Anyone have an out-of-town orthodontist?

[tinymandibleAZ]

Hi all,

Today I spoke with Dr. Gunson by phone. I live in Tucson, and unfortunately the orthodontist to whom I was referred by Dr. G's office no longer does surgical cases. Dr. G gave me some names in Phoenix.

Aside from the obvious inconvenience of a road trip every time my braces need adjusting, is there anything else to be concerned about with an out-of-town orthodontist? The only thing I can think of is an emergent visit for a broken wire or something, (!) Anything else?

I know that my treatment plan will be a team effort between dentist, orthodontist, and surgeon. It just seems weird to have an ortho in another city. Which is interesting, since lots of folks have out-of-state and even out-of-country surgeons.

[jaime]

Mine isn't out of town, but he will be when I move at the end of this month.

I've spent some time thinking about it myself and I don't think there's anything to be too concerned about. I think these are possible issues:
-emergency visits, like you mentioned.
-running out of wax or elastics, but that's easily remedied by stocking up at adjustments
-possibly being very early or late for appointments
-having to take time off work or other commitments to get to the appointment

My surgeon has been an hour away this whole time and that has worked out fine. The only time it was crappy was after my first post-op appointment and I needed anti-nausea pills to get through the day and the drive. I was pretty loopy at my appointment (I wasn't driving).

[cbrfoltz]

If you are going to Dr. Gunson, you're already going out of state.

My husband is a dentist, and using the example of Orthodontists, he has a handful that he refers to. He bases his referral on the complexity and needs of the case. Most times, he only gives a patient one referral because he knows that the Orthodontist he has chosen will be the best one for that particular patient, and that his patient is going to have the very best outcome possible.

I would trust Dr. Gunson completely on this, and go to the Orthodontist he's chosen. They'll already have a working relationship, and having been in Ortho Six times, even a broken archwire, although a pain in the rear, can wait 24-48 hours if it has to. I would keep a huge stock of wax on hand though.

Claire

[cbrfoltz]

Oops, he gave you more than one referral, and it's out of town.

I would call back and ask Dr. Gunson which one of the above would best suit your case, and/or has worked most successfully with him on cases like yours.

Can't edit yet.

Claire