What is expected at the first retainer check?

[QT]

Hi feel a little disappointed, had my first retainer check, but the ortho didn't even check my teeth or the essix retainer, just came in and stood there and asked how are you going, I barely got to address my minor concerns. I had to get him to come back in so I could actually tell him my concerns. I have two teeth that could do with a minor adjustment, but he refused to acknowledge or look at the teeth I was talking about! am annoyed right now.
Is this normal for the orthodontist to NOT check the teeth at the first retainer check?

[Bracer215]

Well I am still in braces but it does indeed seem unusual that he would not even look at your teeth. I would think he would want to make sure that they are not moving and still in alignment.

[Sita]

I'm new to braces but I did see a girl getting her retainer and teeth checked last time I was at my orthos office. It's an open office place so little privacy really. Anyway what I saw was him check her teeth with and without the retainer in. It was a very quick appointment but they all seemed happy with the results.

[sea54change]

QT-

I had my first check for the upper retainer and the ortho made minor adjustments to my Hawley. He also spent time showing me what he was adjusting it for. However that's his style. He always makes sure all my questions are answered and is very detailed in his explanations.

I have another appointment to check my bottom Hawley retiner next week.

Sounds like your ortho either had a busy day or is mentally done with you as a patient. I suggest looking at your contract and see exactly what is covered after the braces come off. He might need a gentle reminder.

[loradora]

So what's the point of going in. I just had my last retainer check today - he puts the retainers in to see how they fit ... if they're tight your teeth are probably shifting and you're not wearing them enough and if they're loose the retainer may need to be adjusted. I definitely think he should have checked your teeth and retainers.

[QT]

Hi guys,

Thank you all for responding, sorry I took a while to reply back. Yes I agree with you all my ortho SHOULD have at least checked my teeth and retainer at the first check, what a waste of my time! I don't live near the practice either. I will definitely write an email to complain about this as it makes me angry that my ortho did not care. All I got was a meek 'sorry if he seemed a little rushed' apology from his practice office manager. I simply responded with 'yes but I still did not get to ask him about my concerns, I need him to come back in!??'. NOT good enough. I paid quite a lot of money for my braces so I expect 100% service every time - with or without braces.

I have also decided to ditch my ortho as well, after the last appointment experience. I have taken on a new orthodontist at the retainer stage, I went to see this ortho a few months back, before I was about to get debraced for a 2nd opinion. He thoroughy examined my teeth and bite and recommended that a few things still needed to be addressed. He wrote a letter to my ortho explaining to him how some issues could still be worked on and improved before debracing. Nothing eventuated from his advice, my ortho was too set in his ways.

I'm so happy my new ortho has agreed to take me on, even though he has a 6 month waiting list I had new moulds and photographs taken yesterday to be examined for my next appointment to discuss what he recommends should be done to improve my final result. I cannot wait. Of course this will cost me some money but it will be worth every cent.

My advice to anyone out there is if you are not happy about an aspect of your treatment and most importantly your final result, and you have done all you can to flag it with your ortho, take action! Don't let the ortho talk you into an 'its as best as I can get it' result - meaning he may only see one way of fixing your teeth but another ortho might actually have a better solution or approach.

[tibia]

Sounds like good advice. My orthodontist gets one more chance to acknowledge I still have a problem (after braces being removed), then I'll talk to someone else. Seems like they don't like it when things don't turn out just right!