Your First Visit
 Please bring to your first visit the Welcome Packet we have provided to you. If you need another copy of the New Patient Form found inside the Welcome Packet, please take a minute to print one here and fill it out, so that you can bring it with you to your first appointment with us.
During the first visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are 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 for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. Consultation After Dr. Held has evaluated your records, we will discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.  Regular AppointmentsThe length of your appointment will depend upon the treatment. When you initially receive your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.), the appointment takes one to two hours. Subsequently, you will see us at regular intervals, 8 to 12 weeks apart, for an adjustment. These appointments range from 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are:
Patients are seen by appointment only. Longer appointments are scheduled in the later morning or early afternoon, allowing us to see more patients in the earlier morning and later afternoon for shorter visits. 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 your appointment only if it is absolutely necessary. It is challenging to reschedule, since most appointments are made 8 to 11 weeks in advance. However, we will work with you in whatever way we can. Payment & Office Policies Cost It is our goal to make orthodontics affordable for you. The cost of orthodontic treatment depends upon each patient's individual orthodontic needs. Additionally, the payment plans for our patients and parents are just as unique as our patients’ orthodontic needs. Thus, we will work with you to determine a payment plan that works within your financial budget. And please know that once you have finished with your active orthodontic treatment, we automatically include a complimentary high-quality adhesive removal manicure and polish of the teeth provided exclusively by Dr. Held. Additionally, you will receive one set of upper and lower retainers at no extra charge. Insurance If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient, and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your insurance claims and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf. |
