Affordable Dentures

Review: I went to Affordable Dentures to save money and the Doctor was very rude form the very 1st moment. When I went in on 10/28/2013 Dr. Jennifer Alston-Sako, DDS, P.C. she put the Impression Material in my mouth and it was running down my throat and I tried telling her and she did not do anything and it was only to stay in for about 4mins and she left it in for about 15 mins. I felt like I was choking. I feel it was due to me age of being 79yrs old. The new teeth upper and lower plate my mouth became very raw and was bleeding they was advised on the ppwk as well as to face that I'm on Warifin (Blood Thinner). The Upper Plate is way too tight. The plates do not fit my mouth as they should and my jaws hurt terribly! My old plates never bothered me from once I had them. I have been a denture wearing for 40+ years. They do not take my complaint seriously! I have asked for my money back.

Regards,

[redacted]Desired Settlement: 100 % full refund so I can go and get dentures elsewhere.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your help. Client [redacted] has been resolved.

Regards,

Dr. Jennifer Alston

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Review: In August 2014 I went to see Dr. [redacted] DDS I paid for the "best set offered" of dentures and they are horrible!!!! They are crooked on bottom and do not stay in my mouth at all...I have to put so much glue in that it leaks out all day long. I went to a new dentist and he told me that these are only temporary dentures and that they are not constructed well at all. I went back to Dr. [redacted] three times and he was rude and confrontational the entire time. I felt like he was being verbally abusive towards me and had me in tears more then once. He told me that I could return the dentures for a refund within five days. I was unable to do so because It was thanksgiving holiday time and I would not have had any teeth to eat with until I could get other dentures. When I went to go back to try to return the dentures the office was gone. I am now paying a new dentist for a new set of dentures.Desired Settlement: full refund of 1690.00 the amount of money I paid for the set of faulty dentures

Business

Response:

Dr. [redacted]s Affordable Dentures practice received a notice in the mail on Thursday 7/9/15 regarding the complaint filed by Ms. [redacted]. Upon review of her patient charts, it was noted that on 11/19/14 Dr. [redacted] offered her a full refund on her purchase if she returned the denture within 5 days. According to the notes in the patient charts, Ms. [redacted] stated she would return on 11/21/14, but never arrived for her appointment to receive her refund. Ms. [redacted] has not returned to the practice since that time period to return her dentures or to receive her refund.

Very poor customer relations , the receptionist , you ask a question n she gives short or [redacted] remarks, the crew needs some customer service training,!! Dentist nice, but the teeth work are very poor , you pay high dollar for best but you get crappy results n if you tell them they don't fit oh well is the receptionist answer..... You have to let gums shrink blah blah, but it's been year n I'm talking bout my permanent set, so I would not recommend these people to anyone go else were! They heard you in like cows and don't have time for your questions or to answer. Know I have 2200$ worth of top dentures getting ready to go to Bahamas with dentures that fall out when talking told them that today 1-11-16 as they were trying to fall out ! Poor poor service!,

Review: The DR. Is rude and unprofessional. She offers a service, but presents no alternatives, even when they may be applicable. I had a full set of dentures made after having 26 teeth removed. Many of the teeth were healthy, without the need of removal. Partial dentures would have been more appropriate, however this company/dentist seem to be more interested in the money than the patients, and this option was NEVER presented to me. The dentures NEVER fit. I had two sets of temporary dentures, that were adjusted numerous times. Both sets were also lined, and relined. In mid May I had the "permanent" set made. They also NEVER fit. After going in for adjustments 3 different times, I went in a 4th time to request a new set be made, as this set (even after numerous adjustments) still doesn't fit. I was told they didn't fit because they'd been adjusted too many times, but that they could line them if I wanted. I declined. I was told that my options were to have them lined or to be "refunded out". The total cost for service ( and I use the term loosely) was 3425$, to be paid IN FULL UP FRONT. The refund was for 800$. My advice for anyone thinking about "Affordable Dentures" is to avoid them like the plague. The problems with this company are not JUST with this dentist, they are company wide.Desired Settlement: Would like a COMPLETE refund. the service was terrible, and many of the extracted teeth were viable. After nearly a year of pain, suffering, and embarrassment, it is the least they can do.

Business

Response:

July 15, 2013 Case [redacted] To whom it may concern, This letter is in response to a complaint issued by [redacted], She presented to our office on 8/22/12 and at that time I recommended a full set of dentures based on her clinical exam and the fact that she had already received another opinion from her dentist about restorations. This patient stated, and I quote" I do not have $18,000 to restore” The fee was quoted by her general dentist. Based on my x-ray exam, she may have had two (2) teeth which were decay free. She was not a candidate for partials. The only option that I had for her, based on my services offered, was a full set of dentures and full mouth extractions. She also returned to clinic five days later to have the treatment done, She made the decision to go with the treatment plan that I offered her, after having had time to think about her options. After review of the chart, many of the things that were re-done, were at her request. For example, she did not like the type of liner, so we would take those out and use another brand- She was unhappy with the cosmetics of the first set that I made, and they were remade by my associate. Finally, at the final fitting, a very nice set of dentures were made, but the patient kept insisting that they be ground down, all over. Consequently, she made them fit loose. She wanted us to remake them because they had become loose, They only needed to be refit, not remade. She was becoming unreasonable and harder to work with as time went by. She was offered a reline or refund. She chose refund. She was refunded that portion of her prepayment that was allocated for her permanent set. Never at any time did she accuse me of pulling her good teeth, I do not pull good teeth. Jennifer Alston-Sako, DDS

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. Regards,[redacted]

I absolutely had the worst experience with Dr. Jennifer Sabo at Affordable dentures in Bedford,Va . When she walked into the exam room, it seemed like she was angry at the world. She never identified or introduced herself, never inquired or talked about my extraction procedure or nothing. ( I was there for 15 extractions and dentures at the cost of 3,150.00) When it was time for her to stick me, she saw that I was very anxious and instead of trying to calm me, she kept stomping out of the room very exasperated. After a few attempts to get me numb, she kept a very harsh tone so I then told her as I was sobbing, that I just needed a refund and her reply was, " that's exactly what you need to do." As she shoved her instrument tray aside and stormed out of the room. So, if you are even slightly anxious about extractions etc.....DO NOT GO TO THIS DENTIST !!!

Review: I am a disabled Senior living in Magalia and am physically unable to go to my regular dentist in San Jose. I read all the hype about Affordable Deneture's on line and got their pamplet talking about fast service and dignity to patients. I went there on 11/20/13 and was told I would have my lower denture in two weeks; that they would call me when it was ready. That when the "frame" was ready, I would go in to have teeth inserted into the frame to match my missing teeth, that the whole process would take three hours. I paid $840.00 and was gauranteed that I would absolutely positively have the partial in time for the X-Mas Holidays. After 2 weeks I heard nothing so I called two days later (16 days after I paid, 12/6/13). I was put on hold after giving all my demographics and never answered. I called again 3 days later (12/9/13) and was told that I did not need to call them; they would call me. Then never did. Finally on 1/3/14, 44 days after I had paid, I wrote the owner, [redacted], a Certified sent letter explaining what had happened, that I was never contacted and that I wanted a refund. That letter was ignored; no response. On 2/5/14 (33 days after the first letter) I sent another Certified letter to Dr. [redacted] again asking for a refund so that I could finally buy my teeth, that I have been unable to eat normally for months now. Dr. [redacted] ignored that letter as well.I really need my money as I do not have $ to buy teeth. I am on Social security and live below the poverty rate etc.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund so that I can go to my dentist, or one close by where I live. I have suffered trying to eat without teeth. My X-Mas holidays were ruined and I'm old with not too many Christmases left; or other holidays including my birthday coming in April. They promised me my teeth in 2 weeks. I paid in good faith and Affordable Dentures should be held accountable for their false promises both oral and written.

Business

Response:

A refund had already been issued in January 2014, and multiple phone calls and letters have been sent to patient regarding his refund. We keep leaving him messages regarding his refund, he keeps calling back threatening us with this and that and lots of hostility. If he has not received his voice mails, letters, and his refund yet, please let him know he can come to our office and pick up a check personally, in which case, the previous check that has already been sent to him will be voided.

Review: Less than 4 months ago I recieved a new set of dentures at the cost of $750.00. The upper dentures broke on Monday 11/11/2013, I called and informed them and asked about how to get them fixed. The Dr acted like she did not want to fix but said they could only be done in the AM. I was not able to get time off until Friday, so I had to try and fix myself with over the counter aids, since this is the only pair I own I could not go 5 days without them. After waiting for 2 hours she informed me that she would not fix since I tried to fix myself! What else was I to do???? I couldn't go without. I had my revious set for 10 years that I got in the VA Beach area. These dentures are too new to have broked and at the price of $750.00 it is ridiculous!!!Desired Settlement: I either want the teeth replaced or the price I paid for the top set refunded. Thank You

Business

Response:

My office is in receipt of your correspondence dated November 20, 2013, regarding [redacted], Revdex.com Complaint ID #[redacted]. Please be advised that due to HIPPA regulations, I am unable to disclose any information to you regarding this patient. However, please be further advised that my office is reaching out to the patient directly to address the concerns noted in the complaint. Please feel free to contact the patient further regarding this issue.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Sincerely,Jennifer Alston-Sako, DDS

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I was not offered to have the dentures remade, only offered a refund and that would remove me has a customer of the Affordable Denture office. This was not an option I had asked for. I would be willing to go to a different office since the Bedford one does not want to resolve this issue. The dentures were not even 2 months old and they broke, they should have tried to fix before sending me out the door. I would still like the another Affordable office, my first set was from an office in Va Beach and lasted me 10 years.Regards,[redacted]

Review: After being informed by the business to go somewhere else for dental services due to a disagreement in prices I was forced to return. The new dentist that I was referred to was not able to provide the necessary services due to the partial not being made at that office. Once this was communicated to the business I am complaining about, they insisted on refusing to provide services. Based on the purchased agreement, the business should be responsible for providing the necessary service for the products they make. If the option to go to another dentist would have been possible, there would have not been a problem.Desired Settlement: I would like the business to refit or adjust the partial they made per the agreement as there no other dentist willing o do the work. The business should be obligated to honor the agreement and the warranty.

Business

Response:

The statement signed by Mr. [redacted] states that Mr. [redacted] would be paying only a low fee of $70.00 for the repair of his partial and treatment of tooth #15 as well as refitting his partial. Out of our goodness we have performed multiple no charge services for Mr. [redacted]. However, When he showed up to our office for a different tooth (tooth #13) to be addressed, not only he refused to pay for the services, but he also became very upset, started cursing at staff, and almost broke our glass door with his cane in front of all our other patients. Despite all, we are still willing to provide service to him; however, he must agree to pay for all services to be provided to him and he should apologize to our staff for his rather inappropriate behavior in an office that only tried to help him and was nothing but respectful and caring to him. Thank you, Yuba City Affordable Dentures team

Consumer

Response:

Consumer states that even though he disagrees withe business' statement in regards to the events that took place, he does accept the their offer for the realignment of the partial. At this time , consumer would like to apologize once again for the behavior that may have offended the business personnel. As far as paying for the services of the realignment of the partial, which was $140-$170, consumer would like the price for the services confirmed. Consumer does not want the price to change at the time of arrival to the appointment.

Consumer

Response:

Consumer states that they accept the business offer and would like to schedule possible appointment for Friday 02/06/2015, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Consumer would like a call from the business to confirm appointment and a voicemail would be acceptable on the home phone.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your response. Our office gladly accepts Mr. [redacted]'s apology. While we are eager to help Mr. [redacted] to take care of his dental needs we regret that a definitive estimation of cost is not possible to be provided at this time. The current condition of the partial as well as the current condition of Mr. [redacted]'s broken tooth (teeth) need to be evaluated and diagnosed prior to the final determination of cost. Based on the latest documentation in his chart, the estimated cost will be between $150.00 to $250.00, again, depending on the CURRENT condition of the questionable teeth #'s 13 and 15. We are willing to offer Mr. [redacted] a no charge consultation/examination visit to determine the final cost for the appropriate treatment. Thank you,[redacted], DMD

Review: Well to say that my experience with Affordable Dentures and Dr.Sako was the worst medical experience in my life would fall short of how I feel ! I will give you a little background so that you better understand my reason for this complaint . Two years ago my husband was laid off from a very lucrative job in Northern Va. which provided us with health and dental insurance . We decided rather than be a statistic we would move to this amazing area and start our business and be in control of our own financial destiny , we have grown a business in 2 years from 2 customers to 300 in that short time, so we know a little about Customer service . With that said we lost our health and dental insurance in the process , until we can afford to regain that we are without . With my decreasing oral health I was prompted by several people to try Affordable dentures ( these weren't customers of this particular office) but they had pretty good success stories . So with hesitation, I showed up at this office on Wednesday Aug 14. Biggest mistake of my life . I walked into a full waiting area and proceeded to the front window , where I was met with ."What are you here for today ?' I replied , well I think I may be getting Dentures .She replied " Do you need teeth pulled ? " I said well I was hoping you could tell me .She said fill this out and bring it back to me. I did just that and sat and waited as we waited my husband and I looked fully through the brochure and we were confused about some packages and pricing . But was assured when I asked that they would discuss all of that when I was called back . I will use what a previous person said when filing an above complaint , when I was called back I felt like a cow being lead to slaughter .No better way to describe it . I tried to ask questions but kept being blown off and was lead to the xray machine...cha ching , they got that 80 dollars if nothing else , when I got back to the procedure area I again tried to explain my situation and ask what the best way to procede would be and that I need a price for everything before anything else was done she said okay and left . Next thing I know the doctor , who's name I did not know until later because she never introduced herself came in and said 'what brings you here " I started to tell her that I was intending on a full set but was unsure I could afford it all at one time so I was leaning toward just a top denture , due to my decreasing bone in my mouth which is by the way hereditary , but wasn't sure how they would look " She then replied , it cant look any worse than it does now! Then said all of those top teeth need to come out ! And walked out , I was still waiting for the lady to come back with a price when the Dr. came back with a tray full of pink stuff asked me to open up , literally shoved it in my mouth and said bite down hard . I would have explained that I couldn't because I had a very loose , sore tooth but I couldn't because my mouth was full! She then pulled it out and said why cant you bite down , so I told her about the tooth , she then pulled out a sray bottle and squirted something in my mouth and said well I need to numb that because I need you to bite down, and again walked out ! came back put the tray back in my mouth , told me to bite down and left . I don't know what anything was that she put in my mouth because it was never discussed or explained , at this point I'm thinking that's it !!! When she came back she pulled it out and said Spit over there , and AGAIN walked out, so I called the next person who walked by and said , this is going way too fast , I told the other girl ( notice I don't know anyones names!) that I needed a price before proceeding , she even wrote that down on her paper , she said okay hold on I will get it , just the top ones right? she didn't wait for an answer and walked off , the doctor then shows up again with another tray of pink stuff and I begin to tell her I was waiting for a price , she replies I know that , but Im gonna finish your impression anyways ! The other girl then returns and gives me a price , which by the way Im not sure is affordable and tells me with this denture its 1250 and with this package its 1500 , I then say you know what if I could just get this back tooth pulled that would be great !!!!! Should have walked out then , but when were in pain we tend to make bad decsions. The Dr returned grabbed the needle and proceeded to give me 5 shots in my mouth to numb the area , at which time I was scolded because I accidently grabbed her Dr's smock in effort to hold onto the chair because it was very painful . To no evail she left and waited for me to numb , EVERYTHING..on that side of my face was numb , except for the tooth that needed pulled . Which I would have explained if she let me , prior to loosing my insurance I had the privelage to visit a real dentist and he had to nerve block before pulling my teeth because of the amount of bone loss that I have. Instead I got to say I can still fill that area , and she stuck me 3 more time , and walked away , mind you I had already been herded to the cashier and paid for the xray and the extraction , that had yet to take place!!! When she returned it was still not fully numb but I just wanted it out and out of that office as quickly as possible , so I let her proceed to pull my tooth at that point in tears , because I could still fell it !!! After , pulling it out and this is the cou de gras...looks right at me and says...All those teeth need to come out , you shouldn't let your teeth get that bad , I couldn't get it numb because theres nothing but a pocket of puss around it and I couldn't get to the nerve , and walked away ! At this point I was in tears , something I do not normally do . the nurse ( or so she's called ) came in , said here's your prescriptions , don't do this don't do that , have a great day! I know this is very lengthy , but I had to give an understanding of how I felt .I have never been so humiliated and made to feel badly by any health professional in all my life!! And I will be sure to tell any and EVERY person that ever mentions the word dentist or teeth this story so that I can save any person from having to go through what I went through !!!! They have brochures that say , they are comitted to serving every customer with respect and dignity and this could not be farther from the truth at this location and I will make it my mission to let everyone know this!!!!!!! My veterinarian treats my animals better than DR. Jennifer Alston Sako treated me and from the complaints above and other sites I have been on I'm not the first and sadly wont be the last .Desired Settlement: The amount I paid to be humiliated was $ 165 dollars I would like that refunded and my xrays transferred to the dentist of my choice when I wish to do so at no cost to me.

Business

Response:

It is unfortunate that the patient was not satisfied with her treatment and is upset. We have a walk-in clinic and the front desk assistant has to have a general idea of why the patient has presented. When the front desk asked her if she needed teeth pulled, it is a standard question to pre-alert of the state dental requirement need to take an x-ray if we are to do extractions. Not a money getter or cha ching. I cannot pull a tooth with out an xray. She wrote on her initial information form that she wanted dentures. She did not state that she had a toothache or needed a consultation. When I walked in the room, I always, tell the patients my name, as well as wear a nametag. I will state why I think they are in or ask them to tell me why they are in. I try to switch it up from patient to patient because the clinic is small and you can hear conversations from operatory to operatory. We decided to go with a full upper denture and upper extractions. Mid way through, she decided to have one tooth pulled, because it hurt during the impressions. Also, the statement about "it can't look any worse than it does now" has come from out of left field. It is of unknown origin and not something That I Said. All of our patients are asked to pay prior to treatment. We do not have a billing system. I attempted to anesthetize the patient and gave her additional anesthesia. The tooth was extracted and she began to state that the tooth was not completely numb. I told her that it is very difficult to numb teeth sometimes when they are so far gone. I told her not to let her teeth get so bad before she seeks dental treatment because it does make it harder to numb. That particular tooth was floating in a sea of pus. She has severe gum disease. In fact she told me that her teeth were "falling out". She says in her complaint that I did not block her. I did give her a PSA block and she provides evidence of that statement when she said, "Eveything on that side of my face was numb”...except---- The patient can have a copy of the X-Ray or a dentist can contact our office and we will mail it to them as a courtesy- We will not provide a refund because the tooth was extracted. Jennifer Alston-Sako, DDS

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Okay , First of all let me say that I understand that this is a walk-in clinic and that things will be a bit different and expedited more quickly , that however does not excuse horrible customer service and well below par treatment and bed side manners . She NEVER once told me her name , nor did I agree to any type of denture , I explained to every person I came in contact with that day that this is what I intended however I needed to know the FULL amount of everything before I proceeded and if she would have communicated with the assistant that came in first and did my x-ray , she would have known about the tooth that was loose and needed pulled , I'm fully aware that you need xrays to have an extraction , I have had the pleasure of going to a real dentist in the past , but I have explained that in my first letter and will not re hash it ! Secondly , she may have given me a block , but again it was never explained or discussed with me until after she extracted the tooth , and still she never mentioned the block , she did however state all that she stated after the tooth was out , about not letting my teeth get that bad , and the pool of puss and the reason that my tooth was still not numb when she pulled it out . Let me say that if we all had perfect teeth and gums or could afford regular dental care without insurance , we wouldn't be going to people like her at a place like that .I I'm not speaking for every Affordable Dentures I'm sure that there are other offices that have rave reviews and patients with success stories. Not the case at the Bedford location . Lastly , I will address her saying that she did not make the statement " It cant look any worse than it does now!" she absolutely did say that , those were her exact words. Why on earth would I make that up ??? It matters not to me at this point what Dr. Sako has to say after this correspondence , as I will be contacting the Home office of Affordable Dentures . and the American Dental Association and any one else I can think of to report her to. All she did by responding the way she did was prove my point, in my opinion .If she was so concerned about my Oral health , why didn't she take a moment and sit and talk with me about my options , and explain things with some compassion . I have the answer , because she doesn't care or have any compassion , she wants to yank teeth and make money . I truly feel bad for anyone who comes in contact with her . It shouldn't matter if your a walk in clinic or a full service office people should be treated with respect, dignity and compassion regardless of their financial situation . I am not satisfied with this response or resolution and will continue to pursue this complaint until I am . I understand the tooth was removed , but at this point that's not my concern and as far as her mailing my x-rays for me as courtesy , that's laughable . I am permitted by law to have those x-rays but Thank you for the small bit of courtesy ,as Its the only courtesy I received from anyone at this office!Regards,[redacted]

Review: Let me start by first saying the Denist herself dr. [redacted] is completely unprofessional and her work ethic is poor. I have tried several times to fix the issues with my dentures by traveling an hour each way for a "soft reline". The dentures that medical had paid a total of 1,622.70 dollars for are extremely ill fitting and cannot stay in my mouth. They are curved and too thick. I cannot wear them because they will not stay in my mouth no matter how much glue I put in. Food gets under it and they move. They are uncomfortable. The problem is dr [redacted] will NOT remodel them to fit properly until March when medical pays for it, otherwise I have to pay roughly $210 for her JUST to do a hard reline, that is not for a new remodel which she improperly made in the first place!Desired Settlement: Refund medical their money back, I would have accepted a new remodel but I would never give her my business again after her unprofessional behavior to me and my daughter. She doesn't deserve to earn more money for poor work she did.

Business

Response:

We regret that we have not been able to satisfy [redacted] fully at this point. Dentures become loose following tooth extractions due to the immediate shrinkage of bone and gum. That is why a temporary reline was performed (as a standard procedure done in dentistry universally around the world) for [redacted] shortly after her tooth extractions. However, [redacted] had peeled off ALL the temporary reline off both her dentures and returned for another reline. We did offer a free second reline to and/or a refund to [redacted] at the time she presented last, however she decided to put a negative review on Revdex.com and ask for the refund anyway. We will be more than happy to have [redacted] back in our office and help her with her dentures; however, her daughter who was behaving very unprofessionally and disrespecting the staff and the DDS in the lobby will not be allowed in this office, otherwise the security/police officer will be informed again.

Review: I went to the affordable dentures in Yuba City California that is owned and run by [redacted]. This dentist is abusive and does deplorable work. Not only do I have chunks missing out of my gum line from her extracting my lower teeth so recklessly, my permanent upper plate cracked down the center from the bite being completely wrong. My permanent upper and lower plates have not fit since I got them in February 2015 and she refuses to fix the problem. When I went in for the viewing of my permanent dentures on January 30th, 2015 they barely fit into my mouth. The teeth were so out of alignment that they jutted from the side of my mouth and the uppers and lowers did not meet. I was then told by [redacted] that there was nothing wrong with them and that I must be holding my mouth weird. I live 100 miles away from Yuba City and drive 3 hours each way. I live in a small rural mountain town and this location was the closest to me. The office is aware of this but made me return 3 times in 3 days to TRY and fix the problem. At the end of the first day I asked for a refund and that I would go elsewhere, after much yelling and her bad mouthing me, she said and wrote on my paperwork that she would refund approx. $1400 of my $5500+ that I had paid on my first visit! I agreed to this if she would give me the grossly misfitting dentures and she refused, threatening to call the police if I did not leave her office with only the promise of a check from her office for the $1400 and no teeth. I then had to cry and beg for the next 2 appointments at which time I had to sign a paper saying I was VERY satisfied (which I was not) to receive my current dentures. I returned yesterday for a reline for 6 month old permanent dentures and for her to repair a stress fracture from poor workmanship on my upper. She was going to charge me for all services saying it had been past 6 months. I then asked for my teeth back because I was refusing to pay. She made me wait 4 hours for an upper plate that she glued to fix.Desired Settlement: I would like my entire amount refunded (she can have this set of worthless, ill fitting, painful dentures back) so that I can go elsewhere for a well fitting pair of teeth so I can eat properly and have a bite that will not damage my jaw any further than it has.

Business

Response:

This matter is very complicated and requires a thourough review of the chart and review of all visits. We recommend that this matter will be resolved through court. Thank you!Affordable Dentures, [redacted], DMD a professional Corp.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your response! We will inform Revdex.com of the results of Dr. [redacted]'s written evaluation immediately upon receipt.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

I will also be facing or sending the results to the Revdex.com along with any dental records you need to see

Review: I was transferd from Affordable Dentures in Dixon because they closed there offfice, to they Yuba City Affordable Dentures by Affordable Care, Inc. Affordable Dentures in Kinston NC. Went to Yuba City office of 9/04/13 and 09/0/13 they didn't have my medical records or my account records of the full amount I payed 1855.00 they only record of 952.50 they didn't have my dentures from Dixon office that need to be finish they made me start all over again the took my temp dentures for hours and shave them down they made two sets of wax dentures one fit and one didn't at at this point they refuse to give me my new dentures and none none of the dentures had a ID in them to show they belong to me. They said they would only give me 952.50 back. No dentures and they would not fix my temp dentures and they didn't do what I was sent there for. [redacted] said Dr was making adjustments on my temp dentures. I didn't needDesired Settlement: I want my temp dentures fix. I want my new dentures done by another Affordable. I want what I payed for or a full refund to go somewhere else.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

This is response to [redacted]. [redacted] was one of many patients who were transferred to our office from Dixon office, which was recently shut down. Her first visit was on 09/04/2013. [redacted] was brought back to her room where she instantly began to complain to us about her bad experience at the Dixon office, I tried to explain to her we had nothing to due with what they did there. A transfer in the amount of 952.50 was transfferred by her request to our office for her final set of dentures. Unfortunatley our Dentist felt that she was not able to provide the patient with what she was requesting so a full refund was sent to our corporate office to be directly issued to the patient. In fact the last response I recieved from corporate was a letter stating that they were going to refund the patient the full amount that she had paid.

Final Consumer Response

consumer [redacted] response to affordable dentures dentist [redacted],dmd the 1st thing I would say is you didn't spell my name right maybe cause you never had my medical record at my appointment and it is my understanding that a dentist is someone we should be able to trust and a dentist should never do harm to there patients so for you or your lab to shaved down my upper temporary dentures is a crime and to make any patient suffer is also crime and I had a friend with me both appointment days so I wasn't a lone at time. I notice that you have not giving a response to the kind of treatment that you really gave me or giving any corrective treatment to my only upper dentures but that's fine because the ca, dental broad has pictures of my shaved upper dentures and the pictures will tell the truth and give a full story and all the paper work I turned in are shows facts and yes the affordable care incorporated aka affordable dentures incorporated in kinston,north carolina has given me a refund of 1805.00 now I have to start all over for the 3rd time and find a dentist that has affordable dentures I have not yet receive a letter saying how sorry you where for the way you or your business partners treated me as a patient you have had no concern for the damage or hardship that was done to me only how much money you can make I think that's the real truth and because I needed teeth and you are the only ones who do it at a affordable price you felt that you could treat me any way you wanted because you had the power to change my life and you had all my money to wow that's abuses big time and I hope that what was done me dose not happen to you or someone you know I would like to thank all of the better bureaus sacramento,ca Oakland,ca Kinston,nc for all you help Miss [redacted]

Review: On May 14, 2013 I went to the dentist office of [redacted] DDS [redacted] to get my teath pulled and get new teath I only had a parshal and two teath on the top and only four teath on the bottom. My teeth kept falling ut because of all the mediation I take. Dr. [redacted]i pulled the two teeth and made a temp: set of teeth and at that time he told me in a year he would make my permenent set but not before that. he said all the bugs wold be worked out. and my permenent teeth would fit fine, and if they dident I could come back in and he would make a adjustment at a charge of $150.00 each time I returned, he said people usley come back about two to three times for my uper plate I paid him $1025.00 and I had to pay extra every time I need an adjustment, I went to him 3 to 4 times and wanted my permenent teeth because my mouth did not hurt but he said no that I would have to wait a year. I asked him why he didnt tel me that when I first came to see him. He said tht wasnt part of the first visit it has been almost a year and I still dont have my permenent teeth the first of March I only had four bottom teeth. I finally went to another dentist and I had my top and bottom teeth in ten days. I called Dr. [redacted]i and told him I wanted half my money back or all because be never maid my permenent teeth he said no he would only give me $80.00 My husband went to Dr. [redacted]i office and these are eh paper's they gave him, no date and no signature . He says one thing when you first came to him and after he pulls your teeth he says something else. I want my money back can you help me? We are on a fixed income, we are both in our 80 please let me hear from you.Desired Settlement: Refund

Business

Response:

My office is in receipt of your correspondence dated April 18, 2014, regarding [redacted], Revdex.com Complaint ID # [redacted]. As stated in the Customer’s Statement of the Problem, a refund of in the amount of $80.00 was issued to the patient on or about March 5, 2014. This refund is the difference between the amount originally paid by the patient on or about May 14, 2013, and the cost of the services provided. Patient has neither paid for nor been charged for any other service at this dental practice since the original date of payment on or about May 14, 2013. Please be advised that due to HIPAA regulations, I am unable to disclose any additional information to you regarding this patient. However, please be further advised that my office is reaching out to the patient directly to address the concerns noted in the complaint. Please feel free to contact the patient further regarding this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Farhad [redacted]i, DDS

Consumer

Response:

On May 14/2013 I paid [redacted] $1025.00 and as of My 5-5-14 I still did not have my teeth, I went to another Dentest and had my teeth in 10 days. I want my money back. she gave me a $80.00 refund, I want all my money , I called my bank and ask for a copy of my check #[redacted] in amount of $1025.00. I should have it soon & I will send it to you I am 84 years old I need my money.

Consumer

Response:

Here is a copy of my bank statement to show you I gave [redacted] a check for $1025.00 he told the Revdex.com I only gave him $80.00. I could not get a copy of the check. because they deposited the check electronically so they sent me a copy of my bank statement for that month. I have marked it for you. Please do what you can do for me I am 84 years old. I need my money and my teeth I only had 2 teeth on top and only 4 on the bottom I don't understand why it would take a year to get my teeth. I went to another dentist and I had the top and bottom in 10 days. I want may money back

Business

Response:

Business states a settlement has been reached with customer.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I recently had dentures made at this company which only lasted a mere 3 months before each of them lost a tooth. I found out that they had a office in fresno and asked them in Jackson if I could take them there. They said no problem. I called the fresno office and they said all they had to do is get my paperwork. Then when I finally had to call them back they told me I had to take them to Jackson. no one seemed to know the policy of the company. I did not want to go back there because while there they scowled at my 3 year old granddaughter who was standing in the corner and they dentist told me a child did not belong in the office. no one here smiled the whole time I was there. I had said I was sorry but my babysitter had canceled at the last minute. I am a grandma raising a grandchild. this made me in a bad mood just wondering why they would treat a small child this way. I paid for the best dentures and they broke after 3 months. I just could not go back there to be treated this way again. I have paid extra money to another dentist just so I would not have to go back. they treat the elderly in this office with no manners or smiles. it was the worst expierence I ever had at a dentist. I feel I should get my money back the so called best ones they had to offer. should they break off after only 3 months?

Product_Or_Service: dentures

Desired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Refund

I want only the money paid for dentures. or the 350.00 it cost me to repair them.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

We are very sorry to hear this patient did not hae a good experience in our office. This is an extremely rare occurence for our practice and we try to accomodate all patients needs to their complete satisfaction. If the patient does not wish us to repair the denture (as teeth do occasionally pop loose) the we would be happy to provide her with a full refund. We will also ask that the patient sign a release form indicating we have not further obligation to this patient going forward with their dental care.

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)

Review: To Whom It May Concern:In April 2015 I started the process of having mini-dental implants on my upper dentures. I went through the process of getting my full denture replaced to prepare for implants and it was a requirement of Dr. [redacted]'s to have new dentures made for the implant procedure. On Thursday June 4, 2015 I had five (5) mini implants done on the upper gums. They were positioned in my upper gums starting at the 2:00 oclock position and ending at the 10:00 oclock position. The service was very grueling during and afterward for me. They immediately put my dentures in after the surgery. I was appalled at the amount of gum on the dentures and told [redacted] (an assistant) immediately there was no way I could talk with the dentures in my mouth. She said it would just take some time and I would get use to them in a couple of weeks. I left after a three hour procedure with prescriptions for a pain medication, an antibiotic Cephalexin, and a mouthwash called Chlorhex, and given another appointment for a one (1) week checkup. I did not start taking the pain medication until the second day. I am a phobic about medications and wanted to see if I could manage without taking it. But the pain was horrendous so I started taking it the afternoon of the day after the procedure. I took the pain medication and about 4 hours later I was so nauseated and convulsively vomiting, not able to keep anything down. I did try to make two (2) calls to Dr. [redacted]'s emergency number that night without any response and finally left a message, I believe. Twelve (12) hours later, which made it the third day, I finally called her again and spoke to her. I told her what was going on and she suggested that I discontinue the pain medications. By now it was the third day after the surgery, the pain had subsided enough to discontinue that particular pain medication and take an over-the-counter pain medication. On June 10, 2015, I lost the first implant which was the fourth implant from my right and positioned at 11:00 oclock. It just pulled out when I removed my dentures that night. No pain and very little bleeding involved, but it did scare me. I returned to Dr. [redacted] on June 11, 2015 and was told that she was worried about the bone density of this particular implant at the time she did it. But there was nothing she could do except, prescribe a round of antibiotics and wait 6 months to replace it. I ask her if it would be necessary to replace the implant since I still had four and she said it depended on how well I did without it and it would be up to me. I left with a 10 day prescription for Keflex, an antibiotic.But before leaving I again complained about the dentures and was told again that it just takes time to get use to them. I have worn dentures since 2000 and never had any problems with speech impediments, whistling, or guttural sounds or eating problems. I also had bridge work done at the very young age of 16 due to a car accident which caused several front teeth to get knocked out and a severed facial nerve on the left side of my face which left me with some paralysis around the corners of my upper and lower left lip. At 24 I had a partial put in on top of the bridgework and wore it until I was 50 years old and that is when I had all of my upper teeth pulled. I was very familiar with dental devices.On June 23, 2015, the third implant from my right, positioned approximately at 12:00 oclock, got inflamed. I felt it tingling, accompanied with pressure when I put my dentures back on the night before. I got up and remove the dentures to brush my teeth and I absolutely could not get my dentures back on the implants. So forgetting that the practice was on a two (2) week vacation I called to talk to Dr. [redacted]. They had left a message on their message machine that they would be gone until July 3, 2015 leaving a Dr. [redacted]'s name as an emergency contact, or in an extreme emergency go to an emergency room. I immediately consulted the internet to see what to do and the sites I visited said to get it out as soon as you could to avoid infection setting into the bone. I realized that the implant could not wait until July 3rd for Dr. [redacted]s return. I tried again to get my dentures on but the implant that was inflamed would not allow them to go on without a lot of pain. I proceeded to call Dr. [redacted]'s office and explained to the receptionist, [redacted], what was going on. She told me she would have to check with the doctor, put me on hold for a minute or two, then came back and informed me that all Dr. [redacted] could do is prescribe antibiotics because he is an orthodontist and does not have a dental license. I ask her if she told him it was implants and she said yes. I then called Affordable Dentures Customer Care and they gave me Dr. [redacted]'s name to call located in [redacted]. I really did not want to drive all the way to [redacted] because it is a 4 hour roundtrip there and back so I called Dr. [redacted]'s office again. Again, she reiterated that Dr. [redacted] could only give me an antibiotic and I called to her attention that his web site advertises mini-implants service. Then she got hateful and informed me that she just scheduled their last appointment for the day. I told her that had I known there was an appointment available I would have come in since I only live about 5 miles from their practice and the implant needed to be looked at. On June 25, 2015 I made my way to [redacted] to see Dr. [redacted]. He checked the implant and said it needed to come out but he did not want to step on anybody's toes and it was putting him in a bad position. I had to sign a disclaimer releasing him of replacement of the implant and stating the reason for removal was extreme discomfort on my part. I paid my $180.00 bill and left with one less implant. Now, I have three (3) implants left. At this time I was starting to question the viability of the work that Dr. [redacted] had performed andDesired Settlement: My solution would be for Dr. [redacted] to refund all of my money due to the failure of the implants and the poorly designed and ill-fitting dentures which amounted to $2,720.00 in total. I cannot wear my old dentures because of having the remaining implants intact so upon having new dentures made by another dentist I will return the dentures she made along with the remaining implants once they are removed. I would also like to have my money reimbursed to me for the extraction of the two (2) implants that other dentists had to perform due to her negligence of leaving an orthodontist in charge of dental patients which amounted to $255.00 dollars out of my pocket. I would also like all of my file copied to me along with any imaging pictures that may have been taken or processed, including but not limited to, the before of my head and the after x-rays of the implants, at no expense to me.

Business

Response:

Patient [redacted] may have refund on the implant stabilization system onlyafter re-consideration of her case.My origianl resolution presented to her consisted of removal of her implants, since shewas exhibiting rejection, a risk of the implants and to make her a traditional and newdenture at no additional cost. She got upset and left.Due to the cost of materials, my time in doing the implant surgery & modification ofdenture, full refund will not be given. No refund to see another dentist while we wereclosed for summer vacation.She did not have any complaints about the dentures until they were modified forimplants. She d¡d not like the stabilization system and therefore I will refund for theimplants only.Sincerely,Dr. [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I have decided to decline the settlement that Dr. [redacted] has offered. I would have expected a full refund given that, as she stated, it is an "implant stabilization system". I think "system" might be the operative word. The dentures cannot be worn without implants because there is no way to attain occlusion without the palate on the dentures. Dr. [redacted] stated in her reply that I had no complaints about the dentures until after the modifications were made. She is correct in that fact, however, immediately after the implants were done and the dentures loaded onto them I did complain and told [redacted] I could not talk with these teeth in because of the housing on the back of the denture which was not there until after the modifications. The housing is causing the speech and eating problems. She further stated due to the cost of the materials, her time and modification of the dentures that she would not refund the full amount. It is my contention that had she been more informative upfront about the dentures then I would have surely opted out of doing them. If she would have told me that there would be slurring and guttural sounds in my speech and there would be eating problems and drooling then I would have surely opted out of doing them. These problems are the very problems that people get resolved by having the implants done, not after the implant surgery is done.Furthermore, Dr. [redacted] states in her offer that I did not like the stabilization system which is not true. I love the concept but I wish I would have been more selective about who I had to put them in. It has been frustrating to deal with all the problems of losing them one by one. Also, the advertisement that she hands out for the implants explicitly says on the back of it "we want you to be completely satisfied with the services you receive at the practice. This applies not only to the Affordable Dentures we provide, but also to the kind of patient care you receive." Well, I am not completely satisfied...period.

Regards,

[redacted]

Dr, [redacted] is extremely unprofessional and rude. The office is not set up for patients in wheel chairs. The staff is not trained to help people or maybe they are not interested in helping with special needs.

Review: On the website for this business they state that a simple extraction is $90.00 and a complex extraction is $145.00. Their website also states that they take Visa, MasterCard, and checks.

I sent my daughter to their office to get a complex extraction. She had $200.00 cash. When she arrived they told her that she would have to get an x-ray (not explained on the website with extraction fees) and the cost would actually be $230.00.

My daughter called me on the phone for the extra $30.00 so I asked for an office person who could take my credit card information for the $30.00 (even though it wasn't what they advertised).

A office person got on the phone and I told her what cards I could use, and she said they do not take credit card information "on the phone."

The end result was my daughter did not have the extra $30.00 and we could not get it to the office in time for same day extractions.

Background - My daughter was at the Emergency Room Saturday night 06/06, sick all week-end, and per the doctor in ER, the tooth had to come out today to avoid further health issues.Desired Settlement: The business needs to change their website to include x-rays with their pricing. The pricing is very misleading and the website also needs to include the information regarding no payment will be accepted by phone.

My daughter drove from Rocky Mount to Bedford VA and then had to locate another dentist who could handle the extraction today. She should be reimbursed for gas and mileage which was 89.21 miles

1 hour 52 mins / 1 hour 55 mins based on current traffic Mileage expense reimbursement is based on the IRS standard rate for 2015 of $0.575/mile for a total of $51.29.

Business

Response:

Thank you for submitting your concern. The website now lists extractions as a service provided and the section describing extractions states that xrays are required and the fee is not included in the extraction cost.Sincerely,Dr. [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I would first like to thank you for addressing this issue with the company, and I am pleased they corrected part of the issue.The other part of my complaint was the fact that they advertise they accept VISA, MasterCard, etc. I attempted to pay the additional $30.00 they were charging and gave them a choice of credit cards or my debit card. They refused andhanded my daughter's cell phone back to her without even talking to me about it any further. Just a reminder, she had $200. cash and I was trying to pay the additional $30.00 with a credit card. My daughter drove from Rocky Mount to Bedford and incurred $51.29 transportation charges (outlined in the original complaint.) They also did not address the fact that their false advertising mislead her and she drove to the location, missed work,and still was unable to get the extraction.Thank you again to Revdex.com for keeping these businesses honest and supporting consumers.

Regards,

I guess I just don't like being lied too before ever having an actual interaction with a person. After this I did a lot of research for ratings on the business and they don't have over a three rating on any site I checked so I will look elsewhere for a quality product at a fair price.

-----------------------------------------------------

ANSWER RECEIVED:

Dear Mr. B[redacted],

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Affordable Dentures. The response below is from the office regarding your inquiry:

>> "Patient has to wait at least two weeks

Review: I have been undergoing treatment for generalized anxiety disorder for years, which the business was made aware of prior to the beginning of the visit, and as a result have an extremely sensitive gag reflex. Dr. [redacted] saw me this morning for approximately three minutes before loudly declaring outside my room that she was "done" with me and requesting a nurse come in and tell me to leave after her sloppily placing an upper impression tray in my mouth caused me to gag, at which time I pulled it from my mouth to prevent myself from vomiting all over her practice. Prior to this she was extremely cold and said little more than "open" or barked orders in a manner that is extremely hostile for a supposed healthcare professional, and she seems far more interested in shuffling patients in and out of the door as quickly as possible than doing a satisfactory job. Despite apologizing profusely I was told never to come back and left the building publicly humiliated and newly without the means to acquire dentures that fit me anywhere within a reasonable distance to my home. Upon looking for reviews online, I have learned that this is far from the first time Dr. [redacted] has treated her patients in such a degrading and unbecoming manner, and the thought that other people are treated this way regularly by someone who is supposed to be in the profession of helping people sickens me deeply. She has not only shamed me in a public setting for reasons fully beyond my control, but cut me off from fixing a very important health issue in my life in any immediately foreseeable time frame based solely on her own impatience as a healthcare professional. This is absolutely unacceptable and I am hopeful that she is willing to resolve the matter on a personal level rather than a public one.Desired Settlement: Acknowledgement of Dr. [redacted]'s impatience and attitude getting in the way of her ability to provide the service she is employed by her company to provide, apology, and/or continuation of service.

Business

Response:

When a patient begins to gag during an impression, there is a standard verbal protocol that will be given. The patient is asked to relax and breath through their nose or the back of the throat. Choose not to gag. Most times this takes repeating two or three times and the average patient can do it. Once they realize that they are in control of their own breathing, they will relax.Once a patient chooses not to follow verbal instructions, reaches up and grabs my hand & squeezes painfully, my only course of action is to cease with treatment and refer the patient to another dentist.She told affordable care that she was not treated with empathy. I do feel empathy for her severe gag reflex. It is unfortunate that this will also cause her to have difficulty in successfully wearing a full upper. Her case is too difficult for me, and she is not to return to my clinic.[redacted], DDS

Review: Dr. [redacted] and her staff all seemed nice and professional until they got our money. We were required to pay for extractions, full upper and partial lower dentures in advance. After payment all of their appointments are scheduled for THEIR convenience and to maximize THEIR profit. After a full mouth of extractions Dr. [redacted] gave us her number to call if there were any problems overnight and when I called and left a message she never called back. My husband is handicapped and does not drive. When I asked for an early or late follow up appointment so I could bring him before or after work I was told that I could bring him in early if I wanted but that he wouldn't be seen until later. I was also told that I could work anytime I wanted because I was not the patient. They did not want me to accompany him to the back and help him get settled in the chair and were extremely rude when I insisted. After delivery the upper plate never fit right and was cheaply made even though we chose the most expensive option. The lower partial was never comfortable and could not be worn while eating. Dr. [redacted] wanted to charge $180 for a reline on the top even though we paid around $350 for the new denture wearer package that is supposed to cover everything. She also said to take the bottom partial out while eating that it is only for cosmetic purposes and that there are other teeth to eat with. Really? Shame on Dr. [redacted] and her staff!Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund. Neither the upper plate or lower partial are functional and need to be replaced.