Office Policies
Your First Visit to Our Office
Our objective is to make sure that your visits with us are pleasant and informative. Your first appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options with Dr. Haltom. This important visit will take about one hour and will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child. This initial consultation is always free of charge and you will leave with a thorough explanation of any problems and a written summary of our findings and recommendations, which your family dentist will receive as well. We will take digital photographs and possibly a panoramic x-ray and spend as much time as necessary answering any questions that you may have. In addition, any questions regarding insurance or financial options will be discussed at this time.
We will then decide if further treatment will be necessary. If treatment is needed in the future we will continue to see you or your child once or twice a year to check dental growth and development free of charge. If the time for treatment is now, we can place spacers (rubber bands that are placed between the teeth to create spaces) and schedule to begin treatment at your convenience. Study models and orthodontic x-rays will be taken at your banding appointment.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- We ask that all persons that are to be consulted on the decision to begin orthodontic treatment be present if possible. This gives everyone an opportunity to discuss with Dr. Haltom and our staff all questions and concerns.
- If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card. This allows us to verify your orthodontic benefits.
- If you have any recent panoramic dental x-rays that have been taken at your general dentist’s office, please try to bring them with you.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to your first appointment to fill out the required patient information and insurance forms.
Appointments
If for some reason you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. This allows another patient to use your time slot and allows us to reschedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Please cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4-6 weeks in advance. If it is after hours please leave your name, number and a brief message on our voicemail at 505-299-4458 and we will return your call in the morning. Once you have braces, please try and let us know ahead of time of any loose bands or brackets so that we can provide adequate time for all procedures.
Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4-8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this active phase of treatment, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly. Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions.
Length of Treatment
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem and the degree of movement possible.
Dental Care
Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and that the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist. We are an aid to your dentist, not a replacement. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
