How do I fit orthodontics into my busy schedule?
Most people seeking orthodontic treatment have other important obligations during the day, usually involved with work or school. When active orthodontic treatment begins, each patient is seen every 8-10 weeks.
We have devoted considerable time and effort into designing our scheduling system. We would like to accomplish three things at every appointment: First, we want to see you on time for your appointment. Second, we want to have adequate time during each appointment to do the necessary procedures. Third, we wish to answer questions and update your treatment progress. In addition, we will work with you to schedule around your school or work hours as much as possible. As you can imagine, a well-organized schedule requires considerable structure tempered with flexibility.
Your Appointments
Longer appointments, which are few in number, are scheduled during morning hours and shorter appointments are scheduled either before or after school. In this way, an entire afternoon is not committed to one or two patients but rather is scheduled to accommodate as many families as possible for after-school appointments. If you should ever wish to come to the office during a quieter time, please ask to schedule an appointment during school hours.
Some appointments are blissfully short. During your treatment, there are times when the adjustments are completed quickly even though they may be quite technical. We have tried to design treatment methods that limit your inconvenience.
Because the schedule is carefully crafted, your late arrival can pose a problem. In fairness to the other scheduled patients, we may not be able to work you into the schedule and will therefore find it necessary to reschedule your appointment.
Rescheduling appointments
We realize that, once in a while, unforeseen circumstances arise which necessitate a change in appointments or cause you to overlook an appointment. We will do our best to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible; however, in order to avoid a delay in treatment, it may become necessary to reschedule an after-school appointment to one during school hours. Missed appointments or numerous appointment changes will inevitably result in an extension of your treatment time.