My First Tray

[DrJasonKTam]

I definitely appreciate the orthodontist/patient communication aspect and understand the perception. There are always two sides to every communication.

This is where a properly trained team comes into play. Our staff have a written protocol for each procedure. They are required to be able to answer a list of questions that I look for at each appointment. One of these questions includes if there are any concerns or problems. As described above, even if I spend only a few minutes at the chair, there is always enough time to address concerns.

However, it all starts even before treatment begins. If the correct information and expectations are laid out in the beginning, there are fewer questions, smoother treatments, and happier patients :). Unfortunately, many people do not consider these interpersonal and communication factors that are outside of cost, location, and experience.

Again, this happens to my own personal style and our patients are quite pleased... unless of course any of you here are our patients! :)[/i]

[lemon tree]

Hi there,
The majority of each of my appointments is with the assistant. At each appointment, just like you, he dashes in, checks them, and then dashes out. Except, poor man, I don't let him get away! I come pre-armed with a set of questions about almost every aspect of my treatment and fire them off.

I think my original fitting appointment was fairly similar to yours. They didn't give me a huge amount of info. However, like you I was well informed so I asked lots of questions and got the information I felt I needed.

I'm sure if other people rate your ortho then he is good. I don't think it's a major issue that he doesn't do most of the appointment.

I must say though DrJasonKTam your point that "In fact, you may actually know more about the various issues with Invisalign than the assistant or orthodontist. " did worry me slightly. I really hope that I haven't gained more knowledge about Invisalign by reading forums for a few weeks than the man that is treating me has. I fear in some cases you may be correct though. Perhaps these sites should be part of the required Invisalign training!

Interesting - my interaction with my doc is similar. Most of my time is spent with his assistant but I usually bombard him with questions when he comes around or if he hasn't, I bombard the assistant who eventually gets him. I'm glad I did though because even though I haven't had any complications - we've tailored my plan (very slightly) around my wedding date. I think it's up to the patient as well to be proactive and demonstrate that they're interested in being an active participant in their treatment.