Taking the plunge...
- Thread starter mrmajestic723
- Start date
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
My next appointment is in 3 hours!!! This is the office that has the $2,999 braces. It would be a big savings. It does matter to me what the quality of the office is like. My wife said that quality is more important to her than money but if I'm not sacrificing one for the other than all the better. I'm curious to see how much their plan differs from the first practice.
Wish me luck.
Wish me luck.
Good luck!
Carrie chose one of the least expensive practices she visited. It's been totally fine. Okay, it doesn't have an espresso machine and a video arcade like some of them, but whatever. Everyone is very pleasant and she likes the geeky ortho. Go in with an open mind and you might be surprised.
Don't forget to update us after the consult!
Carrie chose one of the least expensive practices she visited. It's been totally fine. Okay, it doesn't have an espresso machine and a video arcade like some of them, but whatever. Everyone is very pleasant and she likes the geeky ortho. Go in with an open mind and you might be surprised.
Don't forget to update us after the consult!
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
I was very disappointed with the office today. I had to wait in a very small waiting room for nearly an hour so I could get a chair in the private room for a consultation.
The room itself was not a disaster but had damaged paint/drywall. The orthodontist was very reticent to help me when my major issue was TMJ despite my class III bite.
He warned that it could make TMJ worse and we would have to remove the braces. Next he gave me a plan that would involve elastics (although he warned the don't work as well on adults) he also wanted to extract the baby tooth I still have. The only "up swing" if there was one was he wanted to take 22 months vs the 18-20 of ortho number 1.
I'm happy that I went so I can eliminate them and not second guess higher priced offices. Maybe it isn't always good to be a snob but you often get what you are willing to pay for in industries like this.
The room itself was not a disaster but had damaged paint/drywall. The orthodontist was very reticent to help me when my major issue was TMJ despite my class III bite.
He warned that it could make TMJ worse and we would have to remove the braces. Next he gave me a plan that would involve elastics (although he warned the don't work as well on adults) he also wanted to extract the baby tooth I still have. The only "up swing" if there was one was he wanted to take 22 months vs the 18-20 of ortho number 1.
I'm happy that I went so I can eliminate them and not second guess higher priced offices. Maybe it isn't always good to be a snob but you often get what you are willing to pay for in industries like this.
Well, that's a bummer, but at least you learned something from the experience.
Carrie got a similar warning about elastics not doing as much for adults, so that may be a common thing with orthos who are trying to manage expectations.
You can always lengthen your treatment by postponing appointments and such.
Carrie got a similar warning about elastics not doing as much for adults, so that may be a common thing with orthos who are trying to manage expectations.
You can always lengthen your treatment by postponing appointments and such.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
I called an orthodontist this morning who is willing to see me on Monday. He is only 15-20 mins away so it is much further than the 5 minutes of the other practices I've talked to but still not bad.
On a side note: over 1,000 views and only TWO commenters. If you are interested enough to check in at least say hello. I may just message Mike and Cassandra privately from now on. This is a community, I won't bite anyone (unless they are local). Lol
On a side note: over 1,000 views and only TWO commenters. If you are interested enough to check in at least say hello. I may just message Mike and Cassandra privately from now on. This is a community, I won't bite anyone (unless they are local). Lol
15-20 minutes isn't so bad. I mean, you only go every six weeks or so when in active treatment. Carrie's ortho is about 20 minutes away (without traffic) and it's not a big deal.
I think the lack of engagement here comes down to two things:
- Lots of lurkers. It's common on internet forums. Most people just want to consume content rather than participate or contribute.
- You're male and most people here are straight males.
My thread about Carrie's journey got 13 people who replied (not counting Carrie and me). I'm very grateful for that level of engagement, especially since I didn't expect it, but it's still not a proportionately big number considering that thread is approaching 9000 views. It's just the nature of these things.
I think the lack of engagement here comes down to two things:
- Lots of lurkers. It's common on internet forums. Most people just want to consume content rather than participate or contribute.
- You're male and most people here are straight males.
My thread about Carrie's journey got 13 people who replied (not counting Carrie and me). I'm very grateful for that level of engagement, especially since I didn't expect it, but it's still not a proportionately big number considering that thread is approaching 9000 views. It's just the nature of these things.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
I agree with what you are saying Mike. However, I feel like we have had a good time networking on here and now off. I'm just hoping to make another friend or two.
Braceface2015
Platinum Member
About 6 years ago I had a bridge that was loose. I checked with an orthodontist about the possibility of having braces put on to close the gap where the bridge was. At that time the bridge had been in place for about 15 years. He told me that there would be surgery involved, and that even then I would not be satisfied with the end result. The gap was very close to the front and moving the teeth would not create a balanced look. After he had moved the teeth I would still need a crown on the tooth to make it look right. It would have been to costly to have all the work done.
Both my dentist and the orthodontist advised getting the bridge replaced, which is what I had done. After the bridge was replaced, my teeth began to shift. The old bridge had held the top teeth in the same place for that long. When the bridge came loose, they started moving a little. My bottom teeth rested against the back of the bridge, so they didn't move. My teeth in front had a small amount of height difference. After the bridge was replaced, my teeth had just enough room to shift slightly. I also had a couple of root canals done about the same time.
I started to notice a change in how I was chewing my food.
At the same time that this was going on, my wife went to her dentist to have a cavity filled. The dentist ended up cracking the tooth so badly he had to pull it. The choices we had were to leave the gap, put in an implant or bridge or get her braces to close the gap. We decided to go with braces because it would be cheaper than replacing a bridge a couple of times. We also didn't want to grind down healthy teeth if we didn't need to.
I went to see her orthodontist about what was happening to my teeth. Her orthodontist told me I would have to wait until my teeth had settled into their new positions before she would even consider doing anything. My dentist and my wife's orthodontist did give me a couple of temporary appliances to do some short term things to help. My dentist did try and talk me into just doing crowns and veneers , but that would not fix the problem only hide it. The orthodontist did talk about using invisalign at first, but I didn't want that because she was not sure about being able to do it without brackets at some point. At the time I was driving long haul truck, and she wasn't sure I could make all my appointments on time.
I changed jobs. We moved about 2 hours from where we were. I asked for referrals to new dentists and orthodontists near our new place. The new orthodontist was more willing to treat me.
I had some more dental work done, just replacing fillings and a very thorough cleaning.
My new orthodontist was confident that he could fix my teeth for me. He offered me several options. My choices were metal brackets, ceramic brackets or invisalign. I chose metal because I like the look, and it was a little cheaper.
It took over six years between the first time I talked to an orthodontist and I actually got braces.
Have patience, it will happen eventually.
Both my dentist and the orthodontist advised getting the bridge replaced, which is what I had done. After the bridge was replaced, my teeth began to shift. The old bridge had held the top teeth in the same place for that long. When the bridge came loose, they started moving a little. My bottom teeth rested against the back of the bridge, so they didn't move. My teeth in front had a small amount of height difference. After the bridge was replaced, my teeth had just enough room to shift slightly. I also had a couple of root canals done about the same time.
I started to notice a change in how I was chewing my food.
At the same time that this was going on, my wife went to her dentist to have a cavity filled. The dentist ended up cracking the tooth so badly he had to pull it. The choices we had were to leave the gap, put in an implant or bridge or get her braces to close the gap. We decided to go with braces because it would be cheaper than replacing a bridge a couple of times. We also didn't want to grind down healthy teeth if we didn't need to.
I went to see her orthodontist about what was happening to my teeth. Her orthodontist told me I would have to wait until my teeth had settled into their new positions before she would even consider doing anything. My dentist and my wife's orthodontist did give me a couple of temporary appliances to do some short term things to help. My dentist did try and talk me into just doing crowns and veneers , but that would not fix the problem only hide it. The orthodontist did talk about using invisalign at first, but I didn't want that because she was not sure about being able to do it without brackets at some point. At the time I was driving long haul truck, and she wasn't sure I could make all my appointments on time.
I changed jobs. We moved about 2 hours from where we were. I asked for referrals to new dentists and orthodontists near our new place. The new orthodontist was more willing to treat me.
I had some more dental work done, just replacing fillings and a very thorough cleaning.
My new orthodontist was confident that he could fix my teeth for me. He offered me several options. My choices were metal brackets, ceramic brackets or invisalign. I chose metal because I like the look, and it was a little cheaper.
It took over six years between the first time I talked to an orthodontist and I actually got braces.
Have patience, it will happen eventually.
Braceface2015
Platinum Member
As for replying to posts, I don't usually reply unless I have something meaningful to say. As for the color of elastics and powerchains, I think that it is a personal choice. I choose colors that I enjoy, rather than what I think others may want.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
Thanks for the responses so far guys and gals.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
More consultations to go. My next is on Monday. I'll keep everyone posted.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
I had an amazing appointment today!
I made an appointment on a whim on Friday and they were able to take me this morning.
The office was in an unimpressive from the outside but wonderful inside.
Once I was taken back, I met a friendly assistant who took free X-rays. (The first office charged me and the second office didn't take any).
They showed me to an office where they looked over my X-rays while I watched a video on various problems and techniques. I had to pretend to be somewhat ignorant.
The orthodontist I met first was a young Asian Dr. with some kind of clear retainer or invisilign on. It was so hard not to stare. She looked over my X-rays and determined somethings that were not mentioned at either previous appointment. For instance, my top rear molars have no corresponding teeth on the bottom and will need to be removed at some point to avoid future problems. During her evaluation I met the orthodontist who's name was on the practice. She looked at my X-rays, my teeth and had me bite in a few different ways. She agreed with the younger ortho on wanting to save my remaining baby tooth and trying to close the empty space on the opposite side.
It would be 20-24 months of metal braces with elastics.
The price was just under $5,000. There is no down payment here and since the treatment is long enough it would be around $150 a month.
I was very happy and impressed. They scheduled me for aug. 4th to sign the papers and get my spacers. I need to discuss it with the wife, but I feel great about this place.
And the head ortho had lower metal braces as well as another ortho or tech walking around.
Questions? Thoughts? Share away.
I made an appointment on a whim on Friday and they were able to take me this morning.
The office was in an unimpressive from the outside but wonderful inside.
Once I was taken back, I met a friendly assistant who took free X-rays. (The first office charged me and the second office didn't take any).
They showed me to an office where they looked over my X-rays while I watched a video on various problems and techniques. I had to pretend to be somewhat ignorant.
The orthodontist I met first was a young Asian Dr. with some kind of clear retainer or invisilign on. It was so hard not to stare. She looked over my X-rays and determined somethings that were not mentioned at either previous appointment. For instance, my top rear molars have no corresponding teeth on the bottom and will need to be removed at some point to avoid future problems. During her evaluation I met the orthodontist who's name was on the practice. She looked at my X-rays, my teeth and had me bite in a few different ways. She agreed with the younger ortho on wanting to save my remaining baby tooth and trying to close the empty space on the opposite side.
It would be 20-24 months of metal braces with elastics.
The price was just under $5,000. There is no down payment here and since the treatment is long enough it would be around $150 a month.
I was very happy and impressed. They scheduled me for aug. 4th to sign the papers and get my spacers. I need to discuss it with the wife, but I feel great about this place.
And the head ortho had lower metal braces as well as another ortho or tech walking around.
Questions? Thoughts? Share away.
mrmajestic723
Gold Member
I'll be away for vacation next week but next Saturday and that Tuesday I have consulatations. I've decided to see them just to be sure. Unless the really impress me I'll be getting the signing the papers and getting my spacers with ortho number 3 on August 4th. Not much else to share.
I'm keeping it a secret from everyone except my wife. I want to see how long it will take for people to realize if I don't advertise that I'm getting them to friends and family either in conversation or via Facebook.
I'm keeping it a secret from everyone except my wife. I want to see how long it will take for people to realize if I don't advertise that I'm getting them to friends and family either in conversation or via Facebook.
Yeah, Carrie kept it pretty well under wraps before she got hers, too. Her sister and best friend knew, and my daughter and her husband, but that's about it. I don't think the rest of her (big Mormon) family knew until she posted a pic in their group text. Her sister-in-law just asked, "When did you get braces?" Carrie replied, "About a week ago. Fancy, huh?" And that was the end of the braces discussion in the group.
Carrie and I have a pretty broad social circle, so we run into lots of people who don't know she got braces, even now, a couple of months later. But frankly, after the initial "hey, you got braces" recognition, almost no one gives a damn. It's a WAY bigger deal to us here than it is to anyone outside the braces community.
All that said, neither Carrie nor I are enthusiastic users of social media. I seriously cannot remember the last time either of us posted on Facebook (I call it Boomerbook and only have an account because my job requires it), and she's literally never posted a pic on her Instagram account. Social media reactions might differ from face-to-face interactions. Will be interesting to see if your results differ.