Office Visits
Complimentary Exam
Your first visit to our office will be a free exam for you or your child. The doctor will carefully examine the teeth for a wide range of possible orthodontic problems, such as crowding, cross-bite, gaps, etc. Once the doctor has a clear picture of the most likely course of treatment, we'll discuss what type of treatment is necessary, how long it will take, and estimate how much it will cost. You'll understand everything you need to know in order to decide whether to proceed with treatment.
Records Appointment
After your complimentary exam, if you decide to proceed with treatment, records are then made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
After the doctor has thoroughly evaluated your diagnostic records, we'll explain your treatment to you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.
Regular Appointments
After the records appointment, we'll be ready to schedule the appointment to get your new appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) placed. Getting appliances placed usually takes one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals four to eight weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes about 30 minutes.
Patients are seen by appointment only. 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.
Scheduling Appointments:
It is important for everyone to know that we are sensitive to working parents, the demands of school placed on teenagers, the inconvenience caused by having to pick a child up at school and go to the orthodontist, etc. We are sensitive to all of these issues and want each patient and parent to know that we would like to accommodate everyone. However, the fact remains that it is physically impossible to do this, and the bottom line is that we must be able to provide quality care to each patient equally.
When you make an appointment, please be certain your schedule allows you to come on time. Upon arrival, please sign in with the receptionist. If you are late, we may have to reschedule your appointment or shorten your procedure which may prolong your overall treatment time. It simply would not be fair to keep patients waiting who are on time or scheduled after you. Our scheduling policy is not being implemented for our convenience. It is being done to provide equal time for all patients so that each patient can receive an equal amount of our professional time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in the matter.
Andover Office
North Andover Office
