Gig Harbor Orthodontics

We have had a great experience with Dr. Patra and her team. Appointments were always on time and quick. My son completed his braces in the estimated time frame. We’ll be back with our youngest soon!

Our family was referred to Gig Harbor Orthodontics for expansion treatment for our son. The office was always clean, and the staff were friendly. At each visit, our son was given a small amount of mouthwash, which we understood to be for hygiene. We were new to orthodontic treatment and did not realize there were multiple expansion options. From the beginning, we were only presented with a metal expander, and we did not seek second opinions at that time. When the expander was placed, it was installed by a hygienist/assistant rather than the orthodontist. We also needed a separate appointment at their Tacoma office for scanning because the GH location does not have the machine. The address provided to us was incorrect, and we had to call for the correct location on the day of the appointment. During treatment, we were instructed to turn the expander three times per week. When we asked about increasing the frequency, we did not receive a follow-up call, and when I called back to inquire again, we were told (by a hygienist) to continue as originally directed. When we later sought 2nd and 3rd opinions, other orthodontists shared that more frequent turning is usually the standard depending on the comfort level requested/required of the patient. We asked three times about using clear aligners for the next phase of treatment (at the start, in the middle of expansion and they were not an option for our son. The third time we brought it up, the explanation we eventually received was that the office prefers the established track record of metal expanders and braces. Two second opinions by other Gig Harbor orthodontists confirmed that clear aligners are also be effective options for our son's treatment. After completing expansion, we decided to transfer our son’s care based on the additional information we received from other orthodontists. Gig Harbor Orthodontics provided a 16% refund of the amount we had prepaid for the full treatment including expansion and braces. Expansion had been completed and braces had not started at this point. While we respect Dr. Patra’s expertise and would have valued her guidance, we ultimately left because we did not feel informed or included in key treatment decisions. Based on second opinions, it seems there could have been discussion about the frequency of turning the expander and consideration of alternative options such as clear aligners versus metal braces. This lack of communication led us to question whether our son was receiving the individualized care, and ultimately we no longer felt confident in the treatment plan. We believe our knowledge of our child and his individual needs should have been part of the conversation, but we were not given the opportunity to explore other options at this office.

Thank you GHT Ortho. You helped my wife when she needed a new retainer and did a great job. Friendly staff. I was very impressed and will be going back for an assessment when my kids are ready.

Fantastic service and staff! I was a transfer patient and was welcomed with open arms to continue my treatment. When my daughter needs an orthodontist this is where she will go!

Dr. Patra and her staff are friendly, welcoming, and professional. I have no doubt opinions I get are based on expertise and knowledge, prices are competitive. I am happy to go in and see Dr. Patra every time.