Can I get a refund if my overdenture doesn’t fit on my mini implants? I got a new overdenture last month to replace my old one. I have four mini implants. Although the dentist agreed to complete the denture in three weeks, it took almost three months. The dentist had to force it on implants. For the next three days I was in pain, ate with difficulty, and had problems taking the denture off and could not put it back on. When I called the dental office, another dentist in the practice agreed to see me that day. She said the holes in the denture bases did not fit around the attachments properly because they weren’t drilled correctly. I’ve talked to my dentist, and he said I need new gaskets for the attachments, which will help the denture fit well. I don’t want to prolong this situation if it doesn’t sound logical. Should I ask for a refund? Thank you. Brandley from San Diego
Bradley,
Your experience has created dental and legal concerns. The legal concern is that your dentist did not produce your overdenture in the time frame promised. The dental problem is that getting a new overdenture should have taken about three weeks and what you received didn’t fit. Ordering new gaskets may not be the resolution since the overdenture doesn’t fit and its arrival was late.
A noteworthy fact that can affect the outcome of an overdenture is that implant dentistry is a highly unregulated branch of dentistry. Also, mini implants are an affordable option, but they are not commonly used. Your dentist may not have been forthcoming about how much experience he has with them.
Should You Ask for a Refund for Your Overdenture?
You should ask for a refund for your overdenture if your dentist agreed to complete it in three weeks, but it took almost three months. Also, your denture did not fit, caused pain, and prevented you from putting it back on. Your dentist didn’t meet standards of acceptability.
If your dentist doesn’t want to issue a refund, you have three or four points of leverage:
- Write negative online reviews: Data shows that 60 to 65 percent of prospective patients check online reviews before scheduling an appointment with a dentist. In contrast, you can offer to leave a good review if your dentist refunds you.
- Complain to the state dental board – This approach is effective because dentists don’t want negative reports that prompt the dental board to contact them.
- Complain to your dental insurance company – If you have dental insurance, a complaint to the company may prompt your dentist to refund you.
- File a malpractice lawsuit – Although your case doesn’t seem to qualify for a lawsuit or yield much compensation, a malpractice lawsuit is an option for some patients.
What to do next:
- Respectfully ask for a refund and offer to write a positive review about the dentist’s integrity and what you liked about the office.
- If the dentist hesitates, be firm and ask for specific information about how much experience he has with mini implants and creating overdentures for them.
- If he still won’t refund you, tell him that you will file a complaint with the dental board.
Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.
