10.27.08
Tray 18-20 - payment drama
It’s been a long while since my last post so I wanted to write an up-date. I’ve now completed my lower set of trays (unfortunately still with some movement to go). My dentist assures me this is not a problem and they may be able to figure it out later.. I’m unconvinced by his reassurances but I will get on to more of that later. Overall they look a lot better than this time last year and the upper set of teeth are looking really great (if a little uneven due to the totally different alignment my teeth were in previously). This is promised to be rectified before the end of my treatment.
Trays 17-19 were a lot more noticeably uncomfortable for the first day or two, some adjustments were made to these trays to encourage movement (mainly for the lower set of teeth as these seemed more difficult to move). I wasn’t aware there would be any possible delay to the trays actually working on certain teeth but I accept it’s quite normal and everyone’s mouth is unique. I still find the actual discomfort of new trays really easy to deal with. I have occasionally experienced ulcers and sores inside my mouth if I’m dehydrated (i.e; out partying all night and or after a day running!). A good nights rest, plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic!) and some filing with an emery board usually seem to fix all of those symptoms!
I will post some pictures of my lower teeth shortly to illustrate how they have changed and what is still remaining to be fixed.
I’ve begun to have increased concerns about the actual care and attention my dentist is giving to the general health of my teeth and gum’s (despite the obvious improvement to my overall teeth alignment). It’s been a series of events that has led me to believe they are quite unprofessional and I was slightly crazy to spend such a large sum of money and personal time there. I blame the Yelp! reviews but mostly myself! It was a good location at the time and a nice break from my original over intense dentist. Right now I am in a bit of bind, as alternatives are likely to be costly and difficult. I’m focusing on the fact that despite my actual dentist being quite vague and not over thorough he remains approachable and likeable enough (if a little sloppy), the front desk staff unfortunately have no charm or common sense and leave me constantly frustrated and annoyed.
To give a brief overview I’ll share a recent conversation I had with the admistrative assistant regarding payment of my Invisalign treatment below (the treatment plan has always been extremely clear to me - I asked the dental office to get a quote, I received the quote, agreed to make 3 installments for my own part and began treatment). Simple, right?
During my last visit to collect tray 19+20, I’m asked to make another payment - the balance of my treatment (a mere $1.4k). Bearing in mind I had already made one payment which was more than required due to the crazy accounting skills of the lady in charge of finances. Oh and her total unawareness of how to work with insurance companies. I should have seen this part two payment drama coming!
I immediately challenged this demand for final payment, we’d already agreed to split the bill into 3 parts so why would I pay the entire balance off right now? I of course should have asked for clarification on exact dates when I would be expected to find the 2nd and 3rd payments but I incorrectly assumed they would handle the details correctly. This request was also followed after a conversation I’d just had with my dentist telling me how bad business was doing. Were they trying to collect all outstanding payments before going bust!? Either way, I wasn’t too impressed. I decided to discuss it at a later date prior to my next visit.
My follow up call to clarify what was expected and being agreed was even stranger and only increased my general bad feeling about my apalling choice of dental practice! The office administrator kept trying to tell me my insurance provider would take back their payments (she’d seen it happen many times before - she’s worked with insurance companies for over 30 years don’t you know!). She went on to claim they were not paying the agreed $2k towards my treatment, and I would now have to pay an extra $1k. Did I mention she let slip another payment had already been made by the insurers? Bringing their balance to exactly what they agreed to pay from the start!
To cut a very boring and ridiculous story short, I contacted my insurance provider myself later that day who clarified all payments would be made as agreed, we were all square - no problems at all. My time and stress levels wasted for totally no reason. To this day that mad woman has offered no apology or explanation for her crazy outbursts. To say I’m shocked and unimpressed would be a total understatement. To make matters worse, I quite often see my dental assistant for new trays so I haven’t yet had a chance to discuss this ridiculous situation with my actual dentist. I think I have a very good idea why business is bad.
I know I’m due to have my teeth thoroughly cleaned and checked over.. the hunt for a new dentist is on. Maybe three times is the charm!??