Orthon complained I ask too many questions?

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#1 Post by **gracey82** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:54 pm

After some conflicts with the receptionist (who is the ortho's wife),I have just visited the ortho and my ortho is complaining that I asked too many questions that he felt I do not trust him or his professionalism.

He said he has no patients who ask him so many questions as me and some of the questions I asked is not valid and too petty.

I asked him why is my gum line more showing and also it seems my arch is getting narrower? Also I have asked if i dont use the expander, what methods he use then to expand the arch? (He said this are technical question and leave the job for ortho to do the technical job).

I know I'm little overworry about slightest changes and I explained its not because I dont trust him but I need to have explanation why this is happening and know what to expect. The last time I didn't question and trust the doctor completely left me with an open surgery and a 8cm scar that is not needed. I'm very haunted by the experience and hence I want to take an active role when it concerns my health or dental.

Do you think i asked too many questions and the questions are not valid? the ortho is always fully booked and always busy and he felt he already spent too much time answering my question instead of getting the job done. The last time I was in , it only lasted less than 10 mins, with him brushing my questions away.

Anyway Im making appointment to see another ortho. I just wanna know if anyone has this much worries and questions as much as I do?

#2 Post by **nomadic myth** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:38 pm

You're his customer. Enough said IMO.

#3 Post by **starzz** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:31 am

You should be able to get your questions answered.

I know you are in Asia, but I forget which country? My impression of Asian culture is one should show a lot of respect for doctors (and orthos). Tell us more about this aspect of the culture in your country? It is important to find a way to ask the questions in a respectful manner. You want to act like you're really interested in the details of the treatment but not like you don't trust him.

I think you should tell him the story of what happened with your surgery, so he sees it's not him you don't trust, but just your reaction to the past experience.

That all being said, if you are still truly dissatisfied with the treatment or with the relationship, you can look into finding a new ortho.

IN my opinion, it is very important to have an ortho where you can communicate with the ortho and with the office staff.

#4 Post by **changes09** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:51 am

My ortho's wife is also the receptionistl. She can be very rude and I really don't like dealing with her, but I like my ortho. I work at a dental clinic and I know that some of them get irritaided by all the questions, just because they hear them all the time, and they feel like you are questioning them, but that gives your ortho no reason to be rude and say things like that. If you dontlike your ortho I say switch, maybe it will teach him to be nicer to hispatients

#5 Post by **gracey82** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 7:06 am

Hi starzz,

Yes, you are right in some part. I'm from Singapore. I was discussing it last time to my Americn friend. She also commented the same thing. Respect is very important part of the culture. And most of the time, people here dont question too much, or dont encourage to do so, as oppose in the States. Same apply when dealing with a professional.

I have told him about my past surgery to the point I was tearing. He then said he understand where Im coming from but mentioned I shouldnt distrust him because of the incident. Which again I repeated myself so many time its not the case.

I have seen another ortho today. I will end up have to pay $600-700 more to change orthon. The new ortho mentioned that since my case is not serious and just communication issue, I should sort it out and just stick it thru for another 15 sessions because she thinks its not worth it.

I'm torn. For the sake of money, I know I should. And probably just keep my mouth shut for the 10mins adjustment session n hopefully I dont concern so much and just let him do his job.

#6 Post by **epiphany7** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:11 pm

Hey, Gracey.

I understand you entirely. I ask TONS of questions to every health professional I visit. Partially because I'm a science geek and want to learn more about the procedure, and also because it's my body and I feel I have a right to know what's going on with it!

If your ortho is giving you a hard time, you can always just say to him that you're extremely curious about the science behind what he's doing, and want to learn from him. Sometimes people will respond more favorably if you approach them as if you want to learn from them, rather than if you're actually "questioning" them.

I hope this helps!

#7 Post by **starzz** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:26 pm

Gracey, it's good you got another opinion and it sounds like your treatment is going well, according to the other ortho. From what I saw of your pics, I agree your case seems not too complicated. Of course it's your decision if you want to spend another $600-$700.

That is good advice, epiphany! I am a bit like that too:) Maybe if you act like you are interested in a possible career in orthodontics, your questions will be taken as respectful.

I myself have had plenty of worries and questions. There seems time for me to ask a couple questions at each visit, before my ortho moves on to the next patient.

#8 Post by **fdd1212** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:02 am

My ortho enjoys answering the questions I've presented. I think he admires someone who actually cares about their teeth, as does my dentist. I'm sure they see a lot of younger clients that do not abide by the rules, meaning they don't floss, brush, etc. A good ortho that enjoys his/her job will welcome good questions and find them refreshing, IMO.