Metal Mouth Message Board

Dear all,

I just got my braces for a week. Before I decided to work with this orthodontic office (Dr. B), I compared with a few other doctors I only like to work either Dr. A and Dr. B.

I chose Dr. B because the staffs very nice and friendly; however it costs $1,500 more than Dr. A. I didn't like Dr.A's staff, I like Dr. A but not his staffs. In addition, I thought if I paid more, I would get better services.

Dr. B's staffs are very nice to me; however, the orthodontic assistants put braces on for my teeth, Dr. B didn't put braces on for me (I assumed that he would do that, not his assistant). When I talked to the coordinator treatment, I asked her "will Dr. put braces for me" she told me "yes, doctor will work with you". I didn't even questioning myself about her answer because I kept assuming that doctor would do it. Sad! Sad! Sad!

I am now very disappointed b/c Dr. B just stop by to take a quick look at my teeth for like 1 minute and tell his assistant "that looks good", and that's it.

I want to withdrawn from this office, but I don't know how. I already paid more than half of the total payment. I want to talk with the treatment coordinator about my thought really bad, but I don't know if I should. Because when I look around the office, the other orthodontic assistants also work with other patients, not just me alone. Urgghh!

What should I do? Did anybody else had the orthodontic assistant put braces on for you? I really feel bad that I didn't choose Dr. A. I prefer doctor work with my teeth than his assistant, especially I even paid a lot more for the Dr. B. Urgghh!!!

Please say something to make me feel better. I spent a lot of time to make the decision, but I made the wrong decision. I want to cry!!!

Can anybody help???

Well, I can only tell you from my experience that my ortho's assistant put my brackets on too. After they were bonded to my teeth, my ortho attached the wires and that was it. To be honest, I feel like if my ortho (whom I like and trust very much) trusts her assisatants, then I should as well. When I got my braces on there were at least 5 other patients back there getting some kind of checkup or whatever. There was a LOT going on, but it didn't make me nervous. It actually comforted me a little to know that so many people are patients (which means my ortho is doing something right. LOL).
I can't tell you what to do--I hope you can come to some kind of decision that works for you.

it important to have a good line of communication between yourself and any dr.treating you, if not misunderstandings begin to occur. Phone your dentist, make an appointment and discuss your concerns, it won't cost you extra, but it may put your mind at ease...