Initial Exams
You can contact our office at 919-363-2221 to schedule an initial appointment. Please arrive a few minutes early to fill out the patient information form. If you would rather complete this form before you arrive just open it by clicking on the link below and print the document. In order to view this file, you will need the Adobe® Reader®, a plugin available from Adobe Systems, Inc. Read the instructions at the bottom of the page to obtain a copy of the plugin.

Patient Information Form  

At this appointment, Dr. Altherr will perform a thorough extra-oral and intra-oral orthodontic exam. This appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. We also provide complimentary toothprinting, which serves as an identification record like a fingerprint. Treatment and financial options will be discussed during the visit as well.


Your Initial Exam
The first visit to our office is a chance for all of us to become acquainted. We want to know your desires and expectations, and you will want to hear our recommendations for your care. We want to make this visit as informative and productive as possible and answer all of your questions, including:

• What kind of problem do I have?
• What can be done to correct the problem?
• What will be my treatment plan?
• What will be the approximate length of treatment?
• What type of financial arrangements can be made?
• How is insurance handled?
• When do we start?

Records Appointment
This appointment follows the initial appointment - usually at a later date where the staff and Dr. Altherr obtain orthodontic diagnostic records which aid in a correct and specific diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient. These records consist of extraoral and intraoral photographs, alginate impressions with a wax bite, a panoramic radiograph, and a lateral cephalometric radiograph. This appointment usually takes 30 minutes.


Appliance Appointment(s)
This appointment follows the records appointment. The times vary depending on what procedures will be performed, and can range from 15 minutes to 75 minutes. Once the braces are on, the time between appointments is usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Our patients can also pre-select the colors of the ties on their braces by clicking on the link below, printing the 1 page form, and bringing it in to their next appointment. In order to view this file, you will need the Adobe® Reader®, a plugin available from Adobe Systems, Inc. Read the instructions at the bottom of the page to obtain a copy of the plugin.

Color Selection Form  


The magic of Orthodontics!
The images below illustrate just some of what quality orthodontic care can accomplish.




Adobe® Reader®
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