Seventeenth Adjustment

I received a new wire on the lower. I think an 018 off the spool. It seems thicker. No changes to the top arch.

I received news of my possible final appointments:
05/24/2010: Nineteenth Adjustment 8:20 AM
(They are going to rebracket a lower incisor and I will have to wear an elastic on the left side next appt)
06/21/2010: Twentieth Adjustment 8:00 AM
07/19/2010: De-Bandment (Hopefully) 9:50 AM
07/20/2010: Retainer 2:30 PM

SOS Appointment

I had a bend in the lower wire. The wire was replaced.

Sixteenth Adjustment

I saw a different Orthodontist than I usually do. My sixteenth adjustment was on 03/24/2010. I changed it from 03/22/2010. The powerchain was taken off the top. The top teeth were braided. I received a 014 wire on the bottom. No braid or chain on bottom. I am taking a break from the elastics. My jaw has been popping when I yawn. They may put me in an Essex retained when I am done to relax my jaw. My next adjustment is 04/26/2010.

Fifteenth Adjustment

My fifteenth adjustment was on 02/22/2010. I had a lower incisor re-bracketed. I think tooth number 23 was the one. They also placed a power chain on the top arch 6x6. Both archwires stayed the same. Elastic configuration is still the same. My next adjustment is 03/22/2010.

SOS Appointment

Today (02/01/2010) I went in for an SOS appointment. My top archwire broke. They replaced it with a new square wire. It is very thick. I think it is an 018. They didn't braid the top arch. Elastic configuration is still the same.

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