So lost in what to do

[Jennifer]

A little history of my dentures. Got them Oct 8th. They didn't fit from the beginning. I was in the office 2 days later when they did soft liner for the top which has started a process of me coming in 6 times in less than 4 weeks. Nothing gets done about the fit, they just add soft liner to make them stay in, but this doesn't fix the fact that the teeth are not sitting under my gums on the top right side. (I hope that makes sense, i can chew on the left because I can get pressure, but the right side teeth sit to the outside of the gum so I can't get pressure.) It feels like the inside of my mouth has been shifted to the right, everything is off center. Here is a pic..

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f242/JenniferT_3/100_0148.jpg[/IMG]

anyway when I start telling my dentist what the problem was, he got really upset. He said alot of things that were hurtful and was even pointing at me and talking to me like I was a 6 year old. It was horrible. I was crying and shaking. He was mad because he said I keep complaining about the same thing and saying I am just never going to be happy. I need to lower my expectations a little. I am thinking to myself, I just want to be able to chew with my dentures in, that is it. When i said I would live with them not looking right when I smile if I could have them function right, he said "oh sure you would" in a very cocky voice. There was so much more said but it would take an hour to write.. :)

So at this point I am going to leave my teeth out until I have to wear them to go somewhere. I am skipping all social functions, my outings will be limited to grocery shopping. In January they are suppose to make me a new set which is the same time I can use my implants. I don't know what else to do because I have already paid him for everything.

Also I just found out that they had to remove more bone than he thought they would so that might be why they aren't fitting right. WHY am I just finding this out.

One thing that really bothers me about these is that the teeth are flat with the gum in the back. I mean exactly flat with it. This makes chewing even harder because I end up trying to chew with the gum behind the teeth. Does anyone else have dentures like that.

[gothwithdentures]

I'm mortified a dentist would make an obviously shoddy denture and make you feel like you're the problem. If he doesn't want to make things right then you need to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General, or get a lawyer yourself. That dentist has two choices, either refund your money or make a properly fitted denture. I feel so bad for you and am outraged at his behavior. Start making phone calls and see if there are any other consumer groups where you live who can help get this resolved.
No way should you have to live like that.

[Lindsey]

unless you were made aware they were going to be made quickly and for low cost they are not made correctly. the simple fact the gum line doesnt line up is just one indication of what they must feel like in your mouth. I would report him and seek replacements.

[TimInMA]

what an a$$hole!

Can you go to another dentist / denturist for a 2nd opinion and ask what can be done to fix them...or is a new set needed all together? Even find a denture lab maybe that can take a look?

With this guy's general attitude, I would find another place and start fresh. Sounds like no matter what you do, he's going to be a jerk. With that type of attitude, I doubt you're going to get the care and attention that's needed to make a proper set of teeth.

Stinks you paid in full. Hopefully you can get a refund of some sort. I agree with other posters. Tell him your teeth do not fit properly (not even close), the way he's treating you is not what you expected as a patient, politely ask for a refund, and suggest you think the best thing to do at this point is to part ways and find another dentist / denturist. If he balks, say "that's unfortunate, and I will be forced to file a report of my negative experience to the BBB....are you sure you don't want to work something out".

[Chris]

Since you're about a month post e-day, you should be feeling comfortable with your dentures and beginning to chew foods more naturally. I suspect your dentist screwed up the impressions or the lab was careless. Either way, something went wrong. I'm sorry to hear this.

What your SOB dentist is doing now is wrong! I would call a lawyer and threaten the creep with a malpractice suite. Either that or have a little discussion with him in the parking lot.

[queysther]

Dear Jennifer. I agree with everything that has been said before. A dentist MAY not treat a patient like that. This is bordering on abuse and is sufficient reason to sue him.

You should do the following:
1) Change dentist ASAP
2) Once you found a new, caring and understanding one: Go back to your current dentist ONLY to demand he hand out (in person) your X-rays and all records. If he refuses, call your lawyer and threaten to sue the **** out of him
3) Don't say anything bad about your current dentist to your new one. Dentists usually don't like it if patients criticize their peers. Let him be the one who criticizes.

[edurne]

I really sympathise with you - I also got a shoddy set of immediate dentures. Can't complain because the dentist didn't want to make immediates - but any fool could see that the bottom front teeth were up at an angle making an english bulldog look. Had he checked them before he put them in my mouth - I'm sure he wouldn't have said "I thought they would be longer". Although I know that he didn't have all the measurements and tryins that would come with permanents, it has left me a little doubtful as to his experience and competence in making permanent dentures that I will be happy with. I am sure to complain and demand a superb job.

Honestly, I think that it would be best to fire your dentist. There is no reason for him to have had what is a business discussion in such an unprofessional manner. I also don't see any business reason why he cannot refund you for the permanents or work yet to be done. He is obviously very defensive about this. Do you still have confidence in his ability to provide you with dentures that will work, look fantastic and make you happy to leave his office - or will you dread every encounter with him and secondguess every decision he makes.

[peggy]

OMG. I had a similar experience with my upper denture. From the first time I put it in it did not fit right. This was in July. It was not an immediate but rather a new replacement for an old denture. I had complained continually. The dentist acted like I was crazy, but I'll tell you, I've worn an upper denture for a very long time and I know how it should fit. Long story short he finally agreeded to make a new one. They were very careful with the impressions this time and low and behold the new denture fits perfectly. I can hardly even feel it, it stays right where it's supposed to, which is exactly how it should be. Insist on a new one and the hell with how the dentist feels about it. I have no doubt that my ill fitting denture was a result of botched impressions and that was not my fault. My feeling is, if the denture is not made perfectly, nothing he does to it will make it right. Get a new one.

[Chris]

Even from your pic, I can see the midline appears to be off, shifted to your right. :(

[Karen Thomas]

What a tool this dentist is. Report him to the BBB as soon as possible. Better yet...look and see if others have already reported him as well.
I wish you luck

[Jennifer]

edurne said:

Do you still have confidence in his ability to provide you with dentures that will work, look fantastic and make you happy to leave his office - or will you dread every encounter with him and secondguess every decision he makes.

I don't think he would try his best for me. He proved that after he lectured me forever then asked to please let him try to fix these problems. I finally said "OK". He looked in my mouth for maybe 5 seconds, took the bottoms out, went back to the lab area, came back and put them in my mouth. Then he sat up my chair and said "I wasted to much time arguing with you, so if at all possible I need you to come back next week." I just said "fine' and left.

My husband has been out of town working all week so I am waiting for him to get back so we can discuss what we are going to do. Of course my husband wants to "meet him in the parking lot". . I get a knot in my stomach just thinking about having to go back there. My step-dad has agreed to go with me to every appointment if I end up having to stay there. He of course wants me to leave but I have no money. My husband was unemployed for a while and our finances are almost back to where they should be but not quite. Plus I charged a fortune to have this done.

The dentist also is saying that he had to remove a lot more bone than he thought he would and he didn't charge me for it. I can just see him using many excuses not to refund me any money. Getting a lawyer would be great but how do I pay them?

[edurne]

Jennifer said:

done.

The dentist also is saying that he had to remove a lot more bone than he thought he would and he didn't charge me for it. I can just see him using many excuses not to refund me any money.

I think your idea of having a companion as a witness is a very sound one. As far as the amount of bone that he took ..... how did he quote to do this work. Did he underestimate...then he eats it. Do you still have contractual work outstanding with him. Arguing with him is not going to help...... just state your case...... and repeat it and repeat it. It is factual that the dentures are off center - this is not a subjective viewpoint. A mistake was made in the process ...... and realistically he needs to make good on it.... or explain in a very polite manner why he can't and what can you both negotiate to ...... what will you accept. Does he guarantee satisfaction with the permanent ones. If he insists that these dentures are up to standard - then what are his expectations of the permanent ones. Does he provide overall shoddy work. Good luck.

[Sharon]

Jennifer....can i ask did you use a family dental practice or a chain of a dental clinic for example.... like in our area we have places called Midwest Dental or Forward Dental that has numerous offices in the state or even a place like Affordable Dentures? If its more then just a family dental office you might be able to contact an 'upper office' to see if they can help you to resolve your differences. I agree id have a hard time wanting to go back...being belittled in a time when the dentist should be part of your support system is demeaning....but i understand the financial aspect of it too as we dont have insurance and work has been slow so im desperatly saving hoping the teeth hang on long enough cause as another post discussed the other day....cash paid at time of service is the only thing places will take and it leaves people like us between a rock and a hard place.