Invisalign didn't work, where do I file a complaint?

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#1 Post by **24braceface** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 1:06 pm

I was wondering who I could file a complaint with regarding my dentist. I had an edge to edge bite, he promised he could fix it. Not only was the edge to edge bite not fixed but he left me with an open bite on both sides and other dental problems. He promised the case would be fixed within a 1 year, and obviously it wasn't and he kept dragging it out. When I wanted to cut all ties with him, be begain calling my personal phone and even my mother's phone. I'd like to be reimbursed. What do I do? At the very least, I need to file a complaint. I have pictures to prove that he didn't fix my bite. Oh and also I am in need of surgery.

#2 Post by **Wireless** » Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:51 am

Depending on where you are, there are boards certifying professionals. However, much would depend on the doc's track record and if he has a history of problems elsewhere. You could also contact Invisalign, since they have a certification program.

Your example does show the importance of checking out a doc in advance. I had a similar experience about 20 years ago where a family dentist wanted to correct my deep bite with regular braces. I let him do it based on the fact he had taken over the practice and was recommended by my retiring dentist. As he progressed with work on my teeth, I realized he had very limited ortho experience and really should not have been doing this work. However, in my case things did turn out better - I didn't have a serious relapse for a number of years. I did, as you said you are going to do, changes dentists after I realized this doc was trying to do other high priced services deemed unneccesary by second opinions after he had completed my ortho work.

For anyone with special problems, I think an orthodontist is best as they can decide the best treatment method and follow up with other methods should one fail.

Good luck!!

#3 Post by **Ems** » Fri Aug 27, 2010 12:12 pm

I need to do the same as i have had nothing but bother with my dentist and also he now tells me after finishing my first set of refinements that my tooth next to my front teeth isnt moving down like it should and he is now saying i will need fixed braces am so unhappy i could have gone with fix braces in the begining but i didnt want to wear a fix brace so opted for invisalign, i was so happy and excited and now its not working nearly 2 years on. I want to complain and hopefully get some of my money back at least.

#4 Post by **drrick** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:44 pm

If you complain to a board they do not give you your money back.

That isnt their function.

#5 Post by **Ems** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 4:49 pm

What can i do then to at least get some of my money back?

#6 Post by **ptblogger** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:34 pm

Small claims court maybe...if you really feel he's incompetent and you don't want to accept his offer of finishing your case with braces maybe you would be awarded the amount it would cost you to have another ortho treat you.

If you plan to complain to the board and your ortho is reprimanded or whatever they do...you could use that in your case I would think.

#7 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 6:00 am

As drrick mentioned, the complaints process with a dental licensing body is not the way to get your money back. There may not really be much of a case here, as your doctor has offered you a solution to complete your orthodontic treatment. In other words, he is willing to give you the results you want...

As wireless mentioned, the experience of an Invisalign doctor is so important to avoid situations such as this one. Unfortunately, the majority of certified doctors, whether orthodontists or general dentists, still do not understand how to move teeth properly with aligners.

Your best bet is to speak with your doctor and let him know how you feel. Good luck :).

#8 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:52 am

As a side note, the title of this thread would be more appropriately, "my dentist/orthodontist was unable to complete my treatment with Invisalign".

I know I have made this point many times, but Invisalign is a technique driven by the doctor. There aren't any posts about "braces did not work" so why should Invisalign be any different? If used correctly and in the right situations, Invisalign is another excellent way to line up teeth and bites.

Remember that your Invisalign treatment experience and results will be different depending on the doctor you work with.

#9 Post by **Ems** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 10:22 am

Thank you for your replies I will speak to my dentist again and see what he says, I am happy with him but he says invisalign does not always work on some cases, he is a professional dentist so i have no worries with him and i understand he has offered to fix my teeth with a brace but my complaint is invisalign should not say it works on all cases when clearly it doesnt as my tooth has not been pulled down and straighted correctly. I am not happy that i have been offered a fixed brace as i could have had this in the begining and it would have cost me less money. I opted for invisalign as i thought this would have worked and no one would notice i have this on my teeth, now i will have to accept the fixed brace which i didnt want.

#10 Post by **SimoSorriso** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 10:32 am

Hello Dr. Tam,
I have a question regarding how the Invisalign could work in same cases. My example: after years my teeth became crocked again and I see that even the bone is changed and my face in general. Can the Invisalign works in this case to move back even the bone or it is just for alignments?

Thanks a lot!!