to ask for my rights on this refund request?

[straightmyteeth]

i used straight my teeth and finished my plan a couple of months ago. it’s one of those invisible aligners you buy online type of things. i bought it last year (stupid idea really but i was lacking confidence).

i fell pregnant just before starting the aligners but after i made the impressions, they wouldn’t refund me as i was worried i would get gum disease more easily with them. they said it would be fine and didn’t refund me. i did end up getting gum disease through my pregnancy.

i’ve finished my plan now and my bite is totally off, yes my teeth look straight but i can only really bite on one side properly. my nhs dentist said my gum is receding now and i have very sensitive teeth, my whole mouth is painful. they offered free alignment but my dentist said he would stop where he was at if he were me because he thinks they’re a stupid idea in the first place.

i want a refund. i’ve spent £700 on basically damaging my teeth and ruining my bite. they’ve said it’s in their policy that they don’t offer a refund after the aligners are made. does the consumer rights act etc overrule refund policy’s?

I don’t think legislation covers buyer’s remorse.

I don't know the legalities, hopefully someone else will, but sounds like they did the job of aligning your teeth so they've fulfilled their contract. If it's a cosmetic thing and they're not proper dentists, then there was always risks - as you knew with your gum disease worries and your dentist thinking they're a stupid idea. Have you looked at their paperwork? I'd assume they've got reams of small print around possible side effects that will cover their arse sufficiently against your complaints.

I hate these online aligner things! When you have aligners provided by your dentist you have regular appointments to check the progress, and to alter the treatment if necessary. These online providers have no way of monitoring tooth movement. They should be as illegal as tooth whitening offered by beauty salons is!
Sorry straight my teeth, I know my venting doesn't help you. Has you dentist suggested referring you to an actual orthodontist for an opinion? You would have to pay privately but it may be an option.