Scheduling Goals
During orthodontic treatment you will typically see us every 4-10 weeks, and some of these appointments will inevitably conflict with work or school schedules. Our goal is to minimize these inconveniences as much as possible. In order to achieve this goal, we have established the following scheduling guidelines:
Adjustment Appointments
During these shorter appointments, we will make technical adjustments to your braces. Most of our patients schedule these appointments at various times during the day, however, we save additional before/after school hours in our schedule to maximize these times for the most number of patients. These appointments will occasionally occur during work or school hours, and we are happy to provide you with a written excuse slip.
Longer Appointments
We consider these to be of 40 minutes or longer and are scheduled in the later morning and early afternoon. This will allow us to see more patients before and after school or work for shorter appointments. Appointments such as placing and removing braces are scheduled during school hours to provide the best possible focused care while reducing scheduling difficulties for daily shorter appointments.
How to Keep your Treatment on Schedule
- Keep Regular appointments
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Be careful with what you eat
- Try not to break appliances
- Wear rubber bands or headgear as directed
- Follow through with recommended treatment and referrals
House Calls
We provide our patients with the courtesy of a friendly phone call the day before their scheduled appointment. This automated reminder system will allow you to confirm your appointment at the time of the message. It will also leave a message on your answering machine or voicemail if you are not at home.
Emergencies
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, and most orthodontic problems such a broken wires or braces can be handled by scheduling a repair appointment or may be done at your next appointment. Please contact us with the nature of your problem so we can guide you in an appropriate action and make you comfortable as quickly as possible. Also, please visit the Emergency Info page on our website to see if a temporary solution is available at home.