Fourteenth Adjustment

Today I had a lower incisor re-bracketed. I think it was tooth 25. I wasn't told. I was under the impression that I was going to have more lower anterior teeth re-bracketed. I am not sure what is going on? I called the orthodontist office and left a message to get some answers, due to him racing off to the next patient. During our meeting (last month) I thought this appointment was going to include more. I also thought there would be a little more communication. I am really concerned about this office. I had to tell the Dental Assistant to tie a molar bracket in. It never seems that the orthodontist ever checks the Dental Assistants work. They never seem to know my elastics size (Korea), I always have to tell them. The assistant didn't even talk to the orthodontist, I swear she decided that I should wear elastics. They don't keep you informed and never ask if I have questions (even though I brought this up in my letter). My next appointment is 02/22/2010 at 8:50 AM. See the photos after the adjustment above.

Meeting With Orthodontist

I met with my Orthodontist on 01/04/2010 at 8:10 AM to discuss some of my concerns. I mailed a letter to the Orthodontist Office (see below) with my concerns and they wanted to have a meeting with me. The Orthodontist is the one who mapped out my treatment plan and stated they can get the "black triangles" smaller. He also said my bite is coming along great from wearing the elastics. He thinks the only compromise will be the missing lower incisor. He also appologized for the issues that I had last time. It was a productive meeting.

Complaint Letter:
December 23, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I went in for an adjustment on December 22, 2009. I saw Dr. XXXX (I normally see XXXX). The adjustment went fine and I had some questions that I wanted to ask. It seemed like my questions were a burden to Dr. XXXX I know the practice is extremely busy, but I as patient deserve time to ask questions. When I asked him a question it felt like I was “squeezing” it in between patients. The fact that I had to ask the question while he was working on another patient is also bothersome. I am sure the “no questions” approach works well with children, but I am an adult and I paid for the treatment and deserve to have my questions asked and answered.

My issue is that I am very concerned about the extraction site. Now that it is “somewhat” closed, the level of the gum is lower than the rest of teeth. Plus, there is a “black triangle” there because of the shape of the teeth. Dr. XXXX said there isn’t much that can be done about this and I should ask Dr. XXXX I know it isn’t a “big deal” to Dr. XXXX, but I can assure you it is a big deal to me. Who knows which doctor will be there next time? It is always varies.

I put my trust in this practice and I thought it was one where it can be an open dialogue between patient and doctor. This experience has me starting to regret my decision in choosing this office to perform orthodontic work. I know it is a little too late 17 months in to feel that way, but I do feel that way. I guess since I paid for the treatment I am out of luck and I have to go along with the ride and hope for the best.


Sincerely,

XXXXXX

Thirteenth Adjustment

Yesterday was my thirteenth adjustment. I saw a different orthodontist at the practive. I received a new wire on the top. It was the same as my last wire on the top, but they wanted to replace it. I also had a bracket repositioned on tooth 23. The also place the old wire back on the bottom with the same bend. My front teeth were tied top and bottom with a steel wire tie. I still have to wear the elastics in the same configuration from my last appointment. My next adjustment is 01/19/2010 at 3:10 PM. I am unhappy with the way my bottom teeth look. I have a huge black triangle from the extraction site and the orthodontist I saw yesterday seemed like he didn't care and wanted me to speak with my orthodontist. The gum line is a lot lower in that area than other teeth. I have been slacking with the photos, but I will post them.

SOS Appointment/Twelfth Adjustment

I went in for an SOS Appointment today for a broken lower arch wire. They also decided to complete my Twelfth adjustment during the SOS visit. The appointment on 11/24/2009 is cancelled. During this appointment I received a new lower wire with a weird bend on the left side near the last molar. They broke the clip off the molar tube and tied the wire in with a metal tie. I received a new cleat on the second bicuspid on the left side upper arch. I have a new configuration going on. On the left side... From the inside of the top 2nd molar to the inside of the 2nd bicuspid to the front of the lower 2nd molar to the front of the lower 2nd bicuspid. It makes like a box shape. On the other side I have an elastic running from the inside of my top 2nd molar to the outside of the bottom 2nd molar. They said my top arch is too narrow (crossbite) and they are using this along with a wire to widen the top arch. My next adjutment is 12/22/2009 at 9:30 am. They plan to reposition a lower bracket and begin closing space between two lower incisors.

Dental Cleaning/Exam

On Saturday 10/24/2009 I had a dental cleaning and an exam. My teeth are fine and I have no cavities. My next dental appointment is 05/08/2010.

Eleventh Adjustment

Today I received cleats on the inside of my top back molars. I am wearing a (Korea) rubber bands from the inside of the top molars to the bottom molars. I received an 018 straight wire to help expand the top. They said I have a cross bite and want to start working on that. They also tied the upper 6 and bottom 6 with a braided stainless steel tie. I have my next appointment on 11/24/2009 at 8:20 AM.

Tenth Adjustment

Today was my tenth adjustment and I received a new wire on the bottom and clear powerchains. I am not sure of the wire size. My eleventh adjustment is 10/31/2009 at 8:00 AM.