Ortho is no Help!

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#1 Post by **legallylexi** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:38 pm

Hi Docs and anyone else able to help,

My ortho is no help at all. Everytime there is an issue the office acts like I am bothering someone. I went for a week with my gum stuck between my teeth because the braces had caused the tooth to move and catch the gum. After I finally put my foot down that there was nothing my regular dentist could do- as it was clear this was an ortho problem-then I was seen by the assistant. I have asked my ortho questions when I get a chance to- usually he so busy talking to parents and not paying attention to the fact that he has a grown patient in front of him- but even my questions don't get real answers. The latest is that I was to get a phone call back from him on Friday re: my grinding and clenching-only to get no phone call-then I called today because I have been in so much pain over the weekend that I couldn't eat-it literally would put me in tears anytime my bottom lip touched my teeth- even yawning hurt-I wanted to know if it was normal-I get a phone call this afternoon telling me the ortho is out on vacation and that my regular dentist should be calling me-for what I don't know...is this behaviour normal or should I be looking for a new ortho???? I can honestly say this ortho is making this whole thing a lot harder than I think it should be!

#2 Post by **bbsadmin** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:32 pm

Your ortho should have an "on call ortho" to refer you to when he is on vacation. His behavior and unwillingness to answer your questions seems very unprofessional to me. Many "regular dentists" are not equipped to deal with orthodontic problems -- they don't have the same tools. I remember once I asked a local dentist if he could clip a poking wire and he said that he didn't have the proper type of wire cutters to do it!

Perhaps you should schedule a sit-down "consultation" with your ortho during an off-hour so that you have his undivided attention for at least 10 minutes.

#3 Post by **shinyam** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:25 pm

Boy, just hearing about this jack*** makes me fell really angry.

I guess you're stuck with him, though, so make sure you have a talk with him and tell him to get his act together. This is ridiculous.

#4 Post by **legallylexi** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 11:53 am

Thanks for the support. I am going to make a call to set an appointment to sit down and talk to him about my concerns and questions. Hopefully he will be returning from vacation soon enough. I am just glad to know this is not normal procedure or treatment from orthos

#5 Post by **fins** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:45 pm

I try not to bother my ortho too much but if I leave a message for a return call, I get one. I agree, your ortho sounds unprofessional. My office will get you in if you have a problem and can be a little flexible with the time. I think it's a good idea to schedule a separate appointment - get your questions ready!

Sometimes you have to be very firm with the office staff if you think you need to be seen and they are trying to blow you off. Be insistent and they should get the message.

#6 Post by **payoki** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:47 pm

It's really sad, we're paying all this money to get their professional sevices
and yet I too feel like I'm imposing everytime I have a problem or a question. My ortho has a tendency to just brush me off as if I'm paranoid or something.