I did a school report a few years ago that showed just what a variety of opinions you can get regarding medical practice and their experts.
We took a "patient" who had absolutely nothing wrong with her to six different dentists, complaining of a toothache.
What they recommended was unbelievable, ranging from major invasive work to the best answer: that she was just fine and might be having a temporary problem.
My nephew had problems with his teeth, and the dentist his parents trusted went as far as to wire his mouth shut for six months.
It turned out that it not only wasn't what he needed - it was the wrong thing.
I read a lot of blogs from people asking about the prices dentists charge.
But what I've learned is that price isn't the most important factor in dentistry.
Practicing dentistry is a science and a skill, there's also a lot of art involved.
There's a range of options as to what the right treatment is for a particular patient.
If a dentist recommends a root canal and people trust the dentist or orthodontist they go to, they say okay.
But that's not what you should do.
If a dentist recommends a serious treatment for you, it is important for you to get a second, even a third opinion.
I don't care if the dentist is a family friend or the dentist your family has been going to for three generations.
Go get a second opinion before major work is done.