Is my orthodontist being cheap?? my bric-a-brack braces...

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#1 Post by **Kimochi Warui** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:19 pm

Hello,

I am wondering if my orthodontist, who is actually a dentist and TMJ specialist that does ortho, is cheaping out on me.

I have Inspire Ice ceramic brackets, but I had to pay about $200 extra for them because my ortho is a big advocate of the Damon 3s and does not typically use ceramic -- bad experiences in the past, apparently...

That being said, he'd never used the Ice brackets and has been impressed with them. In fact, all the techs comment on how nice they look, even after a year now. (nice for braces, that is)

Anyway, I had to have a bracket adjusted on my front tooth and it was replaced with a different ceramic bracket that doesn't match the rest. It has metal in the middle where the wire sits and people have commented. I think it's an old bracket they scrounged up in a drawer somewhere.

So I guess this set of Ice brackets that I paid for did not come with any extras.

On top of that, another bracket was replaced with a metal Damon 3 bracket (it does not require an elastic), but it's on one of my molars so I'm not concerned about appearance.

Does anyone think this is a poor way to do business?

They did not warn me that they were using different bracket. I inquired about it at my next appointment and they shrugged it off, "Oh, we don't have any of the other ones, and it's moving your tooth the way we want it."

Should I do anything about this?

I look forward to your responses.

cheers!

#2 Post by **smile2006** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:07 pm

I also had ICE brackets. I had them removed and due to some shifting had four brackets put back on to adjust a couple teeth (long story but it worked!!!!). I remember that my ortho wanted to use regular metal braces and because I teach and would only have brackets on four teeth, I wanted the same ICE brackets (so they wouldn't be as visible). He did consent to this and said laughingly that it was an expensive request. He did say they had to break a set to do it. I hate to say it but maybe your ortho is cheaping out but I would insist that the brackets match!!!! On the other hand, it seems weird to me that orthos couldn't buy single brackets as individual issues are always emerging. where a bracket here and there needs to be replaced.

#3 Post by **Crymsyn** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:14 pm

I would say that it's cheaping out on you.

I've signed a contract for a specific type of treatment and have paid out extra bucks for my ceramic brackets. I would call it a breach of contract if my ortho changed the treatment and the apperance of my braces- especially without consulting me first.

It may sound hard and unsympathetic on my part but I don't care if my ortho has to order a whole other set of brackets to replace one or two of mine- that's her cost of doing business.

#4 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:37 pm

I also have ICE brackets and paid an additional $360 for them. I agree 100% with Crymsyn. They should replace your bracket with one that matches. .

#5 Post by **Dreamer** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:42 pm

I would definetely voice my concerns to your orthodontist and explain that you paid extra for ICE and don't want to have it co-mingled with mismatched brackets. That certainly wouldn't be ok with me!

#6 Post by **iBorg** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:59 pm

I'd ask why it doesn't match. You did say that he does not normally use the ICE brackets. Maybe he didn't have the correct bracket you needed but would be willing to get it if given advance notice.

Mike

#7 Post by **MsVarlene** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:59 pm

It seems like these brackets only come in full kits. Especially if your Dr. does not do to many cases with these braces. Have him purchase individial brackets and give you the ones you paid for.

#8 Post by **Kimochi Warui** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:08 pm

Thanks for your responses.
I don't know how direct I have to be - he already knows I'm unhappy with the non-matching bracket but brushed me off. He said they don't have any extra Ice brackets and he did not offer to order any. I've had it since last fall but when I inquired about it at my appointment the following month they put on a really thick-ass wire so it wasn't as noticeable. I was supposed to get them off in January but he changed his mind at the exact last second (which I don't object to) except that he put on a thinner wire so now I have to spend my (second set of) last few months with braces with people constantly second-guessing whether I have something in my teeth. (several people have commented).
I would rather have financial compensation. The damage is done. Not that anyone can help with this....
thanks again. Glad to hear no one else has my problem!