I need some advice.

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#1 Post by **DavidT** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:11 pm

I'm in serious need of advice. I'm 28, been in braces for 36 months and Doc. estimated 6 more. The problem is the Doc. He has failed to order in the proper parts on time, he has made some bad decisions, and lately made a lot of mistakes in the chair. He has closed one gap, for example, 3 times b/c he keeps forgetting to tie it in. I found out i'm one of his first ortho patients.

What are my options? I'm paid in full with this guy and don't have any money to go anywhere else, but I don't think he can finish the job. What can I do?

Help!

#2 Post by **DavidT** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:27 pm

Thanks for the reply. You're right, I did no initial research. A huge mistake. But what's done is done.

If I go somewhere else, can I legally (or ethically) ask for some sort of refund or financial compensation? What have other people done in this situation?

#3 Post by **DavidT** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:10 pm

He's a long-time dentist who just started doing ortho.

#4 Post by **ohmyjaw** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:41 pm

At a mimimum I would go and get a consultation with another orthodontist to find out if the treatment plan you're getting is appropriate. It could be that this dentist is a bit sloppy and forgetful, or it could be worse - if he's just plain incompetent, you need to find that out, and the sooner the better! I don't mean to scare you unecessarily, but if this dentist is making critical mistakes, you could have big problems later on down the road. Hopefully that's not the case, but I think you should seek another consultation (or two) anyways.

#5 Post by **DavidT** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:03 pm

Thanks. This is good advice. I've certainly been more active lately. I've been in 4 extra times in the last 6 months because I've gone home and noticed a mistake he's made. (after 3 years you start to catch on).

My problem is: what about the stuff I don't know about? I'm worried he wont' be able to retain everything properly, but I don't really want to pay someone else either.

#6 Post by **eggraid101** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:04 am

I would seek a second opinion from an Orthodontist if I were you. Talk to the dentist doing your work and explain your concerns, too.

#7 Post by **DavidT** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:33 pm

The saga continues... I called 12 orthodontists and none of them will take transfers. I few of them told me no one in my town will. They have some type of pact so they don't offend their fellow-orthos.

My only hope now is to talk to my dentist at my appointment tomorrow and convince him to refer me. Yikes!