Visiting the Orthodontics Clinic

A faculty member inspects the work of an orthodontic resident in clinic

Our Mission

The Division of Orthodontics strives for excellence in orthodontic education, patient care and research in a positive, rewarding and caring environment.

Before Your Appointment

Please visit your dentist for a check-up to ensure that your dental health is stable and you are ready for orthodontic treatment. If you have records from a previous orthodontist, please bring the records with you. We will assess if these records are sufficient for our diagnostic evaluation to avoid having to duplicate the procedures.

Begin Patient Registration Forms

Registration forms include patient information, billing and insurance, and medical and dental questionnaire.

Release of Orthodontic Records Form (PDF)

Exam

Patients are not charged for the initial screening exam. If you are suitable for treatment, you will be given an estimate of treatment costs. Costs include diagnosis, treatment and a two-year retention period (including braces and one set of retainers). Additional fees will be charged for lost or broken retainers.

Diagnostic Record and Consultation Appointments

The second visit is a diagnostic records appointment and all of your diagnostic records will be taken at this time. After the resident and faculty determine the best treatment option for you, the consultation appointment will be scheduled. We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of the problem and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals and fees.

Separator Appointment

This appointment consists of placement of spacers, which are small elastics that fit snugly between certain teeth to move them slightly so bands can be placed around them one week later. This appointment generally lasts 10 minutes.

Placement of Braces Appointment

Placement of your braces -- brackets and bands on your teeth -- takes place at this appointment. Once your braces are placed, our residents will review how to care for your braces with you, including how to brush and floss as well as foods you can eat and foods to avoid. This appointment generally lasts an hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent, and provide ample time to answer your questions.

Adjustment Appointments

Once your braces are placed, they will need to be adjusted every four to six weeks, depending on your orthodontic needs. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Appointments are an important part of your treatment, and time has been reserved specifically for you to talk with the doctor and receive treatment. Please arrive on time for your appointments.

Appointment Policies

Late to an Appointment
If you will be late, please call the clinic at (612) 625-6444 to inform us. They will inform you if you need to reschedule. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late to your appointment, it is at the discretion of the resident and staff to determine if you can be accommodated or if you need to reschedule.

Missed Appointments
Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. We request 24-hour notice for cancellations or changes to appointment time. After a missed appointment before braces are placed or a total of 2 missed appointments, your chart status will be changed to "dismissed" and the appointment coordinators will not allow you to schedule future appointments.