Can I get a refund on a new overdenture that my dentist was three weeks late on and didn’t fit on my mini-implants? I was supposed to get the new denture by March 18 before my vacation in early April, but when my dentist’s partner tried to put it on, it would not fit. The denture needed reworking for the attachments to fit on the implants. I had to leave for vacation wearing my temporary denture, and I am glad it held up. When I returned, the dental office said the dentist was ordering attachment gaskets, but they had yet to arrive. I am getting nervous about what to expect. Can I request a refund, or would it waste time? – Thank you. Jehu
Jehu,
Your question has legal and dental implications.
Your Dentist’s Legal Obligations
Your agreement with the dentist was to make an overdenture by an agreed date. Your dentist was late with the overdenture, and when it arrived, it did not fit, and you could not wear it. And you still do not have the denture. Your dentist broke the agreement, so you deserve a refund. If your dentist is hesitant, you can do the following:
- Mention that you will leave a negative online review or that you can write a positive review about his integrity and the positive side of your treatment if you get a refund
- Complain to the dental board
- Complain to your insurance company if applicable
- Consult with a consumer rights attorney. Your case value is not enough to justify a lawsuit.
Your Dentist’s Mistakes
Consult with a skilled implant dentist about your denture
Your dentist was supposed to have your final denture by March 18, but it did not fit. Now the denture is over two months late. More than offering to order new gaskets is required for your inconvenience. Your dentist seems overwhelmed by your case but will not admit it. Mini-implants are uncommon; ask how many mini-implant cases your dentist has handled.
We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist and sending a copy of your dental records before your appointment. After the second-opinion dentist assesses your overdenture, present the findings to your dentist and ask for a refund.
We wish you a smooth resolution.
Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
