	AllExperts > Dentistry
	Search

About Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Debanding/Retainers

Dentistry - Debanding/Retainers

Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 11/10/2009

Question
Hello,

I have several questions, the first pertaining to the financial end of orthodontics, which I realize is probably a subjective issue, depending on each practice. I would appreciate your opinion, however.

My 14-year-old daughter was at the end of her orthodontic treatment (braces & overjet correction) when we had to move. (We were paid in full when we left that office). Her treatment went as planned, her teeth and jaw are beautifully corrected, and we are now looking to have her debanded and put into a retainer. However, every dentist we've contacted in our new area is wanting full payment upfront before doing the work (anywhere from $600-$1000), which is a little steep for us to make all at once at this time. Since we were making payments to our previous dentist and assumed we'd be able to do something similar with a new dentist, we offered half down and payments of $100/mo. thereafter to the dentists we received quotes from. But, we are running into total brick walls everywhere we go as far as accepting payments, and no one is willing to explain why they require FULL payment in advance for such a minor amount of work, especially when they all have in-house payment plans for major treatment costs. Is there some giant outlay of cash needed to manufacture a retainer that I am not aware of? Or, what do you think might be the obstacle preventing these offices from working with us on such a seemingly incidental amount of work? It's really frustrating!

Also, we've been told that 2 types of retainers are available (plastic or metal), and I would like to know if there are any major differences, and if either type would work on most patients? It's been suggested that it would be up to the dentist to decide which is appropriate for our daughter, and of course, the prices vary by a couple of hundred dollars, and we're wondering if there's really any difference.

My last question is: Would there be any harm in leaving my daughter in her braces (without regular adjustments) for a period of months, so that we can save up the money to pay one of these offices upfront, as they are demanding?

Thank you so much for your help.
~Samantha

Answer
It is customary for orthodontists to offer payment terms spread out over the course of a lengthy treatment plan. However, for a short term treatment such as appliance removal and retainers the course of treatment is less than one month so there is no opportunity to spread the payments out over a period of time. If you wish to make payment over a period of time you have the option of using a credit card or taking a loan.
Since your payment in full made to the original office probably included appliance removal and retainers there should have been some consideration made for the fact that these services were not provided by virtue of your relocation. You might want to request a refund of fees paid in advance for these services.
As for the different types of retainers, each orthodontist has his or her preference and that needs to be followed. For example, I use several different types of retainers depending on the individual circumstances. My choice of which retainer to use is determined by the specifics of each case and situation and the choice of retainer type is not interchangeable.
Leaving the braces on for an extended period of time without regular professional supervision poses a risk. Compromised oral hygiene risks damage to the teeth and unintended alterations to the appliance such as a bent wire or a broken bracket or loose band can jeopardize treatment results and risk further damage.

Ask a Question