Negiligent Orthodontist?

What is the name of your state? Ohio. I am a 35 year old male. I needed to have braces to correct a tooth for bridge work.Orthodontist said I might as well have all teeth straightened while I'm at it.Orthodontist said it would take 16 mos.Braces installed Feb,00 and removed Oct or Nov of 01.I was told that in 4 weeksafter removalof the braces that I would first recieve a type of mouth piece that would "fine tune" my teeth into the final position (similar to Invisiline I was told),and then given retainers to keep them from moving anymore thereafter.The "Invisiline" appliance was never recieved, so impressions for retainers were taken and I recieved retainers 5 weeks after removal.By this time,my teeth had shifted and here started a long process of the Orthodontist using the retainers to move my teeth by creating small bends in the wire across the teeth placing pressure points on the teeth.Monthly I would drive an hour to this appointment and get a bend of the wire or a check-up.June 17,02,impressions were again taken for an"Invisiline" type mouthpiece.June 18,02,appliance did not fit and I was told that it was something "new" and they were still trying to get the process right.I was not happy with this and politely voiced my unhappiness with the treatment time and the Orthodontist,clearly annoyed at missing part of his lunch hour and now with me for speaking up,said that he was trying to do me a favor and make things "easier" for me.I was then told I would be contacted in 2-3 weeks after they had attended a meeting on how to create the "invisiline" appliance correctly. I have heard nothing since and I would like to know what my options are. I don't want to continue treatment with this particular orthodontist,but my teeth aren't straight yet and until they are,my dentist doesn't want to perform certain fillings and whitening until they are. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[vrzirn]

i do not understand why you did not contact them after 3 weeks had passed.

Treatment has already gone 11+ mos longer than the orthodontist said it would. I don't want to continue treatment with this incompetent orthodontist and I would like to know if he can be made finacially liable for further treatment elsewhere.

[vrzirn]

There are no guarantees. People respond differently to treatment. In addition, the lab is independent of the orthodontist. If your teeth have now moved again due to your own neglect in not following up after 3 weeks passed, that is your fault.
Your best bet is to just hang in there with him until the work is completed. You will not recover any money from him.

My teeth moved due to the fact that a retainer was not recieved in a timely manner after removal of the braces. I have always worn what has been given to me.How is this my fault? While I agree that all cases are different, is there no standard of care as to the length of time it takes to treat a case? Mine was not a difficult case at all.

[vrzirn]

Consult an attorney for the same advice.