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So I just got a letter in the mail from the ortho's office announcing my ortho's retirement "early next year"! The letter also introduced the new doc who's going to replace him.
I'm not really sure what to think about this. . . I really like my ortho, and I really don't want to change! At least, according to the letter, my treatment plan and cost shouldn't be affected. The new ortho and my current ortho are going to practice together starting this month (to smooth the transition), so I suppose I'm going to meet her at my next adjustment in December. Eek, I hope she's as good as my current ortho, I'm really nervous about this sudden change!
I think there was someone else on the board who was having their ortho retire/sell the practice. He was all worried and once he met the new ortho, all worries were out the window. By golly, I can't remember who it was. I think the thread was titled "Changing ortho's not by choice"
Upper and lower 1st premolars extracted
Uppers braced 4/6/07 & Lowers braced 4/20/07
ceramic brackets and rectangular arch wires
Est. term: 30-36 months
De-banded: 3/04/09 w/ LBR and U&L Essix
Yeah, my ortho sold the practice and moved out of state with no advanced warning. I can relate to your aprehention. In my case, I ended up with an ortho that I like even better than my original.
Its very cool that they gave you some notice and that both orthos will be in the office together to make a smooth transition. That should make a big difference for you and for the new ortho.
Best of luck!
Expander in 8/9/06
Lowers on 11/30/06
Uppers on / Expander gone on 1/31/2007
Class III elastics added 3/14/2007
Expander #2 - 6/27/2007
20-24 months w/ fixed metal braces
It would seem like your ortho should finish with his current patients and simply stop taking new patients and semi retire and then retire! Maybe you could ask him/her about this?
QKate wrote:It would seem like your ortho should finish with his current patients and simply stop taking new patients and semi retire and then retire! Maybe you could ask him/her about this?
Sounds a nice idea in theory - for the patients.
But the ortho will want to sell his practice as a going concern and that could be a bit tricky if there are no patients left!
Well I went to my appointment today and met my new ortho. She seemed nice enough, I suppose, and she really had this air of confidence and seemed to know what she was doing. I didn't get to see her that long, though, my retiring ortho first examined my mouth, then called the new ortho in. She briefly introduced herself and the current ortho told her of my case before she examined my mouth and gave her opinion, the two orthos discussed it a bit, and she was on her way. And then I was off to the assistant for a lig and powerchain change.
I'm still a bit apprehensive about this whole situation because I have such a great ortho and I've been very impressed with his work so far. I'm hoping things will turn out for the best, however, and I think they will (fingers crossed!)
The letter also introduced the new doc who's going to replace him.
At least, according to the letter, my treatment plan and cost shouldn't be affected. The new ortho and my current ortho are going to practice together starting this month (to smooth the transition), so I suppose I'm going to meet her at my next adjustment in December. Eek, I hope she's as good as my current ortho, I'm really nervous about this sudden change! 
