Who Pays?

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Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:10 am

I feel strange asking my orthodontist this question since he's new (my previous ortho quit), so I'm asking for your input.
First, some background: I started with Invisalyn four years ago; it didn't work, so last year they put braces on my teeth (for about six months), specifically because one tooth wasn't moving down. They worked pretty well, but that same tooth, which never looked right even when the braces came off, is moving upward and over (and I've been wearing my retainer nearly 24/7). At my last checkup, my new ortho said an option might be having braces put on again for a month or two. Given he's a new ortho and that I've already had braces once before, I shouldn't be expected to pay for this, should I? Or is there generally a limit on the timeframe and number of times braces can be put on your teeth? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

#2 Post by **jcdamon3** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:49 am

Hi,

You didn't explain why you have an new ortho. Did you move? Did you decide you were "finished" with the other ortho and sought someone new? I would think that this would be your responsibility but I am not sure that I have the full story, so it's just my opinion.

#3 Post by **jcdamon3** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:50 am

Oh, I just realized you said your other ortho quit. Is the new ortho in the same office?

#4 Post by **missingu** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:56 am

I certainly hope the ortho's office did not make you pay for the braces to correct the invisalign, as most orthos will do that without charge when their stated treatment plan (invisalign) did not perform to par.

Regarding a tooth that is regressing, I hate to say it, but I imagine that you will have to pay for braces again if you do get braced again. If you can document that the braces were taken off too early, you might have a case, otherwise most orthos have patients sign a document at the outset of treatment basically saying that results are not guaranteed.

The best way to get the answer is just to sit down and talk with the ortho and treatment coordinator, if there is one. You have every right in the world to ask this question, especially since you didn't start out with the ortho so you don't know "his policies." Be confident and professional and I hope they will respond in kind.

Good luck, I'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out.

#5 Post by **jennielee81** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:33 am

Considering this is a new ortho can imagine that if you didn't pay, he would be doing this for free.

I seriously doubt that there is any ortho who would take on a new patient and then do braces on them for free. (except family)

I realize your teeth moved even though you did everything right and that's got to be so frustrating...But this new ortho wasn't even involved in the original treatment so he's completely innocent!

It really sucks that the former ortho quit, he would have been the best person to resolve this issue.

GOOD LUCK!!! Let us know how this goes, I wish you the best!!

Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:07 pm

Thanks for your input. I'll let you know if anything happens.
It's the same dental office, just a different orthodontist, and I didn't have to pay for braces the first time. They should have put something on the back of the tooth to keep it from regressing, since it had a history of doing that throughout the Invisalyn treatment. I never had to sign anything, either.

#7 Post by **jennielee81** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:30 pm

OH!!! That really changes everything.

Now I HAVE NO IDEA!

...I'm without any advice now....

I do wish you the best! And I think you should get it re-done FREE!

#8 Post by **missing_tooth** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:46 am

I would say the cost is not yours, you did pay for treatment, and most likely the ortho bought the practice your previous orthos. It's kind of like when someone buys a business they also buy their debts as well.

If you have some sort of contract regarding your treatment, that may be a big help.

- Missing Tooth -