Orthodontist gone???

Message

#1 Post by **gokix** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:03 am

I just called in to confirm my next appointment, and the receptionist told me that my ortho, whom I liked and had treated me for nearly 9 months, was no longer working there! I was pretty shocked. They didn't go into detail or anything like that. They have another ortho who I am supposed to be seeing next week. I am now worried how things will go on from here, or if he has a totally different plan in mind for my braces treatment. Has this happened to anyone else before? Was it a positive/negative change?

#2 Post by **Boohill** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:11 am

Is there any way you can find out if he moved to another office? It would really suck to get an ortho that you dont like and be stuck with him or stuck trying to find a new one now. Good luck and I hope you find your old ortho or at least like the new one a little and he has a good plan for you.

#3 Post by **gokix** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:38 am

Thanks for the good luck, Boohill. I am just trying to prepare myself for the possibility of the new ortho saying "what the hell was this other guy thinking?" and reversing a bunch of stuff that has already been done. I hope that is not the case. I've read that it's difficult to switch because of the payment plans and the contract. I put down a down payment and am now paying a monthly fee. Also heard that switching orthos would end up costing more and I don't know if my insurance will cover those expenses.

#4 Post by **I love my teeth** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:35 pm

I personally think you need to find out why he left without any word to his patients?? Is that really a doc you want to find and continue treatment with? Is there some underlying problem with him or his ability to practice?? Call me cynical, but it seems very unprofessional to me, so I would step cautiously--they are your teeth and you need to do what is best for them!! good luck!

#5 Post by **macgirl4ever** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:47 pm

It doesn't seem as though the payment part of your plan should change since you haven't changed offices. Is your orthodontist affiliated with one of the big chain dental groups such as Christie Dental, Bright Now Dental or Castle Dental? If so, you owe the company, not the individual orthodontist.

#6 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:25 pm

If he works for one of the many national or regional chain dental clinics (as was mentioned above), perhaps he went to a different office in the chain. You should find out. If he is now working outside of the chain, you may not be able to "follow" him because as was previously pointed out, you probably owe the chain, not the doc himself.

If the office won't tell you where he went, you could try contacting the AAO or ADA to find him. Or maybe even just google.

#7 Post by **ReneG** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:50 am

My orthodontist changed hospitals and I (along with my records) moved along with him. I'm not sure what my ortho's arrangement with the hospital was, and I do recall I was given the option of staying with the hospital under another another orthodontist but I don't remember the details.

He helped me work out the refund amount on my orthodontic package (which was with the original hospital) and I signed an agreement with the hospital to terminate the package and release my records to my ortho.

At the new hospital, I pay per visit. So far, it's been more costly because complications came up which required more visits. However I very much prefer staying with the same orthodontist despite the increased costs and traveling costs and time.

If I were you, I'd find out where my ortho went and work out how to follow him at his new practice.

#8 Post by **drrick** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:13 am

Depending on the working arrangement and contract the doc may not legally be allowed to contact you. This would be particually true if the doc was an associate. This can happen somewhat frequently.

#9 Post by **SkyWolf** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 2:58 pm

I had one primary ortho who mostly took care of my treatment but he also worked with a partner and I saw that ortho a few times. It didn't seem to cause a problem.

#10 Post by **gokix** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:15 pm

I'm not sure if he was affiliated with one of those big companies, but in any case I think I would still owe the office, and not the ortho. I found out that my old ortho wasn't getting paid, so he left.

Okay, first impressions of the new ortho... well, it was a very busy day at the office it seems. He is very young, probably just a few years out of school and during my appointment, he was juggling between me and another patient, which was unusual, but not a big deal I guess. He also mentioned something about opening a new office, which raised a concern, but he didn't really go into all the details. Like I said, he was busy running around.

I would like to get others' opinions on something. With my old ortho, my appointments were spread out every 4-5 weeks. The wires I received a few days ago are much thicker, and I believe my bottom wires are rectangular shaped, which are supposed to close the gaps I have from the extractions. I've been braced about 9 months now, but my new ortho says it won't be necessary to see him for another 2 months, and then 6-8 weeks after that. Is this normal to see the ortho less frequently during this stage?

#11 Post by **gokix** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:12 am

bump

#12 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:32 am

8-9 week intervals between appointments was the norm for me. Only now that I am nearing the end am I going in more frequently.

#13 Post by **Bekah** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:13 am

I have been in braces for almost two years now and I believe that the longest I have ever gone between adjustments was 6 weeks.