Fitting Orthodontics Into Your Schedule
We understand that orthodontic treatment can interfere with other important responsibilities that you may have during the day, including work and school. We have designed our treatment methods to make the most of your time during each visit, and to minimize conflicts with your busy schedule.
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Our Approach to Minimizing Conflicts
During the course of your orthodontic treatment, there will be a variety of appointments that are needed. The majority of your appointments can be scheduled at times that are more suitable to your busy schedule - after work or after school. However, every patient will have a few longer appointments, including the appointments where we put your braces on and take them off. We schedule these infrequent longer appointments in the morning and early afternoon, allowing the majority of your appointments to be at the more convenient times.
The Appointment Process
The first appointment is the Initial Consultation. During this visit we gather general patient information, verify insurance coverage, and check the health history. The clinical examination follows, which gives us the specific information required to decide if treatment is needed. Many patients will be scanned with our iTero Intra-Oral Scanner - a non-invasive capture of the patient's teeth and bite which will allow more detailed analysis of the orthodontic problems.
Some patients - both teens and adults - may qualify for treatment without braces. We are able to treat many mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems using removable Invisalign clear aligners. If you are considering Invisalign as a treatment option, please be sure to let us know at this appointment so we can discuss the potential advantages of this treatment.
If treatment is required but the patient is too young, he or she will be placed on a recall schedule at no charge. If the timing is correct, then more information is required to make an accurate diagnosis. This information is gathered with diagnostic records.
The second appointment is the Diagnostic Records appointment. This is a 30 minute appointment in which orthodontic x-rays and clinical photographs are gathered. If necessary, a new digital scan of the teeth will be taken to help us prepare for the placement of braces. This information is critical in developing an accurate diagnosis and ideal treatment plan. Once the treatment plan is developed, we will review our findings with you at the Consultation appointment. The required appointments will then be scheduled.
The next few appointments vary from patient to patient. There will be some appointments that will require more time. These appointments are always scheduled during morning hours and may require an excused absence from school. Please understand that we hold all afternoon appointments for routine orthodontic adjustments.
Special Appointments
Our goal is to avoid the unexpected, however we recognize that emergencies can happen during the course of your orthodontic treatment. Most orthodontic problems can be solved for you over the phone, and we always have someone available to help you in the event something should come up.