Transferring orthodontic treatment

[finnball]

Has anyone ever transferred from one ortho to another during treatment?

Backstory: I had upper linguals put on two years ago. After a year, he wanted to take them off but I was unhappy with the results. He told me that he was very limited in what he could do, because I didn't have lower braces. When I asked why he hadn't told me that at the beginning, he said "You didn't ask." So I got lower braces put on about a year ago in addition to the existing uppers (same ortho). Now he says they're ready to be taken off. I am still unsatisfied with the results - I don't expect absolute perfection, but it is pretty obvious to me that the midline is still off, and there are pronounced gaps between certain teeth. The width doesn't look right either. He says that he can't do any more expansion because my "cheek muscles will push the teeth back in." Again, I wasn't told of these supposed limitations in the beginning, and this ortho was very expensive ($13,000 for upper linguals and lower ceramics).

At this point, I'm frustrated with what I perceive as a lack of communication and forthrightness during over two years of treatment with this ortho, and I have a consultation with a new ortho tomorrow. Here are my questions:

1. Has anyone transferred their treatment for reasons like these? Was your experience positive?

2. Is there any chance of the ortho giving me a partial refund?

3. What can I expect from the new ortho? Should I be wary of his opinion on how much more needs to be done? He is running a business too, after all.

Thanks for any help you can give!

[starzz]

You will know when you find an ortho you can trust. Go to additional consults if necessary. You've just told us you believe there is more work to be done and since your current ortho doesn't seem able to do it, you're looking for one who can do what you need. If you feel at all wary about their recommendations, you have not found the right ortho. I've read a few stories on here of others who successfully transferred orthos for similar reasons.

[finnball]

Thank you! I have a consult with a possible new ortho tomorrow morning so I will take everything into account, and see if it feels right. Thanks for your reply.

[MrMetalMouth1029]

I would also hope that the new orthodontist doesn't respond back with a "You didn't ask" type of remark. How rude!! I know there's an element of proactiveness that we should all practice, but it seems like he would've told you in the beginning the situation and why.

I can't relate to your situation, but I would think that a new orthodontist is going to want to impress you to the point where you go tell your friends that he wasn't your initial orthodontist and he made your teeth look like perfection. He (or she) will want others to come for services, so I would hope that you'd have better luck. I'm sorry to hear that this happened!

[amandajane]

I would think that a new orthodontist is going to want to impress you to the point where you go tell your friends that he wasn't your initial orthodontist and he made your teeth look like perfection. He (or she) will want others to come for services

My opinion is if the orthodontist doesn't really care about my smile, and doesn't spend time trying to figure a way to align the teeth correctly he or she isn't worth my time , money, or effort.

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