Geez,
genxsis, what was her problem! She is there to help make sure everything is comfortable for you!
ssfw: If the bands still bother you, I would schedule an appt. and ask that the assistant that helped you at your last appt. not help you at your new appt. and it's up to you whether you tell them why - there's a way of saying it nicely. Yes, you are the patient and especially with orthodontic treatment, you should not leave the office in any discomfort that could have been avoided. If this happens to you again in the future it may be a good idea to say in a nice tone,' it may be best if somebody else helps me because I feel your frustration' and insist that somebody else help you.
That is such excellent advice, ssfw, and so well put!
I am in complete agreement, and wanted to share something about why it is so important to relay your concerns to the office (in addition to making your mouth more comfortable, which of course is your #1 priority).
This is a completely different situation, but I thought it relevant (hopefully you do too
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
). A week ago I went in to my dentist's office to have a permanent crown placed, and the assistant who had done all of the work together with the dentist was not there. In her place was a temporary assistant who they hired to replace her. He seemed nice initially, but was over-the-top inappropriate in what he said to me (he was telling me some disgusting things about his sister's pregnancy/birth and other gross things, completely unasked for details(!) all while I was trapped in the chair with cotton stuffed in my mouth).
The next day I called, and thanked the receptionist for some help she'd given me with some insurance stuff. I then said "by the way, when I come back, I want to be sure that _______ does not work with me again." She asked me why, and I told her that he was completely inappropriate and unprofessional with me. An hour later my phone rang and it was my dentist, wanting to know what was said. It turns out that the dentist was not surprised, and incident with me was the last straw, and that though the assistant was very competent technically, the dentist had other concerns about him. He was very grateful that I had let them know. The reason I'm telling you all of this is that only with your feedback will your ortho know when there is a problem with staff, and they should know that you don't feel comfortable with that assistant. I was reluctant to say anything (in spite of how gross this person was) but ended up being really happy that I did.