Ambivalent Ortho office rant

[Sallee]

I finalised my decisions about brackets etc in September but the back-to-school crowd had my Ortho all booked up, so I ended up booking my braces on date for mid November. A week before I still hadn't received a written or emailed agreement and life was getting in the way, so I re-scheduled for Dec 14th.

I got the agreement in the mail and it was clearly a template- it had my final amount (a whopping $7500), but it said ceramic brackets are extra, and there's an undisclosed charge for any broken brackets. I called and the office manager said the admin's swamped and has been sending out wrong letters, so he'd get her to send the right one.

That was 3 weeks ago, and nothing has come, not even a phone call.

I'm starting to feel this whole braces idea slipping away. They were so attentive before I booked, but now they couldn't care less so why should I? I've half a mind to just cancel and revisit the idea next year. I don't want to have to chase these people down this hard for an agreement, especially since I know they do have the details written out in their computer system.

It feels like I've been waiting ages and at this point who really cares if it doesn't happen.

[belistic10]

dont give up, maybe that isnt the right place for you, but i'd ring and tell them you are not happy with the service and hopefully they lift their game and organise things for you hope it all happens soon. honestly i think if you wait, then next year you will just wish you had of got it done the previous year if you know what i mean! i feel like this even now that i have had these on for a month, i wish when i had looked into 2 years ago i had of done it then as i'd be finished by now! hang in there

[Crafter]

My advise is for you to go to the office, pick up your x-rays, molds, pictures and all those evaluation stuff (those are yours, you paid for them, so you are entitled to have them back if you want to) and take them to another ortho.

If they are so lousy, even at the "trying to get the client" phase, just imagine how would be for you after you are enrolled with them (with a downpayment, for sure). What you are describing is just too informal for a professional office. You don't want to end up with a 2.5 years treatment that will in fact be 5 years or so, as many others posted here.

A second opinion won't hurt. Also, an estimate of $7000 for regular metal braces sounds waaay too expensive, in my opinion.

Don't give up. You have no idea how great it feels after a few weeks into treatment, seein progress and knowing that you are doing something to fix your bite (and looks, of course). Start as soon as possible, but get a different quote from a better organized office.

[BaliGirl]

I agree with Crafter. If they are disorganized and unresponsive now, while they're trying to earn your business, what incentive do they have to improve once they have your business? None.

RUN!

[JennyLaughs]

I third the above mentioned motions.

[BBQ Grill]

Fourth! LOL....

[Labguy]

Fifth. Run. Get a second and third opinion.

[Sallee]

Thanks guys, I think you're right. I called my dentist and they said no-one has complained, but yes she would probably have me in braces for a long time. I got a different referral so we'll see how that works out!

[tennesseeditto]

Good for you! Keep us posted, okay?

[Sallee]

Thanks again for the push- new ortho is really nice, also highly recommended, uses self ligating brackets, same overall cost estimate, free parking and right next to my dentist. Looks like I'll be going for clear on top and metal below.

He called regular brackets "80's" in a slight diss to the other ortho, but I'll let that slide as he has a good reputation. Also his office is much more kid friendly, my 2 yr old came with me and was perfectly safe and happy playing in the corner.

The only down side is starting over, so many steps before the braces go on, but I've already booked all my appointments through to a tentative braces-on date of Feb 17. Now I just have to cancel my other appointments (I left a message) and pick up my x-rays and moulds.

[JennyLaughs]

Good for you! Here's to getting through the preliminary stuff quickly and starting your braces journey!

[tennesseeditto]

I am happy to hear you went to another ortho and are more comfortable now.
Hurrah for those of us who are proactive in our dental care!