Treatment Information
Patients are seen by appointments to make sure we can give you individual attention. We rotate before and after school appointments so all our patients can have equal access to the most popular times. If a patient has a during school appointment with our office, a doctor's excuse will be given to the patient to ensure an excused absence at school.
The appointment time needed to put braces on the upper and lower teeth is usually one to two hours. Other orthodontic procedures will vary, depending on the procedure (usually 30-45 minutes). Once in braces, we see patients every 6-8 weeks for an adjustment. Appointment intervals can vary, depending on the patient's treatment plan.
Our staff makes every effort to be on time for our patients, and we ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Please reschedule ASAP because most appointments are made 6-8 weeks in advance. If a patient has an emergency visit, we will make every effort to accommodate.
First Appointment – Examination
The initial appointment is a preliminary clinical examination. At this time, we will determine if there is a need for orthodontic services. We will also discuss with you the general orthodontic problem, the anticipated treatment plan, and the estimated costs.
Second Appointment – Diagnostic Examination
Complete orthodontic records will be taken. We will take an upper and lower cast (study models), full face, and mouth photographs, a cephalometric head x-ray, and a panoramic full mouth x-ray. This dental and skeletal analysis will be used to identify the specific orthodontic problems and the treatment plan necessary for correction.
Third Appointment – Consultation
At this time, the specific orthodontic problem and the plan of treatment will be discussed in detail. The fee for the entire treatment, the anticipated length of treatment, and patient participation and cooperation will be discussed. If possible, both parents of a minor are requested to be present with the patient for the consultation.
Fourth Appointment – Band/Bond
One or more office visits may be required to place appliances on the teeth. These may be lengthy appointments. An initial payment will be due at this time. The balance will usually be paid in monthly installments.
The patient should make every effort to keep all appointments to ensure the success and timely completion of treatment. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have. We look forward to working with you!
Main Office
1400 Metro Drive, Suite B
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: 318-487-0075
Fax: 318-487-0958
Toll Free: 877-487-0075
E-Mail Us
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–5:00pm
(Closed for lunch – 12-1:30pm)
Friday, 8:00am–12:00pm
DeRidder Office509 Bon Ami
DeRidder, LA 70634
Phone: 337-463-3272
Office Hours
Every other Wednesday, 11:00am–3:30pm
Marksville Office
538 Tunica Drive West
Marksville, LA 71351
Phone: 318-253-8529
Office Hours
One Friday a month 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
