Always shop around.

A few months back I took my daughter in to see an Orthodontist about getting her braces. They were very nice and friendly but were very short with their explanation of what exactly they will be doing. Perhaps I look like I am not very bright and additional details would be wasted on my small brain. They quoted us $6,100.00.

Over the next few weeks, I spoke to other parents who have gone through the ordeal of straightening their children’s teeth. I was rather worried that they were or had paid quite a bit less than I was going to be. One of my daughter’s friends paid $600 less and went to the same Ortho we were going to and had them put on 6 months ago.

So I call them to discuss my concerns. Why? How come? Yadda yadda yadda… Only to be told they couldn’t explain why there was a difference, just that there was.

“It is the same when you buy a car, a Hyundai is not as good as a Lexus”.

“That makes no sense, we are talking about braces. Are you the Lexus? I don’t need diamond braces, the metal ones will do fine.”

She had no reply.

I booked an appointment with the same orthodontist who put my braces on 21 years ago (ouch do I feel old). I didn’t mention what the first quotation was or that we saw someone previously. He took the time to explain in detail what he was going to do AND he was $600 less.

When I called the first Ortho to terminate our relationship, I simply said… “Cancel the Lexus”… The receptionist didn’t get it.