Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to one and a half hours. You’ll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
Insurance
If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.
Appointments
Regular Appointments
In order to properly place brackets and fit bands, the first few appointments will be frequent, requiring your patience and flexibility. After the appliances are placed, adjustment appointments will then occur approximately every six weeks and for shorter time intervals, approximately 20-40 minutes.
Cooperation is requested in making and keeping all appointments. As most of our patients are school age, we will make every effort to give each patient their share of after-school appointments; however, please be aware that many appointments, especially those of longer duration, will be during school hours. We are happy to provide a school excuse if needed.
It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance. If an appointment must be broken, please notify us immediately so another appointment can be reserved. Whenever possible, advance notice of 24 hours is appreciated if an appointment must be changed.
Other Dental Treatment and Records
Extractions (if necessary), x-rays, and the restoration of decayed teeth will usually be done before orthodontic treatment is started. After treatment, a complete set of orthodontic records will be taken. It is recommended that a dental checkup be scheduled with your dentist shortly after braces are removed.