Getting Started

How to Become an Orthodontic Patient

 To begin your treatment plan, please call at 303-724-7001 ext 6 We will gather information from you and schedule an initial exam appointment. At this appointment, we will provide a free evaluation to determine  if you need braces and if this is the right time for treatment.  You are under no obligation to continue with any treatment. Please download our patient information form and, if applicable, the insurance information form Please bring completed forms with you to your screening appointment.

Usual Treatment Steps

• Initial exam (no charge)
• Diagnostic records
• Treatment and financial consultation
• Placement of braces
• Routine appointments for adjustment of braces
• Removal of braces and placement of retainers
• Post-treatment records
• Retention appointments

The Initial Exam Appointment

Patients are appointed for initial exams Monday through Friday at various times. Please call our receptionist at 303-724-7001 ext 6, for available times and dates. The purpose of this appointment is to evaluate the patient's orthodontic needs. This appointment takes approximately 30-60 minutes. At this appointment you will have an opportunity to view our facility, talk to a resident and faculty orthodontist, and ask any questions that you may have.

After your visit, if you need braces, you will be given an estimated fee information sheet, that provides the approximate cost for your treatment and the breakdown of payment options available.  Fees only include the cost of the orthodonitc treatment and does not include the costs of other dental services. You may also make your next appointment for diagnostic records at this visit.

Before the diagnostic records appointment the patient must visit his/her family dentist for a regular exam and cleaning. Cavities must be restored prior to initiation of orthodontic treatment. Patients must continue routine dental checkups and cleanings throughout orthodontic treatment.

These services are not included in the fee for orthodontics.

The Diagnostic Records Appointment

Following the screening appointment, the next step for the patient is the diagnostic records appointment. At this appointment, complete orthodontic records will be taken. These records include: study models of your teeth, digital photographs of your face and teeth, and panoramic, cephalometric and bite wing x-rays. The diagnostic records provide the information required to determine the patients problem and design a treatment plan.

Treatment and Financial Consultation Appointment

At this appointment, a personalized treatment plan will be explained and your problem and treatment options discussed. We will explain clinical procedures and patient compliance issues such as oral hygiene, elastic wear, headgear wear, etc. The consent forms for treatment will also be reviewed and signed. In addition, the financial contract is reviewed and signed. Treatment may be initiated at this appointment providing that a payment plan has been initiated. You will have an opportunity to ask your resident and faculty doctors any question you have. All individuals under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or the individual who has legal responsibility for the child.

While in Orthodontic Care

Patients are typically seen in the clinic every 4-8 weeks. It is critical that patients do not miss appointments. Missed appointments can result in an unnecessary extension of treatment time or adverse consequences that result in increased treatment.