Can I Get a Refund for an Overdenture That Was Delayed and Doesn’t Fit?

Posted by AllSmiles

In 2006, I received four dental implants and overdentures. I was so happy with the results. After 15 years, my dentures looked worn, so I scheduled consultations with three cosmetic dentists for a new overdenture. My family dentist does good work, but I am not confident about his cosmetic skills. Among the dentists I consulted with, I chose one recommended by a coworker. The dentist told me I would receive my new denture in three to four weeks.

The overdenture was ready in 4.5 weeks. Three weeks ago, I went to my dentist’s office to fit the denture. He struggled to get the denture on the implants, so finally, he applied a lot of force that I thought would crack my jaw. The overdenture felt so stiff that I had difficulty eating chicken noodle soup that evening.  At bedtime, it took almost 45 minutes to remove the overdentures. My suspicion was right – I could not get it back the following day. The receptionist told me that my dentist was at another practice two hours away, so I saw a different dentist who agreed that the attachment holes were drilled incorrectly and one side of the denture was lower. The dentist said he would order new gaskets for the attachments, which should resolve the issue. But the problem is still not resolved. My denture was uncomfortable and very difficult to take off and put on. Now, my dentist says that he may need to redo the denture.

I am nervous about the resolution because I share caregiving responsibilities for my mom, who lives out of state. I will leave in two weeks and be away for at least two months. I do not want to drag this issue through spring and summer. I did not get what I asked for, so I thought of asking for a refund. Will my asking for a refund complicate matters with my dentist? I feel like I need to start all over.

Thank you! – Toni W. from Philadelphia

 

Toni,

Your dentist agreed to complete your overdenture in three to four weeks. Even in 4.5 weeks, he did not deliver an overdenture that functions correctly, so he broke the time and quality agreement. You are entitled to a refund. But that does not mean your dentist will be willing to refund you.

How to Ask Your Dentist to Issue a Refund

Speak respectfully with your dentist when asking for a refund. Follow the steps below, only doing what is necessary until you get results. Hopefully, your dentist will cooperate before the final step.

• Explain the agreement you had and how your dentist broke it.
• Tell your dentist you are dissatisfied with the work and will write negative online reviews about your experience.
• If your dental insurance was involved in any aspect of your treatment, you could file a complaint with the insurance company.
• If your dentist is uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the state dental board.
• You can hire a malpractice attorney, but the cost may not be worth it.

Dental concerns

Replacing an overdenture should take about three weeks. When a dentist cannot fit the denture over your implants, their experience with overdentures is questionable. Ordering new gaskets was not the solution.

We suggest you find an experienced implant dentist for a second opinion. After the dentist identifies the issue, ask your current dentist for a refund based on the facts. But ask nicely, explaining that you understand he is in a difficult position, and so are you. If your dentist resists, then ask about his experience with implant overdentures. You can proceed with the steps we listed to encourage your dentist to issue a refund.

 

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients with dental anxiety.