Can I Get a Refund On This Denture?

Question submitted by: Otto

I needed a new overdenture for my mini implants. I went to see my dentist and explained that I was moving out of state in 11 weeks for a new job. I asked how long it would take to make the new denture. They told me three weeks. At week 9, they finally called me. I went in the next day. The dentist had a heck of a time getting them in, but he got them on there. I thought the aching in my mouth was from the difficulty he had getting them on. But, I couldn’t eat anything that night, not even noodles. I took them off that night hoping that by morning it would feel better, but I couldn’t even get them back in. I called the dentist and asked to come in and have them looked at. The dentist who originally treated me wasn’t there, but another dentist from the practice agreed to see me. After he looked at them, he said that the holes were not drilled out properly and that is why they’re not going on. He also said that it looked like one side wasn’t the right height and he’s worried it will mess up my bite. He offered to redo them, but I don’t have any time left. I have to leave next week. I’m just going to get this done in my new state and hopefully the new dentist will be more competent. I feel I am within my right to ask for a refund, but just wanted to double check before I went in to get it.

Otto

Dear Otto,

I am sorry this happened to you. Yes, you are definitely entitled to a refund. First, this dentist made a commitment to get your dentures done in three weeks. He didn’t do that, so he broke the contract. He didn’t just break it by a little but it took him three times longer than they promised. On that basis alone, you can ask for a refund. However, he had an additional problem.

Getting them done in three weeks would have been standard. The fact that it took him nine does not speak well of his skills. When he finally did get them to you, they didn’t fit properly. He should have been able to get the overdentures done right the first time. This also doesn’t speak well of his skills.

Ask for that refund. If he gives you any trouble show him this post. If he still gives you trouble, write me back. You’ve got leverage you can hold on him. But, let’s give him a chance to do the right thing first.

This blog is brought to you by advanced prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.
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