Getting Started with Orthodontics

Getting started with orthodontic treatment is as simple as 1 - 2 - 3.  The process can basically be broken down into the following three steps:

• Your or your child's First Visit which consists of the initial exam.

• The Records Visit is next.  This appointment helps the doctor in determining the best treatment plan.

• The Treatment Planning session will determine the course of treatment.

Appointment Scheduling

Most people seeking orthodontic treatment have important obligations such as school or work during the day.  During active orthodontic treatment, the patient is seen every few weeks, and some appointments will conflict with school.

We have put a great deal of effort into designing our schedule.  It is our goal to see you on time for your appointment, and we want to have plenty of time during each appointment to do the necessary treatment, to give you information about the treatment, and to answer any questions.  We want to work with you around your school and work hours as much as possible.  Thus, we need both structure and flexibility in the schedule.

We schedule longer appointments during the school hours and shorter appointments after school, which allows us to accommodate as many families as possible for after school appointments.  Also, if you prefer to come during a quieter time, please schedule an appointment during school hours.

Because the schedule is carefully crafted, your late arrival can pose a problem.  In fairness to the other scheduled patients, we will probably reschedule you for another appointment.  It may be possible for you to wait for an opening in the schedule.  If we have to reschedule an appointment, it will need to be during school hours.  It is not a good idea to delay the rescheduled appointment for a month so that you can have an after-school appointment, as the treatment will be adversely affected.

We realize that, at times, circumstances beyond your control can prevent your attendance during the time you reserved with us.  There is no charge for the first three broken appointments.  However, there is a $20.00 fee for any subsequent broken appointments that have not been rescheduled 24 hours in advance.

Please give us feedback about the scheduling system or about any other area of our service.  We want to know when you are pleased, and we want to know when you are not.