer use...

My overall life rule has become to get everything in writing. Pretty much, no matter what it is, get it in writing. Like when you are flying your dress in checked baggage and the bridal store in one state says that the store in the other state will press it for free on arrival. Get it in writing. Or when somebody says that they will be offering you a position. Get it in writing.

#7 Post by **turrrtlelove22** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:19 pm

OH, no biggie Meryaten...you didn't come off angry at all...

It is so true that we have to take respondsability for some of the things that go on during any kind of treatment. I think some ppl sometimes give themselves over too freely and give too much trust to their doctor or whoever. In doing this they don't realize that they are not always getting the best they can get, especially when they don't question things. When i go back in to start treatment....I'm gong to ask questions I already know the answers and questions I have asked before just to see if things are consistent. This whole thing has piqued my curiousity and my list of questions is getting longer!!!...hehe

#8 Post by **bip** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 6:55 am

I agree with everyone too on the negative slant to his article and it is a point well taken that kk makes that it is a reflection of the writer and our society in general. I thought the same thing meryaten about the girl who had to get braces again - and who's fault was that honey???? Unfortunately, we are a society that really lacks in personal responsiblity a good deal of the time. Nothing worthwhile in life comes without a price, whether that price be emotional, financial, time, and/or just plain hard work and stick-to-it-iveness. Many people are not willing to pay that price. I think what the article does do on the positive side is bascially what led turrrtlelove22 to post it - it raises questions, slanted or not, that we should probably all ask, or at least think through, when making a decision so big as this. And, when taken with all the other research, it probably will not stop anyone from going through with braces - research is great - it is how many of us found this site!

#9 Post by **newmetal** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 6:58 am

Thanks for the article, it made a great read. Although, i dont quite get the purpose of such an article..is it trying to suggest braces are not worth the hassle?

I gather the person writing the article doesnt have braces, as in the uk gum is something we are told never to attempt with a brace....................................

"Chewing sugarless gum, too, can help by stimulating ligaments in the teeth."

Many Thanks

Newmetal

#10 Post by **MsShelbyville** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:31 am

Thanks that was very helpful to me. And like everyone else says that lady need not blame her troubles on her ortho!

#11 Post by **MsShelbyville** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:14 am

Are there any precautions one should take while chewing the gum... Because I figured that most orthos forbid you to chew gum

#12 Post by **Rickysa** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:41 pm

I think gum got a bad rap from back when all the teeth were banded and the anterior bands didn't adapt to the teeth very well....so gum would pull them loose.

With today's brackets.....chew away!

Side note: While posterior teeth vary in size, they are fairly consistant in shape, so finding a properly sized/shaped band is much more predictable than fitting a "stock" anterior band because anterior teeth vary in size and shape.

Dr. S