Accidentally given the wrong braces

[Catpotat]

Hi, I'm 24 and got braces a couple of weeks ago. Originally, I discussed half clear half metal braces with my orthodontist and indicated that that was what I wanted. When I went in to get them on, they thought I wanted full clear but I corrected them. After paying for half clear half metal ones (which cost $500 less), I think they accidentally put on full clear ones. There might have been a lack of communication between staff, and I'm not complaining here but should I bring this up with them? I feel bad, even though it was their mistake. It might be my imagination but the staff seem less friendly towards me after getting my braces placed compared to before. What is the right thing to do here?

[lmk]

Did you pay for your treatment in full? If not, and you're making monthly payments, do you think they would add on the extra $500 to the total?

[EWUgal15]

Did you pay for your treatment in full? If not, and you're making monthly payments, do you think they would add on the extra $500 to the total?

I wonder the same thing. I don't know how all offices handle it, but when I agreed to the treatment plan and started scheduling the appointments to get the braces on, I was presented with a contract that stated the price of treatment and various other things (accepted risk of root resorption, TMJ relief not guaranteed, etc) that I signed. Basically it was a CYA type of thing that said we agree on the price of treatment and changes to cost would be agreed upon by both parties. If you signed anything like that, I would think that you have a legal case against them for charging you more without your consent.

[Catpotat]

I did pay in full, and they haven't mentioned it at all so I don't believe they will charge me extra. It was their mistake, but should I bring it up anyway? I feel guilty for some reason, like I'm taking advantage of the situation haha.

[Kalia]

Do you think they are aware of their mistake or not? If they haven't realised, I would probably mention it to them just to be on the safe side. You don't want anything screwing up your treatment later on if they suddenly find out half way through. You can clear your conscience, and I would be really surprised if they didn't just shrug and let you keep the braces. If they try to charge you extra for the brace though, I would 100% fight that charge. You shouldn't feel guilty at all! This is 100% their mistake.

[Catpotat]

Do you think they are aware of their mistake or not? If they haven't realised, I would probably mention it to them just to be on the safe side. You don't want anything screwing up your treatment later on if they suddenly find out half way through. You can clear your conscience, and I would be really surprised if they didn't just shrug and let you keep the braces. If they try to charge you extra for the brace though, I would 100% fight that charge. You shouldn't feel guilty at all! This is 100% their mistake.

Thanks so much for the advice Kalia! I have no idea if they've realised it, but after what you've recommended I feel better about telling them at the next appointment

[lmk]

You sound like a good person for feeling that way. When I was getting my braces it was an extra $300 for each arch to have ceramic and I'm SO cheap I decided not to get them and have metal but at the last minute the ortho told me I'd be much happier with clear and did it at no extra charge (which I was super happy afterwards when I realized the brackets were barley noticeable). So don't feel too guilty because i'm pretty sure it didn't cost them anymore money to do ceramic. Keep us posted on what happens! No matter what its their mistake.

[Beckett]

I'm always surprised when I hear of orthodontists charging more for ceramic brackets. Mine has his fees across the board regardless if they're silver, gold (not real of course) or ceramic. Why the higher fees? The brackets themselves can't possibly cost that much more.

[Catpotat]

Thank you everyone for the support and advice, it's been interesting hearing your thoughts. I'm going to try and get numbed up so much I won't be able to feel my face

Another question I have is if doing it all in one go, or one side at a time is better? I know you can eat on the other side if you do half half, but then you can get it all over and done with in one go. I'm afraid I might not want to go back after the first round haha.

I'm always surprised when I hear of orthodontists charging more for ceramic brackets. Mine has his fees across the board regardless if they're silver, gold (not real of course) or ceramic. Why the higher fees? The brackets themselves can't possibly cost that much more.

Interesting point Beckett. From what I've been able to find on the internet, ceramic braces seem to be more expensive to make, less effective at moving teeth and more prone to breaking than metal braces. Also, people are more willing to pay for their aesthetic appeal. If they cost the same as metal, I can't imagine anyone would pick metal instead. So you are lucky to have such an orthodontist