Who put your braces on?

Message

#1 Post by **silly123** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:15 am

I was quite suprised when an assistant actually put the brackets/ligs/archwire on. One of the orthodontists, came over a couple times to make sure everything was right.

Is this usually how it is?

I get a little worried, because even though it it is a reputable practice (even my dentist said he knew he was good) it is very cheap compared to what I see people paying on here.

Is it normal for a practice to have more then one Dr. and if you see different ones every time you go?

#2 Post by **Kris721** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:48 pm

Hi Silly123,

I've been in treatment for 2 years now, and it's been my experience that the doc will come over and review the technician's work. When my brackets were put on, the tech did everything. I'm paying less than I expected to pay for my orthodontia but I think it all depends on the duration and extent of what needs to be corrected. My doc is considered one of the best in the D.C. area and has a bustling orthodontics and pediatric dentistry practice.

My doc's practice has 2 orthos and I've been seen by both of them over the course of my treatment. I don't think it's unusual at all to not see the same one each visit.

#3 Post by **MsVarlene** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:23 pm

There was a thread not too long ago about this same question.

viewtopic.php?t=25068&highlight=

#4 Post by **suetemi** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:28 pm

Hey there, I wouldn't worry about the price so much (whether it's cheap or whatnot) or assume that lower cost is lower quality. Location is a big factor in cost -- not just state/city, but neighborhood too.

#5 Post by **ilovemacs** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:01 pm

Meryaten wrote: Yes, it is perfectly normal in the United States (and I think also in Canada) for the assistants to do the bulk of the hands-on work, under the supervision of the ortho. Yes, this includes placing the braces, although usually the ortho will verify they are appropriately placed before the bonding is light-cured.

Normal in Canada too! The assistants at my ortho's office indirectly bonded the brackets on then cured them with the light. He came and checked, and talked/ answered my questions.

#6 Post by **Bekah** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:29 pm

The assistants put the brackets on my daughter and the orthodontist checked them.

#7 Post by **breda206** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:46 am

At my orthodontist in Ireland, the assistant took the photos, the impressions, the x-rays and put in the spacers.

Then they prepared the equipment to put the braces on and assisted the orthodontist and he did all of the work except a little of the curing at the end which the assistant did.

At normal appointments, the assistant takes off all the ligs, powerchains, elastics, the doc comes around "open, close, open, close" scribbles down a few notes and then the assistant changes whatever it may be, puts all new ligs, things on and then the doc checks it to be sure the assistant did a good job.

#8 Post by **Katt** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:04 pm

I am in the US and I guess I'm one that is abnormal as far as the ortho but she has always been the one to do all the work.. The assistant did my initial molds but other than that the ortho put on my brackets, put in my wires and hooked on the ligs, and I just went for my adjustment and the only thing the assistant did was take off the ligs and wires. My ortho then came in and did the rest. From what I understand from her other patients she has always been the one to do the bulk of the work.

#9 Post by **Katt** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:04 pm

I am in the US and I guess I'm one that is odd as far as the ortho but she has always been the one to do all the work.. The assistant did my initial molds but other than that the ortho put on my brackets, put in my wires and hooked on the ligs, and I just went for my adjustment and the only thing the assistant did was take off the ligs and wires. My ortho then came in and did the rest. From what I understand from her other patients she has always been the one to do the bulk of the work.

#10 Post by **Katt** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:05 pm

I am in the U.S. and I guess I'm one that is odd as far as the ortho but she has always been the one to do all the work.. The assistant did my initial molds but other than that the ortho put on my brackets, put in my wires and hooked on the ligs, and I just went for my adjustment and the only thing the assistant did was take off the ligs and wires. My ortho then came in and did the rest. From what I understand from her other patients she has always been the one to do the bulk of the work.

#11 Post by **Katt** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:05 pm

I am in the U.S. and I guess I'm one that is odd as far as the ortho but she has always been the one to do all the work.. The assistant did my initial molds but other than that the ortho put on my brackets, put in my wires and hooked on the ligs, and I just went for my adjustment and the only thing the assistant did was take off the ligs and wires. My ortho then came in and did the rest. From what I understand from her other patients she has always been the one to do the bulk of the work.

#12 Post by **mardziewall** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:19 pm

well dr hanan was ment to put my braces on but didnt so i dont know who will for i havent met my new doc yet!