Effective Visits:

The goal of our office is to provide you with the best service possible. In order to do so effectively, we have set up an appointment system. Orthodontic force systems must be adjusted and monitored every few weeks for treatment to proceed as planned. Consequently, some of your office visits may conflict with work or school. In order to balance the need for regular appointments with the need to minimize missed school and work hours, we have designed our office schedule to accomplish the following:

1. We want to see each patient at the time of his or her scheduled appointment. Your time is valuable — It should not be wasted in our reception area.
2. We want to have enough time at each appointment to do the necessary adjustments, plan the next visit, discuss treatment progress, and answer any questions you may have.

Orthodontic treatment proceeds in stages. Long appointments (placing braces, consultations, and removing braces) are usually scheduled during school and work hours, with shorter appointments (adjustments, impressions, appliance checks, etc.) are usually scheduled before and or after school and work. This way, we do not reserve an entire afternoon for one or two patients, but rather we can see as many patients as possible with short appointments. Consequently, the office tends to be quieter in the middle of the day and busier in the early morning and late afternoon. Keep in mind that, in the beginning of treatment, when much movement needs to occur, we can space appointments out every 6-8 weeks. Later in treatment, when smaller movements are needed, patients are seen every 4-5 weeks.

Our schedule is based on doctor time scheduling, providing the most doctor time with each patient. Therefore, arriving late or missing appointments can pose a problem. Dr. Vogt and/or Dr. Ellerhorst will see every patient during every appointment, so we will try our best to accommodate late patients, being careful not to inconvenience the other patients who have arrived on time. Thus, we may have to reschedule a late patient, as there may not be an opening to fit them in. All failed or late appointments should be rescheduled as soon as possible. If you need an emergency appointment, we will do our best to get you in as soon as possible.

When you arrive in the office, please check in at the touch screen computer by the front desk. The treatment coordinators can help if needed. Before you are called into the clinic area, feel free to brush your teeth with the pre-pasted toothbrushes at the sink (there is even floss there if you are in the mood!). Remember to bring your toothbrush back into the clinic area with you, as Dr. Vogt and Ellerhorst will point out any areas you may be missing. When your appointment has concluded, please be sure to check out at the front desk, setting up your next appointment and/or verifying the correct address to mail you an appointment reminder card.