I was recommended to visit by my dentist, when my permanent retainer on my bottom teeth became uncemented from my tooth. When I called them, they informed me I would need a full appointment and consultation to fix it.
When I met with the dental assistant, I explained the issue thoroughly and that I wanted to have it recemented or discuss having the permanent retainer removed all together, as my previous orthodontist who put it on told me that after 10 years or so, and once it started to break on its own, it was probably time to come off. Since I've had this on for 14 years or so, I brought this up as an option based on the previous information I received. She told me that my teeth would probably move and she wouldn't recommend that, but we would see what the Orthodontist says. I told her I was open to suggestions on the easiest and most affordable way to fix.
Eventually, the orthodontist came in, made recommendations, and left quickly, with little explanation or time to even process what was said. He showed me imperfections in my bite, etc. He didn't directly address the broken retainer, but since that was very clearly the purpose of my visit, I assumed that his recommendations were to fix my existing issue, not address new issues. Somehow, within minutes, the recommendation spiraled into getting Invisalign-- which again, my frazzled self thought was because recementing it wasn't an option and Invisalign was maybe a cheaper option to maintain my alignment in the way the retainer had, as opposed to reinstalling a brand new retainer? Before I knew it, I was back with the assistant again, who was quoting me thousands of dollars for Invisalign, which oh by the way, insurance doesn't even cover when you're my age.
At this point, something was feeling way off and I knew I could not afford Invisalign-- remember-- my initial ask was for a quick and affordable recommendation to fix my retainer. So finally, I asked for some more clarification as to why they can't just recement it and why specifically they were recommending Invisalign to me. Finally, it clicked that they were recommending this for a completely different issue. They conducted the visit as if I was a new patient simply wanting a consultation and treatment plan, not a patient with an existing issue that I simply wanted to fix.
Eventually, the assistant informed me that they CAN in fact recement my retainer-- free of charge. So finally, they sent me back and they executed the cementing quickly. However, where as the glue was previously under the wire and on top of my teeth, this was glued over, with an excessive bump of cement that affected my bite and left my mouth sore for weeks. They never once checked my bite to verify before letting me go, either.
So long story short--- it was a terrible, frustrating experience with a huge lack of communication. The speed in which they tried to push me through caused them to completely miss the entire point of my visit.
When they finally executed the main purpose of my visit, they failed at that too, causing me to have to have it adjusted elsewhere.
They are only in business because they very obviously cater to children. The lobby looks like a freaking arcade, with games, prizes, tokens, themes, etc. Kids clearly love the experience, so they don't have to worry about the brash attitude and incompetence of the staff. read more
