My son aged 13 saw his orthodontist today

Q. Hi there. My son aged 13 saw his orthodontist today to have part of his fixed brace fitted (he already wears a twin-block). After having the fixed brace fitted he passed out when he stood up (he’s always been anxious about his teeth). On the way home part of the brace came away from his teeth so took him back to ortho and my son was so anxious he would not let the orthodontist glue the brace back on or take it off completely. The orthodontist called my son a pathetic baby and said “I don’t want him fainting again all over the place”. All this is bad enough but now he has a fixed brace, part of which is not fixed anymore and the only way he will have it removed is under anaesthetic. Where can we have this done? Would the local hospital do it for him? I am so very upset at the lack of understanding from the otrthodontist that we have decided not to go ahead with anymore treatment.

A. Despite the obvious reasons why not I would still recommend that you Contact the practice and ask them for help. They should have a complaints procedure. Even if you dont wish to return them, they might arrange a local practice / clinic / hospital to remove the brackets. It is a bit of nightmare trying to get someone else to tackle what might be percieved as another practices emergency. If the practice is unhelpful raise a formal complaint with the PCT if NHS or GDC if private.

Dr Rob Tennet St Johns Dental Practice 18 Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, B2 5QJ Web: www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk

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