What to Expect
What To Expect
Your First Visit
At the first visit to the orthodontist, a digital x-ray of your teeth and jaws will be taken. Dr. Gottsegen will then perform a thorough, comprehensive clinical examination of your teeth. If Dr. Gottsegen feels treatment is necessary, he will recommend a course of action at that time, along with all associated fees and payment options. Before treatment can proceed, we will need to make diagnostic records, which consist of one additional digital x-ray, digital photographs of the face and teeth, and digital study models. This information is used to develop a customized treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM and our administrative staff is available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. 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. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
Our polite and helpful front office staff will make every conceivable attempt to schedule your visits in a way that comfortably fits into your busy lives.
Please understand, however, that no orthodontist can successfully see his or her entire practice each day outside of the hours from 8 A.M. until 3 P.M. Therefore (this relates primarily to patients of school-age), it is inevitable that, from time to time, some attempt will be made to schedule an appointment during a non-critical school hour so that treatment can proceed efficiently and without needless delays.
Obviously, some give-and-take is required on the part of both our staff and parents. We will be more than happy do our part.