Dental and Ortho Work

The dentist just had me take my son to the orthodontist too. I was very impressed with this orthodontist as he could have gotten me for a lot of money if he really wanted to. However, instead he told me that he would recommend doing nothing as my sons teeth issues aren't that bad. He said my sons teeth were crowded but he'd rather wait until all of his teeth were in. He said if you do work too early the kids are in orthodontic work too long, which gets too expensive. He seemed very honest and wasn't just out to make a bunch of money doing unnecessary work. His name is Dr. Nolan E. Cordon DMD., M.S. His phone # is... ###-###-####. He is located at Tatum and Cave Creek Rd. (Dr. Cordon does the first consultation visit for free.)

I am sooo sorry to hear of your bad dental experience! I had something very similar happen. My dental insurance paid the same , pediatric dentist or not, so I decided to take them (5, ages 1-13) to one of those fun kid dentists. WOW were their treatment plans HUGE! I pretty much trusted their opinion however, so I got my daughter the first round of work done. Then blessidly (is that a word? :) , we moved and I decided to try a family dentist before making the long trip into phoenix to get the rest of their work done. The new dentist had almost a completely different opinion, like not investing $300.00 on a tooth that was going to fall out in 9 more months... the examples go on and on. This dentist was so kind, sweet, happy and caring to every member of y family. Staff was exactly the same way. I will never ever go to any one else. His prices seem fair and the work has been great. He has redone a bridge for me a couple of times even, since my mouth wasnt healing correctly. Amazing with my little ones as well. I'm sure you've gotten many recommendations by now, but if you need one more, you should call Dr. Rick Ostler ###-###-#### Good Luck. I hope you don't get taken like I did at first!

Get another opinion. Dentists can be scam artists too. There are definately good and bad dentists. It is worth your time and effort to see another one.

K.,

Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion!

BUT, I must tell you...I am very passionate about this subject.

I was the unlucky product of divorce at the time I needed ortho most. My father decided that my teeth looked fine or would straighten out later even though he was more than capable of paying for ortho--without insurance picking up some of the cost! He sent me to expensive schools, but did not invest in my oral health.

I am now 30, and the lack of ortho in my childhood when it is easier to move and adjust teeth has been expensive and painful for me as an adult. Had we trusted our ortho and done the work when I was younger, this would have been avoided. Its all water under the bridge for me now and I can afford it without insurance, but just so you are aware, with 3 oral surgeries, having been in braces 3 years and most likely at least another year, it has cost over $10,000 out of pocket, not to mention the cost of my time out of work, the pain meds, and the hassle of all the associated attention to oral health daily and nightly.

Find opinions that correlate from about 3 dentists/orthodontists and select one you feel comfortable with; consider it an investment in your child's future.

My crooked teeth may not have necessarily cost me an account or a client or a romantic relationship, but I spent years wondering if it did or would, and finally started the ortho work when I knew I can afford to do so. I went in at the right time because the fact I had not done procedures I should have in my youth was going to screw up my jawline and cause harm to my overall teeth settings.

I hate to see your child in that predicament if you are fortunate enough to have insurance that can help pay for it...plus, self-esteem from a painless and pretty mouth is priceless.

Chris,
I'd get another opinion. My daughter had one dentist tell her that her daughter had a bunch of cavities and it was simply not true. The who orthodontic thing is a huge cash cow, and while some children really NEED it they are quite good at creating a "need" where there is none.
Good luck.
K.

I am not an expert so this is just my take. When I was in high school, I got braces after having to have teeth pulled. No spacers would have helped. I have bigger teeth than my mouth could handle. It took about 2 yrs. of braces.

We could not afford to get my kids braces until they were in high school. I figured the could have the kind of treatment I had. Even without all the preparatory stuff they suggested when they were younger, my daughter's treatment took 18 mos. She now has a retainer that she is to use off and on as maintenance. My son's teeth required more work as his bite needed correcting. It still only took 2 yrs. with the same retainer maintenance. He was also in high school.

My kids have friends that had the braces when they were in grade school to get their teeth prepared for treatment and then they still had to have braces for years when all their molars were in. It sounds like a lot of money and a lot to put kids through...

Get a second opinion!!!

I would definitely get a second opinion.

Good luck,

L.

I would definitely get another opinion. I once had a dentist tell me that I needed three fillings. I was in my early 20's and had never had cavities. I decided to wait until I could afford the work, and in the meantime I became friends with a dentist. He took xrays and examined my teeth, then told me I needed absolutely no dental work. Also, price shop for the orthodontic work. I did with my daughter, and found a big difference. Our orthodontist has a great reputation and we're very happy with him, and he's charging less. Also, he finances with no interest. I don't know where you're located, but he's Dr. Cordon, in Anthem. $1100 sure sounds pricey for spacers!

Thanks for posting this question! I had seen an ad in the newspaper for that dentist and was thinking of taking my 14 month old there - I'm definitely having second thoughts after your post!