Can i change orthodontist?

my orthodontist and his assistants are very nonchalant and they never speak. I just started the process and have a habit appliance in now. my ortho never gave me a treatment plan like sit down with me and tell me what will happen. the other day when i got the habit appliance in i had the sign the forms and I heard them talking about not having my records and they almost had me sign something with someone else's name on it. I don't know if they found my xrays but if they don't have those how could the doc have looked at them and determined if my teeth is strong enough for braces or if i needed teeth removed. I asked the assistant when I will get braces on she said in a couple of months. they happyely take my money but treat me like a number I want to change and get my down payment back befor I get braces which I don't know if i will ever get at teh rate they are going. Are all ortho offices like that. I always hear upset people especially parents is this normal or should i leave

Can i change orthodontist?
Yes, although you have to tell your old orthodontist taht you will be needing your records because your new orthodontist will need them. Here in the Philippines, it's ethically not allowed when a dentist continues a case without due permission or information.
Reply:You need to ask first the new orthodontist you want to goto if they will pick up where you left off and you need to ask your insurance carrier. Other then that you are free to do what you want.


As far as getting your money back - check if you signed a contract promising payment.
Reply:yes you can...all u need to do is loo it up in the phone book and make sure your health insureance accepts then as part of their plan or you will have to pay out of your own poket ...beleive me... i have braces and happy that my health insureance is paying for the one I moved to...lol
Reply:Hi,





Sounds like you got one of the bad apples! I would be flying out of his/her office with all of my records/X-rays/impressions ASAP! Plus, I would notify the Dental BOARD in your STATE of the misdeeds! You are well within your rights to seek out another orthodontist, and I mean FAST! I would also check the Dental Board in your State's Capital for any demerits, blemishes, suspensions, or any other type of action(s) taken against this weasel! LEAVE ASAP with all of your RECORDS -- you PAID for them ALREADY and they MUST, BY LAW give them to you (with a small copying fee sometimes) BY all means RUN to a REPUTABLE ORTHODONTIST!!!!!!!
Reply:I'm a dentist.





First off, quit your whining.





"Losing" x-rays is not a major problem as you'd have everyone on this forum believe. It takes us five minutes to get new x-rays on patients should the need arise.





If you feel you're being neglected, for God's sake, talk to the doctor! He's a reasonable person, and I'm sure he'd do whatever is necessary to treat you appropriately.





(I'm shocked to see that some ****** above me suggested that you file a complaint with the state's dental board over this problem. Some people just have a real chip on their shoulders when it comes to doctors, and are sue-happy bitches. People like that make us feel even more comfortable with charging an arm and a leg for our services).