Orthodonist Issues

SicklySweet

Hi there!

I got braces at aged 18 on my top set of teeth and at 19, got my bottom set in once the top were removed. I moved away for a while and when I went to an orthodontist in that city, i was told no, as orthodontists don't like doing other orthodontists work. I tried several times to back an appointment with my previous orthodontist, and they insisted they would send me an appointment. They never did.

Now, fast forward to today, my teeth are in absolute agony. I called again to my previous orthodontist, and had to speak with the most rudest secretary ever. My ortho has retired, and they're unable to give me an appointment, even though she had brought up my patient information and listed out the dates i attended the clinic!

It's really upset me and blew my confidence. Can anyone offer advice? I'm days away from taking them off myself as i'm at my wits end To my knowledge, this was done on the HSE, but am unsure what the situation is with payment. I just want them off, but will continue with treatment if necessary

davo10

SicklySweet wrote: »

Hi there!

I got braces at aged 18 on my top set of teeth and at 19, got my bottom set in once the top were removed. I moved away for a while and when I went to an orthodontist in that city, i was told no, as orthodontists don't like doing other orthodontists work. I tried several times to back an appointment with my previous orthodontist, and they insisted they would send me an appointment. They never did.

Now, fast forward to today, my teeth are in absolute agony. I called again to my previous orthodontist, and had to speak with the most rudest secretary ever. My ortho has retired, and they're unable to give me an appointment, even though she had brought up my patient information and listed out the dates i attended the clinic!

It's really upset me and blew my confidence. Can anyone offer advice? I'm days away from taking them off myself as i'm at my wits end To my knowledge, this was done on the HSE, but am unsure what the situation is with payment. I just want them off, but will continue with treatment if necessary

Could I ask a few questions which might help you with replies:

• what age are you?
• Did you have to pay for treatment done so far?, if not, then it was done by HSE.
• Did you tell previous ortho that you were discontinuing treatment there when you moved away?
• How long has it been since you attended previous ortho?

SicklySweet

25 now, embarrassingly. I kept putting it off as i didn't want a lecture as to why i haven't been there sooner.
No, i didn't have to pay, so it was done by the HSE.
And 3-4 years ago the secretary told me when she put my patient file up on her computer.

davo10

SicklySweet wrote: »

25 now, embarrassingly. I kept putting it off as i didn't want a lecture as to why i haven't been there sooner.
No, i didn't have to pay, so it was done by the HSE.
And 3-4 years ago the secretary told me when she put my patient file up on her computer.

Ok, SS.

Unfortunately there are some harsh truths to face. At 25 you are out of the HSE system as they have responsibility only for children up to 16. The reason your treatment was started when you were older than 16 is that you were probably placed on their waiting list for treatment when you younger.

As you did not return for/complete treatment when you first moved away, they no longer have a responsibility to restart it now after 4 years. There are thousands of children on the ortho waiting lists.

Other Orthos do not want to take on the responsibility of completing a treatment someone else started as they would assume the liability if the result is unsatisfactory.

Most dentists will be able to take off the appliances, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer releasing them of responsibility for any tooth movement after debond.

Do not take them off yourself, you will probably damage the enamel and you will not be able to remove the bands that are around your molars.

You have to accept the responsibility for your predicament, you were given a huge opportunity to recieve free ortho treatment and you did not see it through.

Your pain may be due to gum infections/decay, teeth are always more difficult to clean when braces are on, yours have been there for a minimum 6 years.

Options:

1 Go see a private orthodontist, tell him/her that you want to remove old brace and start again, be prepared to pay the full price for treatment which will probably cost 2-4 thousand.

2 Go see a dentist, sign the disclaimer and have the appliances removed. Then watch your teeth move.

SicklySweet

Thank you for the detailed post Davo!