Found out I've been taken advantage of by a dentist

[braceface234]

Hello, all. So I have been wearing braces for about 3 years and 9 months now, and this is my 2nd time getting braces. I've been scheduled by my dentist to get my braces off in a few days after being rushed to get them off for months now. Thanks to an article this website posted called "12 Things To Know Before Getting Braces" I found out that a dentist and orthodontist isn't the same thing. After I read the article I researched my dentist online and found out he's just a general dentist. I wish I knew better but I had no idea that patients who are seeking braces should seek an orthodontist, especially if they don't have a simple case.
So once I found out about the difference between orthodontists and dentists last Thursday I made phonecalls with orthodontists in my area and so far met with 3 so I could get a second opinion on how my teeth look before I let my dentist take them off next week. All 3 told me that in order to fix the protrusion of my teeth I would need to get 4 teeth extractions. My number one priority with my dental treatment was to have my protrusion taken care of and to straighten my teeth. This was initially discussed with my dentist who said he would take care of it. He never took care of it, and my teeth still protrude.
There were plenty of red flags throughout my treatment, including the dentist finding it unnecessary to include my back lower molars in the treatment which left one of my molars completely crooked. I remember this being fixed the 1st time I got my braces as a teen so when I mentioned why it was included with the braces I was completely confused when I was told to not worry about it. A few months ago a new dental assistant pointed it out to the dentist and they attempted to fix it by adding blue buildups but after 2-3 months of no progress, they took the buildups out and disregarded it.
The buildups caused space where my top and bottom teeth weren't touching, and I inquired about getting rubber bands on again to fix it and it helped but it still hasn't closed. Also, after they removed the buildups they shaved the bottom of all 6 of my upper molars and the top of my lower molars without notifying me about it. I asked the dental assistant why they shaved my teeth and she said they shaved my teeth to improve my bite.
I plan on attaching photos of my braces.
I also want to note that one of the orthodontists I visited for a free consultation said that based on the dental x ray she took of me it looks like the roots of my teeth aren't sharp and that it was a cause of having my braces on for an extended amount of time.
I don't know what to do at this point. I have my appointment in a few days to get my braces off. I hate that my teeth still protrude and that I'll most likely be self-conscious and embarrassed about it my whole life. I am also really upset because I paid the dentist to fix my protrusion and instead of doing what he said he was going to do, he know says that having a perfect smile isn't anything, that if I were to get extractions my face would flatten and it would cost money, and that my teeth are perfect. And they're all lies and bs. I believe he knew my case was complicated to begin with and that he didn't refer me to an orthodontist because he wants to get paid. I don't know what to do at this point, but I know I want my money back. If any of you have any suggestions or thoughts on my situation and what I should do I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

[SingleJawMelb]

Agh I hate it when people are given sub standard work by anyone.

What country are you in?

[braceface234]

[quote="SingleJawMelb"]Agh I hate it when people are given sub standard work by anyone.

What country are you in?[/quote]

I live in the U.S. It's really unfortunate because they tend to be annoyed with me and my "perfectionist" ways but all I want is for my protrusion to go away, and this isn't anything new. They're playing games with me, I think they're more annoyed that I question things and I'm not settling for less than what I paid them for.
I wish I knew how to post images on here but I can't seem to find out how. If anyone needs pictures I'lol be glad to send them through email, or if anyone knows how I can post pictures here that would be awesome.

[SingleJawMelb]

Firstly cancel your appointment to get your braces of. It will give you time to think and devise a plan.

[braceface234]

[quote="SingleJawMelb"]Firstly cancel your appointment to get your braces of. It will give you time to think and devise a plan.[/quote]

I am definitely planning on doing that tomorrow morning. I also plan on contacting more orthodontists for consultations to get a better idea of what I need to do. I am also thinking of pursuing legal action, because I have a feeling he's not going to take it well when I plan on speaking to him about what I've found out. I just really want to have my teeth less protruded, but I'm also scared that over time the roots of my teeth will shorten. I also don't want to spend another $5-6,000+ on braces, so I want to see if I could perhaps get my teeth extracted for $600 now and then continue my treatment with the dentist I have even if he isn't as competent as an orthodontist.

[SingleJawMelb]

Firstly cancel your appointment to get your braces of. It will give you time to think and devise a plan.

I am definitely planning on doing that tomorrow morning. I also plan on contacting more orthodontists for consultations to get a better idea of what I need to do. I am also thinking of pursuing legal action, because I have a feeling he's not going to take it well when I plan on speaking to him about what I've found out. I just really want to have my teeth less protruded, but I'm also scared that over time the roots of my teeth will shorten. I also don't want to spend another $5-6,000+ on braces, so I want to see if I could perhaps get my teeth extracted for $600 now and then continue my treatment with the dentist I have even if he isn't as competent as an orthodontist.

Firstly you haven't got a "second opinion" you have already seen three other orthos. By the sounds of it they are all saying the same thing. So getting a forth opinion isn't going to change anything.

You need to ask the ortho what they require - removal of braces, treatment time and if your teeth are ok to have further brace treatment.

You need to find your contract/treatment plan and see what is written down.

I can't help you much about the legal aspect because I know someone in your position who was able to go through the legal system at no cost and get it resolved. America sounds like it's plenty of money in legal fees.

How old are you and can you get someone who is a bit less emotional about the situation. I know you are invested in the situation but you sound like you won't be the most objective person when confronting the dentist.

If it was myself I would personally get a treatment plan from an ortho, go back to the dentist and make an appointment stating you aren't happy with the final result and need to discuss. Tell me what you wanted doing, what has not been done and ask how he's going to rectify it. This may be better done in a letter?

If the dentist states nothing is wrong, tell him you've seen three orthos and the plans they will implement is vastly different than his. Unfortunately ortho work isn't certified - any dentist can do it. Regardless even people who see orthos have issues.

Work out what you want (perhaps a refund equivalent to the orthos fee, removal of teeth at no costs etc. I really don't know).

Perhaps it's best contacting a dental board in your area? Can you ask your ortho for advice - that is tricky but you never know what they will say.

Please relax, I know it's harder said than done but at this moment in time you need to be in rational mind. Google DEAR MAN DBT, it's a great interpersonal skill.

Be thankful that no teeth have been pulled unnecessarily, that you haven't had any teeth die and your facial features haven't changed dramatically. You have lost time and money but things can be changed.

[mmkay]

I also don't want to spend another $5-6,000+ on braces, so I want to see if I could perhaps get my teeth extracted for $600 now and then continue my treatment with the dentist I have even if he isn't as competent as an orthodontist.

Don't make a decision based on money. Find a good orthodontist, restart with them, consider the money you have spent blown and if you can get any back it's a bonus. If your existing guy is a clown, you don't want him messing with your teeth any further. Except to remove your brackets, if that's what your new orthodontist recommends before he/she begins treatment.

[Bracingmyself901]

Almost 4 years in braces is exceptionally long. That leaves you at great risk for root resorption (and from what you describe about the x ray sounds like you already might be suffering). It's generally recommended to take a 2-3 month break in tooth movement in order to minimize root resorption severity. Last thing you want is your teeth to fall out because they lost their root.

[BracesGuy]

You say you went to the dentist to straighten the teeth and fix protrusion. Bear in mind that if you are being told you need 4 extractions that without them, aligning teeth is generally going to result in some protrusion. There is only so much space in an arch. One option to reduce protrusion somewhat can be IPR to create (a comparatively small) amount of space.

On the other hand extraction of four teeth can indeed flatten the profile and change you face shape. You can read views from those who believe it can accelerate facial aging. You say you are a perfectionist. So consider if by going down that route you would then find issue with any such changes.

Regardless, I think you need to move on from this dentist if as you say in your other thread they said "there is nothing else they can do". Plus you are clearly dissatisfied with some of the treatment steps they took.

[megz0501]

Most general dentists, if they do braces it's only really basic stuff. It's not their specialty. I have an orthodontist and a general dentist I go to. Cleanings and such I go to the general dentist and then of course my braces I go to the orthodontist. Go to a good orthodontist and see what they recommend you do at this point.

[braceface234]

[quote="SingleJawMelb"][quote="braceface234"][quote="SingleJawMelb"]Firstly cancel your appointment to get your braces of. It will give you time to think and devise a plan.[/quote]

I am definitely planning on doing that tomorrow morning. I also plan on contacting more orthodontists for consultations to get a better idea of what I need to do. I am also thinking of pursuing legal action, because I have a feeling he's not going to take it well when I plan on speaking to him about what I've found out. I just really want to have my teeth less protruded, but I'm also scared that over time the roots of my teeth will shorten. I also don't want to spend another $5-6,000+ on braces, so I want to see if I could perhaps get my teeth extracted for $600 now and then continue my treatment with the dentist I have even if he isn't as competent as an orthodontist.[/quote]

Firstly you haven't got a "second opinion" you have already seen three other orthos. By the sounds of it they are all saying the same thing. So getting a forth opinion isn't going to change anything.

You need to ask the ortho what they require - removal of braces, treatment time and if your teeth are ok to have further brace treatment.

You need to find your contract/treatment plan and see what is written down.

I can't help you much about the legal aspect because I know someone in your position who was able to go through the legal system at no cost and get it resolved. America sounds like it's plenty of money in legal fees.

How old are you and can you get someone who is a bit less emotional about the situation. I know you are invested in the situation but you sound like you won't be the most objective person when confronting the dentist.

If it was myself I would personally get a treatment plan from an ortho, go back to the dentist and make an appointment stating you aren't happy with the final result and need to discuss. Tell me what you wanted doing, what has not been done and ask how he's going to rectify it. This may be better done in a letter?

If the dentist states nothing is wrong, tell him you've seen three orthos and the plans they will implement is vastly different than his. Unfortunately ortho work isn't certified - any dentist can do it. Regardless even people who see orthos have issues.

Work out what you want (perhaps a refund equivalent to the orthos fee, removal of teeth at no costs etc. I really don't know).

Perhaps it's best contacting a dental board in your area? Can you ask your ortho for advice - that is tricky but you never know what they will say.

Please relax, I know it's harder said than done but at this moment in time you need to be in rational mind. Google DEAR MAN DBT, it's a great interpersonal skill.

Be thankful that no teeth have been pulled unnecessarily, that you haven't had any teeth die and your facial features haven't changed dramatically. You have lost time and money but things can be changed.[/quote]

You're absolutely right. And you've been a great help to me. I actually met with another orthodontist yesterday who I'm confident in continuing my treatment where he plans to have me in braces for 2 years and remove extractions to fix the protrusion, as well as other steps to correct my bite and appearance. This orthodontist required a cat scan which revealed that I had healthy roots, which is a huge relief. I can't wait to get started on my treatment with him. Only thing I'm worried about now is the meeting I plan to have wih my dentist. I wasn't assertive in my request to meet him because I was unhappy, but I plan on being assertive confident and not nervous when I meet with him. I was told by someone at the orthodontist I visited that if my dentist refuses to refund me at least a portion of the money then I should bring up the dental board and how I'll complain to them if he doesn't, I was told this would scare him. He's seemed uneasy and scared after I called yesterday to ask for my treatment records, I received several missed calls and text from him asking me to call him back which I found very telling. but anyways...he isn't an orthodontist so he needs to act like he isn't and stop taking on extreme cases he can't handle in hopes of the patient not finding out. but I found out, 4 days before I was scheduled to take my braces off. wow. God is looking out for me. because I really thought I was going to live with being self conscious about my face for the rest of my life, but that isn't the case anymore :).

[braceface234]

[quote="BracesGuy"]You say you went to the dentist to straighten the teeth and fix protrusion. Bear in mind that if you are being told you need 4 extractions that without them, aligning teeth is generally going to result in some protrusion. There is only so much space in an arch. One option to reduce protrusion somewhat can be IPR to create (a comparatively small) amount of space.

On the other hand extraction of four teeth can indeed flatten the profile and change you face shape. You can read views from those who believe it can accelerate facial aging. You say you are a perfectionist. So consider if by going down that route you would then find issue with any such changes.

Regardless, I think you need to move on from this dentist if as you say in your other thread they said "there is nothing else they can do". Plus you are clearly dissatisfied with some of the treatment steps they took.[/quote]

I desperately wanted to get my protrusion fixed by any means, I told him I wanted extractions as he opposed it. he wasn't in favor of it when 4 orthodontists said that it is what I needed, so based on that he's almost a fraud. he said that my face would flatten, but when I mentioned this concern of his to the orthodontists they stated that a flat face wouldn't happen in my case because my protusion is severe, they said that a flat face occurs when teeth extraction is performed on patients whose teeth does not protrude enough. my dentist performed ipr to see if it would help any and it didn't. next step should have been extractions. his excuses for not wanting me to get extractions are all bs, he just has no experience dealing with patients with my type of case. I do find myself as a perfectionist sometimes but during my treatment with my dentist I was being patient with my dentist waiting for him to finally fix the one thing that he was supposed to fix, and it never happened. now I'm frustrated, and will get what I deserve. they have been playing games with me for too long.

[braceface234]

Most general dentists, if they do braces it's only really basic stuff. It's not their specialty. I have an orthodontist and a general dentist I go to. Cleanings and such I go to the general dentist and then of course my braces I go to the orthodontist. Go to a good orthodontist and see what they recommend you do at this point.

I found an EXCELLENT orthodontist, and I'm seriously so happy that I found him and can't wait to start my treatment. this is literally the first I've ever been so confident with someone fixing my teeth. it feels good.

[braceface234]

Almost 4 years in braces is exceptionally long. That leaves you at great risk for root resorption (and from what you describe about the x ray sounds like you already might be suffering). It's generally recommended to take a 2-3 month break in tooth movement in order to minimize root resorption severity. Last thing you want is your teeth to fall out because they lost their root.

Right, I got a cat scan yesterday and it revealed that I my roots looked healthy. which surprised me. I think the 2-3 month will still be a safe bet. it's been 3 1/2 years and I plan on having braces for another 2, I hope nothing bad happens :/ but my ortho seems confident. I did more research online on healthy cat scan of the skull and I found my teeth to be similar to what I saw online. but I attached a picture of mine to this post, if you have a different opinion of what it looks like to you pls let me know.

[braceface234]

I also don't want to spend another $5-6,000+ on braces, so I want to see if I could perhaps get my teeth extracted for $600 now and then continue my treatment with the dentist I have even if he isn't as competent as an orthodontist.

Don't make a decision based on money. Find a good orthodontist, restart with them, consider the money you have spent blown and if you can get any back it's a bonus. If your existing guy is a clown, you don't want him messing with your teeth any further. Except to remove your brackets, if that's what your new orthodontist recommends before he/she begins treatment.

Definitely noted. I'm moving on, lol. I found a great orthodontist, thank god. I can't wait to start my treatment with him. I just need my dentist to pay up so I can start my new treatment.