Dentists - You gotta be kidding me!

[The Captain]

Ok, so we moved about 10 months ago.  I'm finally trying to get a dentist lined up closer to our home (we've been driving 45 minutes one way to go to our old dentist)

DD is gonna need braces.  Not a single practice in our plan within 20 miles does both adult dentistry as well as pediatric braces.  A lot do adult braces for cosmetic reasons but don't do kids.   In addition, a lot of adult dentists don't do pediatric dentistry.

The closest place that does pediatric braces is 15 miles (about 30-40 minutes) away.  Hours - from 10 am to 6.  M-TH.  Yep, if we go in plan we'll need to take time off work for every visit.  Every.freaking.visit.

So I am now considering going out of plan for DD.  Screw it. 

We'll have to have one dentist for DH and I, one dentist for DD, and an orthodontist for DD.  At our old locations the practice did everything.  We can't stay with them because of the braces thing. 

It's a more affluent area and a lot of the practices do cosmetic dentistry pretty heavily.  In my old area the dentist was more of a general practitioner.

ugg.

[andi9899]

We have separate providers for dentistry and orthodontics. I don't know that I've ever seen one that does both.

[bean29]

I think my dental plan limits braces to about $1,000 anyways. Going outside your dental plan may well be worthwhile for you and your DH.

My Son never got braces, I had my DH take him to an orthodontist but we did not have Dental Insurance...it wasn't so much that we couldn't afford it - I just think the Dentists assumed we didn't have dental insurance and therefore we had limited funds. We didn't have dental insurance b/c small employer + self employed...but our income is way above average.

So my Son goes to get his senior pics taken and he did not smile in any of them. He won't smile b/c he is embarrassed about his teeth. Of course, now they are too old to have conventional braces.

DD's teeth are much better, but she could have had braces too. She still says only if she gets invisalign.

So, take some vacation time if you need to, but make the braces a priority. It is one of my big regrets.

[thyme4change]

Apr 30, 2015 15:23:46 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

We have separate providers for dentistry and orthodontics. I don't know that I've ever seen one that does both.

Make sure you aren't getting a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.  Better to go two different places and get two different things done correctly.  

[lynnerself]

Apr 30, 2015 15:23:46 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

We have separate providers for dentistry and orthodontics. I don't know that I've ever seen one that does both.

And we had a pediatric dentist. And when I had root canals, I had to go to an oral surgeon, my regular dentist would not do it.
Specialization seems to be the way it is done now.

[The Captain]

I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll be using a lot of vacation time for this.

In my old area my dentist had 4-6 dentists share one office suite under a common practice.  One was an oral surgeon, one an orthodontist, and several dentists (I think one did pediatrics only but my guy did both).  So if we could stick with the old office we'd be going to an ortho in the same practice.

The Ortho we'll take DD to has two offices in two locations and is a sole practitioner.  It's just seems inefficient to me to have office space that isn't utilized half the time.

Sigh.

[lynnerself]

3 of our providers were in the same medical building, even though they were not in practice together.

[vonna]

Apr 30, 2015 15:31:40 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Apr 30, 2015 15:23:46 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

We have separate providers for dentistry and orthodontics. I don't know that I've ever seen one that does both.

Make sure you aren't getting a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.  Better to go two different places and get two different things done correctly.  

orthodontics is very important -- make sure the one you choose gets good results.  I have a friend who is a dental hygeniest, and she has pointed out to me the different "end results".  To me, some of them look like "rabbit teeth."

[Bonny]

Apr 30, 2015 15:28:35 GMT -5 bean29 said:

I think my dental plan limits braces to about $1,000 anyways. Going outside your dental plan may well be worthwhile for you and your DH.

My Son never got braces, I had my DH take him to an orthodontist but we did not have Dental Insurance...it wasn't so much that we couldn't afford it - I just think the Dentists assumed we didn't have dental insurance and therefore we had limited funds. We didn't have dental insurance b/c small employer + self employed...but our income is way above average.

So my Son goes to get his senior pics taken and he did not smile in any of them. He won't smile b/c he is embarrassed about his teeth. Of course, now they are too old to have conventional braces.

DD's teeth are much better, but she could have had braces too. She still says only if she gets invisalign.

So, take some vacation time if you need to, but make the braces a priority. It is one of my big regrets.

Encourage your kids to do the invisalign. I'd didn't get braces as a kid and finally got them when I was about 45. I'm VERY happy with the results; just wish I had done it sooner because of the way my cross bite wore at one tooth.

My providers will help with financing too. I got a discount for paying cash.

[thyme4change]

Apr 30, 2015 15:43:21 GMT -5 The Captain said:

I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll be using a lot of vacation time for this.

In my old area my dentist had 4-6 dentists share one office suite under a common practice.  One was an oral surgeon, one an orthodontist, and several dentists (I think one did pediatrics only but my guy did both).  So if we could stick with the old office we'd be going to an ortho in the same practice.

The Ortho we'll take DD to has two offices in two locations and is a sole practitioner.  It's just seems inefficient to me to have office space that isn't utilized half the time.

Sigh.

I'm not sure how going to two different providers will cost more vacation time than going to one provider two times.

From the market research that I had access to and the financial analysis I have seen, it cans make sense to have two locations.  I don't recall the actual numbers - but people will choose an orthodontist that is X miles from their home or the kid's school.  So that second location is 90% customers that would not travel to your original location.  If you don't have a completely booked office, and you can't seem to rally any additional patients from the surrounding area, using your down days to work on the other side of town can be worth it.  The same employees usually work in both places, and your limit yourself if you are trying to get good employees and you are only willing to employ them part-time.  So you might have non-variable costs that are better covered with a little additional overhead, and a lot more paying customers. 

[Ryan]

I've never heard of a dentist that does braces, they always refer you to an orthodontist.  Besides, what's the big deal with having a different dentist/orthodontist for your daughter?  You have an appointment, you get into the car and drive...what's the difference if it's here or there.  

I'd research a little further, I think almost all dentists will do kids/adults for general dentistry.  

[The Captain]

May 4, 2015 9:01:33 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Apr 30, 2015 15:43:21 GMT -5 The Captain said:

I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll be using a lot of vacation time for this.

In my old area my dentist had 4-6 dentists share one office suite under a common practice.  One was an oral surgeon, one an orthodontist, and several dentists (I think one did pediatrics only but my guy did both).  So if we could stick with the old office we'd be going to an ortho in the same practice.

The Ortho we'll take DD to has two offices in two locations and is a sole practitioner.  It's just seems inefficient to me to have office space that isn't utilized half the time.

Sigh.

I'm not sure how going to two different providers will cost more vacation time than going to one provider two times.

From the market research that I had access to and the financial analysis I have seen, it cans make sense to have two locations.  I don't recall the actual numbers - but people will choose an orthodontist that is X miles from their home or the kid's school.  So that second location is 90% customers that would not travel to your original location.  If you don't have a completely booked office, and you can't seem to rally any additional patients from the surrounding area, using your down days to work on the other side of town can be worth it.  The same employees usually work in both places, and your limit yourself if you are trying to get good employees and you are only willing to employ them part-time.  So you might have non-variable costs that are better covered with a little additional overhead, and a lot more paying customers. 

I'm used to coordinating appointments. DD, DH, and I actually were synched up to all go on the same day (yes - my old dentist had Saturday hours!)

Plus, it's much easier to get two different people appointments on the same day if you are looking at one booking schedule as opposed to trying to schedule with two different providers.

Guess I was just really spoiled and didn't know it.

Didn't realize that about how the medical stuff works.  Guess that explains why a lot of Dr's have more than one office.

[chiver78]

Apr 30, 2015 17:34:05 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Apr 30, 2015 15:28:35 GMT -5 bean29 said:

I think my dental plan limits braces to about $1,000 anyways. Going outside your dental plan may well be worthwhile for you and your DH.

My Son never got braces, I had my DH take him to an orthodontist but we did not have Dental Insurance...it wasn't so much that we couldn't afford it - I just think the Dentists assumed we didn't have dental insurance and therefore we had limited funds. We didn't have dental insurance b/c small employer + self employed...but our income is way above average.

So my Son goes to get his senior pics taken and he did not smile in any of them. He won't smile b/c he is embarrassed about his teeth. Of course, now they are too old to have conventional braces.

DD's teeth are much better, but she could have had braces too. She still says only if she gets invisalign.

So, take some vacation time if you need to, but make the braces a priority. It is one of my big regrets.

Encourage your kids to do the invisalign. I'd didn't get braces as a kid and finally got them when I was about 45. I'm VERY happy with the results; just wish I had done it sooner because of the way my cross bite wore at one tooth.

My providers will help with financing too. I got a discount for paying cash.

ditto the Invisalign recommendation. I got a break on the cost of mine for going to an "open house" sort of thing, even though I already knew I was doing it. the open house came up while I was waiting for my oral surgeon appointment to have my wisdom teeth removed. I started Invisalign at 29. when I finished up, I was the longest case in my Dr's office at just over 3 years. not sure if that's still the record, I feel badly for the poor bastard that breaks it.

fwiw, I go to a family practice. everything under one roof, including the oral surgeon - as long as you don't need to be knocked out. if you can have local for whatever you're having done, the oral surgeon comes in on Wednesdays. but adults, kids, Invisalign, it's all done in the same building.

[The Captain]

May 4, 2015 9:08:51 GMT -5 Ryan said:

I've never heard of a dentist that does braces, they always refer you to an orthodontist.  Besides, what's the big deal with having a different dentist/orthodontist for your daughter?  You have an appointment, you get into the car and drive...what's the difference if it's here or there.  

I'd research a little further, I think almost all dentists will do kids/adults for general dentistry.  

You're right.  I wasn't clear in my OP.  My dentist is part of a 6 person practice one of whom does orthodontics. 

Still researching on the dentists. 

[The Captain]

May 4, 2015 9:14:11 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Apr 30, 2015 17:34:05 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Encourage your kids to do the invisalign. I'd didn't get braces as a kid and finally got them when I was about 45. I'm VERY happy with the results; just wish I had done it sooner because of the way my cross bite wore at one tooth.

My providers will help with financing too. I got a discount for paying cash.

ditto the Invisalign recommendation. I got a break on the cost of mine for going to an "open house" sort of thing, even though I already knew I was doing it. the open house came up while I was waiting for my oral surgeon appointment to have my wisdom teeth removed. I started Invisalign at 29. when I finished up, I was the longest case in my Dr's office at just over 3 years. not sure if that's still the record, I feel badly for the poor bastard that breaks it.

fwiw, I go to a family practice. everything under one roof, including the oral surgeon - as long as you don't need to be knocked out. if you can have local for whatever you're having done, the oral surgeon comes in on Wednesdays. but adults, kids, Invisalign, it's all done in the same building.

This!!!! This is what I'm looking for and had previously.

Bonny and chiver78 - how does the invisalign work?  Do you wear it all the time?  I'd be worried about, honestly, creating an environment where it's easier for tooth decay to happen.

How long (months, years) did you have to have it done?  DD is going to need some major tooth shifting.

If you don't mind (you can PM me) how much did it (gulp) cost and did insurance go toward it?

I had the traditional rail road tracks so have no idea how this new stuff works.

[justme]

I believe it's only used for more minor corrections. If she's where she needs appliances and such I think you might have to stick with traditional.

No personal experience but I know you just take them off to eat and brush your teeth and presumably clean the pieces every day. I have a splint that covers all my teeth that I wear at night and haven't had a problem with tooth decay.

[chiver78]

no prob, and I don't mind sharing pricing out here in the open

the program is split between two options - "Express" which is 10 sets of trays, period. the other option is whatever it takes to get the job done, including two "refining" sets of impressions, from which more trays get made. basically, the trays are a progression from the impressions, done in 3D modeling of some sort. I don't know what Express cost, because I needed a lot done. my office charged $5000 for the whole set, and payment plans were available. I used FSA funds, so that wasn't as important to me.

you do wear the aligners all the time, except to eat or drink anything that isn't clear/has sugar in it. basically, all you can have with the aligners in is water. excellent diet plan, I might add.    each tray is worn for about 2 weeks before moving onto the next set. they get gross, she will wear through toothbrushes like nobody's business, and she will lisp badly while getting used to the first set. it's funny, I can hear it now when people are wearing aligners. I never noticed it before going through it myself.

oh, and my length of treatment was just over 3 years. I had 28 trays from the original impressions, then two more sets of 14 each. and toward the end, I ended up staying in some sets longer than the 2 weeks. my lower teeth aren't perfect, but they are about as good as I can get them w/o a ton more treatments. I'm not sure what sort of help your DD needs, my problem was that the wisdom teeth were crowding everything forward. now that they are out and I'm done w/Invisalign, if you were to look in my mouth you wouldn't realize I had four more teeth in there at some point. there's no extra space.

definitely feel free to PM me with specific questions about the program. obviously I can't help out with whether this is a viable option for what your DD needs done, but I can absolutely tell you more about my own experience with it.

[Bonny]

May 4, 2015 9:39:24 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

no prob, and I don't mind sharing pricing out here in the open

the program is split between two options - "Express" which is 10 sets of trays, period. the other option is whatever it takes to get the job done, including two "refining" sets of impressions, from which more trays get made. basically, the trays are a progression from the impressions, done in 3D modeling of some sort. I don't know what Express cost, because I needed a lot done. my office charged $5000 for the whole set, and payment plans were available. I used FSA funds, so that wasn't as important to me.

you do wear the aligners all the time, except to eat or drink anything that isn't clear/has sugar in it. basically, all you can have with the aligners in is water. excellent diet plan, I might add.    each tray is worn for about 2 weeks before moving onto the next set. they get gross, she will wear through toothbrushes like nobody's business, and she will lisp badly while getting used to the first set. it's funny, I can hear it now when people are wearing aligners. I never noticed it before going through it myself.

.

definitely feel free to PM me with specific questions about the program. obviously I can't help out with whether this is a viable option for what your DD needs done, but I can absolutely tell you more about my own experience with it.

I've cut and pasted chiver's experience because up to the 3 paragragh our experiences are exactly the same.

I was also close to a 3 year program; maybe 2.5 years? I think I had about 6 months in and then my mom got her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I spent close to a year shuttling between AZ and So. CA and that affected how quickly I was able to change out my trays. Let's just say I wasn't that focused on my teeth straightening at the time.

I am VERY please with how things turned out. I had the classic Celtic mouth with a pointy crowded especially lower jaw and a cross bite on my right side that affected a couple of teeth in my lower jaw.

I still wear the retainers at night. They keep the teeth from re-setting back into their old settings. And it protects my teeth from cracking/wearing down. I'm apparently a "clencher" at night.

[ripvanwinkle]

Back in the mid 90's my daughter got braces. We got on a monthly membership plan that gave good discounts. Back then it was called Care Entre`.

It was NOT insurance but a "Discount Plan". Don't know if they are still around but I searched and found one like it. www1.careington.com/index.aspx. My daughters braces were about $3k I think but with this plan I think I paid only $1,800.

[chiver78]

May 4, 2015 9:58:08 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I still wear the retainers at night. They keep the teeth from re-setting back into their old settings. And it protects my teeth from cracking/wearing down. I'm apparently a "clencher" at night.

...and tonight I have a reminder that I need to wear the top retainer more than I actually do. ouch.....and a little blood in the tray.

sent from my electronic distraction