Aspen Dental
reviews and complaints

This all started back in Dec. 2020. My partial broke and was non-repairable. I was told that Aspen could make me a new one. My work started on Dec. 8 2020. They took x-rays and examined my teeth, which revealed a large cavity. I was then set up with an appointment to have the cavity filled. The dentist was on vacation for that appointment, so saw a new dentist. She informed me that she would not fill my tooth because it was too big of a cavity. I told her to either fill it or pull it. She said she would do neither, but would monitor my cavity. How the heck do you monitor a cavity I asked. No one has been able to answer that question yet. I then saw another of your Dentists and she would not fill it either. Well after several weeks the first Dentist I saw filled the cavity and proceeded to make my partial. Of course they had to be adjusted, which I expected. The problem was the length of time I had to wait between appointments to get them adjusted, which only took about 15-20 minutes each time. In the meantime my mouth was sore and I couldn't wear the partial. I paid my account each time I was there and would leave with a 0 balance. But when my next appointment rolled around there would be new charges, for things I didn't know about, like an appointment in 6 months to have my teeth cleaned. I told the girl to take it off and that if I ever got my partial where I could wear it, I would never step foot in there again.
My partial is still not right but I wont go through the stress of dealing with you people again.
You are a bunch of crooks charging and re-charging for things that was supposed to be covered in the first place.
My advice to all my acquaintances will be to STAY AWAY FROM ASPEN DENTAL.

I don't see how you can sleep at night cheating people out of their hard earned money.

So……. Getting old isn't fun! Being almost 71, as a child in the 50s, dental care wasn't a priority. We brushed and saw a dentist only when necessary. As a consequence, I have a mouth full of fillings. Finally, I need to have work done so I made an appointment at Aspen Dental in Plattsburgh, NY, received a "treatment plan" and went home to contemplate further action. 1st appt. for a deep cleaning was a shock. No explanation about their payment requirements was offered before I arrived. I was completely blindsided. They insisted on an upfront payment of approximately $1600.00. This was a percentage of the TOTAL cost of the treatment plan. Now, I don't mind paying the estimated amount that's left after approved insurance payments and AFTER the procedure is completed, but they wanted payment for treatment that hadn't been done. I once managed a medical office. We collected co-payments at the time of the appointment but not for procedures that MIGHT happen later on down the road. I couldn't believe what was happening. Also, they refused to do ANY work until the "deep cleaning" (approximately $2, 500) was done. I need extractions as one tooth is broken off and painful. NO treatment until the cleaning was done. Now, when I've had a standard cleaning in the past, almost no plaque or buildup was found because I'm an avid flosser, so I questioned the need for this "deep cleaning." By the way, have you checked the cost of dental insurance for seniors?
My complaint is that information about their unusual and unbelievable payment requirements was NOT offered in advance. Also, the idea that a dentist refuses to do necessary procedures unless a very expensive cleaning is done. Silly me……I thought that if you went to a dentist to have a filling or tooth extraction done, that's what you got without having other procedures forced on you.
Also…. I didn't know that a dentist can't/won't do extractions. Aspen Dental has a specialist come from out of town only once a month to do extractions. Who knew?
Is it just me?
Karen Hornell
203 Murtagh Hill Rd.
West Chazy, NY
[protected]

I just received my dentures and the next day I couldn't even put them in on account of gum pain, I called them and told them what was wrong and was told I couldn't come in till the twentieth of July eleven days away. I told the girl I couldn't go that long without my teeth and was told they were booked solid, I'm very upset with them. I would think that adjustments would be walk in actually. So what now?

On 6/22 at 1:30 I went to Aspen Dental in Burlington Iowa because Taylor told my husband they could fix my partial. They took x rays and had me talk to the hygienist that I did not ask for. An hour later the dentist came in glanced over at my partial and said those are not repairable. I then talked to the office manager after the dentist told her to take me out of the room which should have been my first sign, but I work with the public, and I was desperate because I had no front teeth. After another hour they did the impressions for a basic partial once again even knowing that they were going to do a partial for me they would not attempt to put them back together. I was told to go to Wal-Mart and get the kit and do it myself. After they took the impressions, I then went to my car and waited for 2 hours for them to get the was mold made. Taylor then came out to my car and got me and told me they were done and to come back inside.
When I went back in, I then sat in the waiting room 30 minutes before they came and got me to go back and then another 30 minutes after I got back to their chair.
They brought the wax tray in, and the dentist shoved it in my mouth handed me a mirror and asked me what I thought.
I told her they were bulky and was told that was because of the wax. She kept pressuring me about how the teeth looked. I told them the teeth looked okay I was concerned about the fit and was assured that they would not be like that when they were done. They told me when they had me scheduled for the next day and I told them I had to take the afternoon off and needed a later appointment and I was told that they were doing me a favor and I needed to be there when they could get me in. I then sat there for another hour while I waited for them to come do the last impressions.
If I had not been so desperate and in a vulnerable situation I would have got up and left at this point because that was just plain rude.
When I came out, they were all sitting on the counter laughing and having a good time while I sat back there in their chair.
The next day I came back to get my basic partial they had done for me. The dentist came in put it in my mouth, asked how it felt made 3 adjustments, told me she would be on vacation and would be back Monday if I needed any other adjustments maybe Galesburg could do them. So, I left knowing that there would be more adjustments that had to be made because that is how it works.
I then had questions about the billing and why it's advertised online for one thing, but you have to read the fine print.
to get the full story. Their Regional Manager called me and told me if they didn't turn it in on insurance it would be insurance fraud, but they have it advertised on line for half the cost. If it is not turned in on insurance that is not fraud on the insurance company that is just not using the insurance, so you get the discounted rate. But Ashley from corporate told me I actually got the better end and not paying so much up front I still can't find that in the small print.
So, then I called and got an appointment with Galesburg because the dentist was on vacation and the partial was really hurting my mouth. They were really nice in the Galesburg office Ronda is the one who did the adjustments.
I showed her that the partial was not made right. It is crooked, sticks out to far on the right side, to long in the back
and has a gap on the right hand side. She made the adjustments that she could but said they were going to have to be remade because they were not made right. She also said they were real rough because they were not polished down like they were suppose to be. I called the Burlington office and told them what was going on and the dentist did not come to work that Monday either. At this point my mouth is sore and hurting because there were not adjustments that could be done to fix the problem. I got tired of the run around with Burlington called corporate talked with Ashley who said that they could transfer funds between offices if I felt more comfortable going to Galesburg. She said that the Regional for Galesburg would get it set up and the office manager would give me a call before my appointment on Friday. I had a appointment in Burlington but someone cancelled it and I still don't know who did that.
So, I get to my appointment in Galesburg thinking they were going to do everything for the partial and they were just going to transfer the funds as discussed.
They had not spoke to them about it at all and I had to sit there and wait for them to talk to the dentist who had the final say in it and he said he did not want to do it. So, I wasted an entire day dealing with this stuff that should have already been done. I then went to my car called the Burlington Aspen and asked when they could get me in beings someone cancelled my other appointment. Taylor asked when I was available, and I told her in an hour…because I would have had to drive an hour to get there. But they were once again closing early and didn't have any upcoming appointments that they could get me in. She then put me on hold and when she came back on, she said she just couldn't get me in and hung up on me.
Couple hours later I get a phone call from the Regional telling me I was banned from all locations of Aspen Dental.
I asked her who was going to fix my partial that was in my mouth rubbing sores and was told the dentist looked at and said they were fine, and no one would be doing any further adjustments on them. The dentist saw me for 5 minutes when she did the first adjustments and have not seen one sense. They are rubbing sores on my mouth in the back, on the sides and up front because they do not fit properly and are way to thick.

They have a guarantee that says that you have to be 100% satisfied with your dentures, we'll make it right or give you 100% of your money back.

They charged my insurance so I won't be able to use that again at another dentist so I would like a full of all charges in the sum of 1149.00. I would also like compensation for the pain and suffering that I've endured and I'm still dealing with
Until I can get to another dentist and for wasting a whole lot of my time due to the lack of communication.

Sincerely,
Ruth Giese

I was missing a tooth on the top and wanted my smile back after getting my covid shot and wanting to remove the mask. After xrays I was told all my teeth had to be removed. I had a partial on the bottom that was weak but intact. I paid half while they did the impressions and the morning I went in to have them removed was told I had a balance and paid it. The dentures they made were like horses teeth and I've never been able to wear them. Then yesterday I received a bill for $2200 .. not only can I not smile or eat I've lost so much weight im under 100 lbs . The worse part is my speech.. they completely destroyed my and now want more money?

I was sent a text message about an appointment I was supposed to go to in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Today!, I was supposed to go on August 16th, but when I got this I thought they changed it!, Get there, they know nothing about the text message!, I am alittle Angry, check my phone it disappeared?

I purchased the most expensive set of dentures and had my teeth removed and a temporary set placed inside my mouth until my permanant set were complete. This has been nothing but a nightmare from the time I received the permanant ones. I can not chew food as the denture does not stay in place. I have been back there 5 times to have an adjustment and nothing has worked. I have used powder, glue, and liners. My partial does not fit correctly either. I need some advice on what to do. I am completely sick over these dentures. The whole situation is horrible. I am totally self conscious and rarely go anywhere. I avoid eating in front of others for fear of the dentures coming out. I always have a awful taste in my mouth from the glue or powder. I really hope someone can help me.

After giving them $12, 000.00 I can chew. They're oral surgeon is terrible. Now, still having problems, I go in, and supposedly dr. chan did something that made things worse. Then I get a bill for another $322.00. I'm not paying it. When I told them that I wasn't going to pay it, just this morning, they have already turned it over to a collect agency. Well, have fun trying to get it. I would never send anyone to aspen. I complained to dr. chan 2yrs ago about the implants the oral surgeon put in. Now, to wear the dental, they cut my gums and tongue. I can't chew and the teeth do not line up.

Every time I call the Greece, New York office the recording just goes around and around - they never answer the phone and it won't let you leave a message. I was trying to change a cleaning appointment. I called customer service last week and the lady told me she would have the East Ridge office call me. I was last seen at the West rRdge road office and that is the one that never answers the phone and you can't leave a message. I tried the East Ridge office prior to calling customer service and it rang and rang. The CSR could not get them to answer the phone either. I have not heard back from either office.

Now I want to know who to get copies of my records and x-rays so I can change dentists. I do not intend to pay for my x-rays and records either.

Please advise how I can get my records.

I am ready to file a complaint with the better business bureau.

Beverly Ulrich [protected]
152 Sheraton Drive
Rochester, NY14616-3905

(May 11, 2021. client # [protected]-0 )
Broke a crown, and I am living in a new state. Aspen starts with an 'A' so I went with them.
I've used Co-op style dentistry before, so I figured they wouldn't be too different from what I was used to.

The exam is 19$. I'm okay with that.

The exam process begins with two full sets of xrays: Panoramic and then bite wings. FULL set.
I didn't question any of this because it's how they do their exam.

I understand I'm being fit in to their schedule, I am escorted to the operative suite and wait.
Another picture, done by another tech, this time it's a 3D image which I thought was cool.

Eventually the hygienist comes in, has a look, does gum pocket depths along with another tech who logs that information in.
The hygienist informs me I have periodontal disease and it is moderate to severe and points out the diseased teeth; that I need root planing/descaling. (now I begin questioning... in my head)
I did ask if there are different schools of thought on dental x rays, because I have never had this problem before. I am rather OCD about brushing.
My last cleaning was about a year ago, but my overall health has not changed.

After another wait, the dentist arrives, we chat.
He does a nerve block (I have to have that due to my history with that molar). He places a temporary crown.

Then I am taken to the financial person. I get the low down on what the doctor recommends, the total cost of what is recommended is close to 3k. I absolutely refuse an implant that was recommended for a missing tooth
(I have one implant and that was more than enough).
I end up paying for the upcoming root planing, descaling and of course the crown. My total paid is about half of the initial 3k.

On my way home I kept thinking something was wrong about all this.
Looked up reviews/stories on You Tube and finally, here I am, realizing the entire process is sort of like the vacation condo time share scam.
It's the x-rays they take.
I came in with a broken molar, that is the only area needing an x-ray, not my entire mouth.
They developed their expensive treatment plan based on those x-rays.

At this point, I plan to cancel the root planing, descaling. If there is any possibility of being refunded for the upcoming crown, that would be super. Of course I expect to pay for the nerve block and temporary crown, but I would prefer to go to another dental practice for the permanent crown.

What disturbs me the most is the unethical manner in which Aspen finds other things unrelated to the primary complaint which jacks up the prices.

When a patient says they do not have insurance, that is not the time to find other things to work on and come up with the most expensive treatment package.

I consider myself having learned a huge lesson. I will do my best to warn as many other people as I can of this most unethical dental business.

* Their offices are not open today, I will be calling them Monday May 17 for a refund.