Not going to the resident orthodontist

[Undecided]

Ok, I'm aware that I can go to whichever orthodontist I choose, but I'm worried I'm in a slightly awkward position.

My dentist has been recommending that I visit the orthodontist for a few years now. There's a resident orthodontist based at my dental practice, so I booked in for a consultation, x-rays and moulds. However, I'm pretty sure that I am not going to go to this orthodontist. I wasn't entirely happy with her manner and she's charging me a lot more than is normal in my area for the braces I want. My dentist runs the practice.

I have no qualms with my dentist and would be happy to go for him for the required extractions (if I choose to have them) and I'm happy with my hygienist. But are there any repercussions to not going to the practice orthodontist? I mean, am I going to insult or annoy the dentist if I don't go to "his" orthodontist? Is it common for people to do this?

I could transfer to the practice of my potential orthodontist, but I don't really want to do this because the practice is only open 9:30-5:00pm. It would be bad enough to have to take time off work every time I see the ortho, let alone the dentist as well. (Currently I can pop over on my lunch break or after work.). I don't know whether the potential ortho's opening hours should be a deal breaker for me anyway.

Anyone else not going to the resident orthodontist?

[KatrinkaNoir]

Well, sort of. My dentist can also do braces and has told me from day one all about how he can do mine. However, I want to go to a true orthodontist. I didn't like feeling a sales pitch every time I got my teeth cleaned, either. I have chosen to go to an orthodontist, and will get the tops put on this Monday. My cleaning at the dentist is in March. I don't expect to get an attitude, but I suppose if I did I would just explain why I chose what I did. It shouldn't be an issue for you, either. In the end, it's your money, mouth, and time. Good luck with your choice! :)

[zdenka]

I ended up with the ortho my dentist recommended because I liked her. I wouldn't feel guilty for one second to get another opinion or the whole treatment elsewhere had I not liked her. I believe I get to pick who I end up paying over 8K to.

Another thing to consider is that you will be still in treatment long after the braces are off. There will be follow ups and removable/fixed retainers and all that fun stuff. If it doesn't feel right to start off with I would go elsewhere. It might be a matter of one awkward conversation with your dentist vs decades of dealing with the wrong ortho.

[quentin]

I agree with zdenka above. My dentist is 1 block away from my house, and the ortho he recommended is in the same building. But in the end the ortho I felt most comfortable with is a 20min drive away. I think trust is a huge factor, and I don't think your dentist, as a professional, would feel upset that you decided to go with someone else.

All the best!

[TMJJill]

They do orthodontics at my dentists practice. There are tons of orthodontists nearby too. In the end, I ended up going to a functional orthodontist with a lot of additional training whose practice is 45 minutes away. It is difficult with my work schedule at times, but I've been extremely happy over the last 3 years I've been going there. In the end, the expertise of the dentist and achieving end results you are happy with are most important.