Some children with only seven years behind them may need to start orthodontic treatment, and when one of these is one’s own child, the prospect of sending them into rooms full of technologically advanced apparatuses and Doctors with pointy instruments tends to provoke at least a little anxiety.  Parents may not know how their child will react to treatment, or even what treatment entails, so the following is designed to go through some of the first steps of diagnosis that the Ottawa orthodontist will perform, so that parents may not only rest easier in the waiting room, but also so their children can relax and enjoy the scientific marvels in the back.

Before a treatment plan is formulated, orthodontists Ottawa will conduct a series of tests to gain a precise picture of the structure of a child’s mouth, from jawline to lip line.  To that end, a professional will take a series of physical impressions, pictures, and x-rays, all of which contribute to the professional’s conception of which treatments will be most effective in producing the best results.  While pictures are pretty easy for children to deal with, knowing what x-rays and impressions entail for the patient can make the entire process more comfortable, for both parent and child.

To take x-rays, the child will be taken into a relatively small, closed room.  The two main objects in the room will be a rather odd-looking chair and a large camera that is typically affixed to the ceiling.  The patient will be led to the chair and asked to sit down.  Then, the professional will ask the patient to bite down on one or two foam cards.  These are usually placed in between the molars in order to ensure the patient does not move his/her mouth while the x-ray is being taken, but can also be slightly uncomfortable for the gums.

Overall, the process is not at all painful, but it can be disorienting, and children with active imaginations can become afraid of the new orthodontic technology.  The most effective strategy in preparing young children for x-rays is to treat them like an explorer, reporter, or astronaut, and ask that they remember all of the details so that they can communicate them after the experience is over.  This technique will keep the child focused on the fact that they will be back with the parent soon after the tests are taken, and help them see the experience as exciting rather than anxiety-ridden.

Impressions, on the other hand, are typically much easier to handle.  A professional will slather a thick paste onto two foam insets, which will be placed, one at a time, in the patient’s mouth.  The paste will not taste of anything recognizable, being more like clay or plaster than thick porridge.  Once it begins to harden, the professional will remove it carefully to preserve the impression of the patient’s row of teeth.  The child may even be interested in looking at the result; encouraging them to ask helps them to focus on the process, again, as an opportunity to learn about themselves, the orthodontist Ottawa, and the process of diagnosis.

Parents want to help their children through difficulties, but can be anxious about doing so.  Braces often give them a great opportunity to practice techniques that will become more necessary as children develop into adulthood and can serve as the basis of an emotional connection that will support the success of young adults.  By following a couple of simple suggestions, parents can ensure that their willingness to help is sincerely appreciated

The following advice comes from the basic guidebook for therapists and social workers across the globe and has been proven effective for professionals helping their clients deal with a wide range of difficulties, from major depression and anxiety disorders to a bad day at the office or a broken bone.

When a child expresses emotional turmoil or trauma, the first thing to do is empathize with their grief.  This can be more difficult for parents, if only because of the high degree of emotional attachment they have with their kids.  Odd as it may seem, the instinct to discount or neglect a child’s negative emotions becomes stronger, the more ties one has.  On the other hand, the stronger the emotional ties, the greater the degree of empathy.

Showing a deep understanding of a child’s pain will help validate their emotional response, which not only improves self-confidence, but also ensures that more effective coping strategies will be attempted.  If the child does not believe he/she should feel the way they do, then why would they try to do anything about it.  Instead, the individual can think there is something wrong with them for feeling the way that they do, beginning to develop an unhealthy perception of themselves.

A parent can, for instance, share a story that evoked a similar emotional reaction in them, to communicate an understanding of the child’s trauma.  This strategy is particularly effective because it can develop the child/parent relationship and help the child accept their emotional reaction at the same time.  Often, a parent who had braces will have a number of great stories to share, which will accomplish this.

Once a mutual understanding is reached and the child agrees that the parent understands the degree of his/her discomfort/sadness/anger, the parent will be in a position to help the child work through the negative emotions.  A part of this process may entail analyzing the source of grief or problem solving for future situations.  For instance, a child may have been made fun of by one or two peers in a group, but that does not mean that the entire group feels similarly.  Explaining that the other members of the group probably do not feel the same way can help the child feel less alienated and more likely to pursue social contact with other peers.

The most important fact to take away from this is to empathize first, and help afterward.  Jumping straight in to problem solving can effectively dismiss the child’s emotional reaction, leading to ineffectual coping or even resentment.  Remember that by listening and demonstrating the fact that one has heard and understood on an emotional level what the child is trying to communicate, the parent becomes, in turn, an authority figure.

Braces are not extremely painful, nor do braces or retainers make anyone ugly, but a child’s perception of the apparatuses can make them believe either or both of these things.  The first discussion about braces sets the stage for those beliefs, which makes it the most important aspect of telling one’s child they need to see an Ottawa orthodontist.

For this reason it is important to take the process of telling the child seriously, and to prepare yourself to be positive, goal-driven, and supportive.  Focus on braces as an accomplishment, as a cosmetic improvement that will improve self-image and social status.  Your child may not understand any of the medical or social reasons, but with proper planning and positive association, your feelings alone will convince them that you are considering their well-being.

_{Practice with a peer}

Sometimes parents have as much or more anxiety about orthodontic apparatuses than their children do.  Whether due to different reasons (finances, bad memories) or the same, (guilt stemming from forcing their child to undergo a difficult experience) parents can help their children more if they, first, connect braces to the positive emotional palette.  Things like self-confidence, achievement, and excitement are the most powerful motivational tools at a parent’s disposal, and all of these can be attached to braces.

Before meeting with a child, discuss the topic with a partner or peer.  Practice talking through descriptions of braces and retainers and ending on a positive note, whether it be self-confidence, achievement, or curiosity and excitement.  For instance, “the Doctor will glue little metal braces on your teeth, and string a wire between them.  It’ll feel a little strange, but when they’re off, your teeth will be absolutely perfect.  You will feel so good about yourself, you will never stop smiling.”

_{Tell Your Child}

The environment where you will tell your child about braces is important.  Make sure it is comforting with very few possible distractions (including other friends or family).  Some parents have chosen to go out to a nice, quiet dinner at a favorite restaurant; others chose to walk around a frequented park.

When you talk about the possibility that your child may need braces, keep in mind that you are a source of information and emotions that the child will draw on.  Answer any questions honestly, being sure to say when you do not know the answer.  A good way to answer when you don’t know the information required is: “I don’t know that.  We’ll need to ask the Doctor when we see him!”

_{Braces are normal}

Getting braces is like buying a car.  You never realize how many people have it until afterward.  Focusing on the fact that your child is not alone nor abnormal will help them retain their self-respect.

By the end of the conversation, you want your child to be excited about braces but also know that it will be a difficult journey to the end.  By offering love and support, as well as associating the Ottawa orthodontist with positive images and feelings, your child will trust that they will be safe at every step along the way, making the treatment process as painless as possible.

When speaking to an orthodontist Ottawa, you may be surprised at how much control you have over the cost of treatment and the variety of plans available to you.  Comprised in the following list is a number of those options and their prices, from Invisalign® treatment to the traditional metal braces, with Instant Orthodontics given as an option to consider, as well.  Region is usually the largest influence on price, with rural  areas costing the least and urban zones the most.  So, for all ranges given here, actual price in Ottawa, being in the top five most populated cities in Canada, will be closer to the upper bound.

_{Porcelain Veneers}

Porcelain veneers are an instant option, meaning that they are a quick fix solution for many problems, such as chipped teeth to even minor crowding issues.  Costing between $700 and $2,000 per tooth, they may not represent a better option, financially, than braces and other types of orthodontic treatment, but they are certainly less of a time commitment.  Price varies according to the professional’s experience and the material used as the veneer.  If considering this option, take into consideration the fact that most veneers will need to be replaced at least once in a lifetime, and may cause damage to tooth structure.

_Braces

Braces now come in a number of different materials, which may not be available for purchase at every orthodontist.  Price varies from $4,000 to $10,000, dependent upon the type of braces used and the complexity of the case.  Types of braces include ceramic braces, clear braces, and traditional metal.

Traditional metal braces are usually what most of us think when someone says braces.  With apparent, metal braces and wires on teeth, these are the most economically efficient choice of the three, and in fact may be the only treatment option.  Depending upon the case, other materials may not be sturdy enough to be dependable during treatment.  If asking an orthodontist about treatment options, be sure to distinguish between the availability of a material versus the ability to administer a material based on case if being told that what you want is not possible.

Ceramic braces are tailored to the color scheme of the client’s teeth in order to be less noticeable.  They are designed to retain their color, as well, ensuring they are sufficiently camouflaged throughout treatment.

Clear braces are made of monocrystalline sapphire, which is almost completely transparent.  Looking at a client’s teeth will reveal only a thin wire along the teeth, making them a tempting option.  They are usually $200 more expensive than metal braces for every six braces purchased.

_Invisalign®

Invisalign® Treatment is a new method that uses clear, hard plastic settings to align teeth.  Adults and kids with Invisalign® do not appear to be wearing braces unless closely scrutinized.  The price is roughly the same as for braces, except in more complex cases, where the price can be significantly higher than it would be for braces (up to 50% more).

The pricetag on braces can be intimidating, but there are a number of financing options available.  Many orthodontists do not charge interest for a certain period of time after treatment begins, and certain types of insurance will cover some or all of the costs.

Because most causes for visitations to the orthodontist’s office are permanent, unfortunately it is typically impossible to avoid an Ottawa orthodontist if needed.  Continuing proper dental hygiene, such as flossing and brushing, may help to avoid the dentist’s office, but they will not change the alignment of the teeth or jaws.  In other words, keeping one’s teeth clean will not help do the orthodontist’s job for them.

Still, it does make sense to want to avoid the orthodontist altogether, if at all possible, as treatment entails a large commitment, returning for bimonthly visitations, and continuing to pay for each.  That is not even mentioning the emotional turmoil that having one’s teeth and jaw re-aligned causes, both from within and from without.  It can be equally difficult to choose to put one’s child through that process, as well.

Unfortunately, the most effective orthodontic treatments are those administered at an early age, while the patient is still growing.  The jawline is easier to adjust, and, if tooth crowding will be a problem once the client’s adult teeth begin to grow in, then making room before the teeth grow in can decrease the amount of time that braces will require.

For this reason, attempts to avoid the orthodontist will usually only make matters worse.  Many  of the most common treatments Ottawa orthodontists employ attempt to prevent further orthodontic care.  Headgear and retainers, for example, are both crucial for the healthy development of the jaw and adult teeth, preventing overbites, underbites, and teeth crowding (See How Ottawa Orthodontists Correct Your Dental Problems for more details).

The growing stage is crucial for orthodontists to oversee, during which it is easiest to manipulate alignment.  In the end, braces do not need to stay on for as long a period of time, and some treatments become impossible after the jaw fully develops, which means that treatment is likely to be more successful the earlier one goes in.  So, should you be trying to prevent visits to the orthodontist in the future, the best way to accomplish that is to go directly to him/her.  If having difficulty convincing your child to visit the orthodontist, please see

Instant Orthodontics is another way for Canadians to avoid seeing an orthodontist Ottawa, and many opt for the cheaper, quicker route to solve their dental problems.  But when deciding to avoid a significant financial commitment, keep in mind that most instant orthodontists are not certified to practice orthodontics.  Nor do they need to be.

Rather than realigning the jaw or teeth to solve problems gradually and permanently, instant orthodontists will whiten, place veneers on teeth, and perform cosmetic adjustments only.  Furthermore, orthodontists have published studies demonstrating the potential harm veneers can visit on tooth structure.  A single veneer will only do superficial damage, but over time, as the veneer is replaced, serious damage can result.

So, if seeing an Ottawa orthodontist is the right choice to suit you or your child’s needs, then reducing the number of visitations required is simple.  First, choose the right orthodontist for the client (see Selecting an Orthodontist Ottawa to Suit Your Needs) as quickly as possible and create a treatment plan.  Then, follow the orthodontist’s instructions.  If headgear is prescribed to be worn 12-16 hours per day, then be sure the client wears it for that length of time.  Continuing dental hygiene and cleaning schedules of retainers will certainly improve the orthodontist’s mood when the client comes in for a check-up, but the most effective strategy is to listen to the professional and follow the plan.

Prior to setting up the initial consultation, understanding the levels of education that Ottawa orthodontists have attained can prove helpful.  Potential clients want to know that they will receive the care and supervision of a professional who has prepared to provide the best correction for their teeth.  The following information will ensure that you ask the right questions and know how to consider the responses given.

To that end, there are a number of levels of education a licensed practitioner has completed.  A wide variety of orthodontists Ottawa will have any number of letters following their names to denote the degrees they have received from their educational background.  The first level of these is the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).  Both these degrees represent the same level of training in dentistry, only dependent upon the particular dental school the professional attended.

Additionally, Ottawa orthodontists may have accrued a Masters of Science (MS or MSC), which suggests more general training, but as far as orthodontics goes, does not, in most cases, effect the level of service provided.  That said, the MS does add value to the practitioner but is not necessary to receiving high-quality care.

Licensed orthodontists will have completed an orthodontic residence after graduation from dental school.  Accredited programs typically last two or three years, and can differ in the level of attendance and length required by the program.  One question clients may want to ask, therefore, is the type of program – whether it was a full-time, university course schedule, or a part-time commitment.  Full-time programs are more desirable.

After completing an orthodontic residence, Ottawa orthodontists are required to pass two exams in order to become certified in orthodontics.  These are the written examination and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).  Together, they ensure that the practitioner is capable of performing all of the functions necessary.  These functions range from conducting proper client-service provider relationships, to administering proper care for the wide variety of ailments clients could possibly want an orthodontist to help with.

Some cosmetic orthodontists will have their DDS or DMD but not the certification requisite to perform orthodontic procedures.  These dentists will be able to place veneers on teeth, whiten, and in general improve the quality of their clients’ smile, but will lack the ability to restructure the jaw or tooth structure with braces, headgear, or any of the apparatuses that cause permanent changes.

Orthodontists are skeptical that recipients of cosmetic dentistry receive the full benefits of treatment.  They have provided evidence, for example, that veneers, placed and replaced over time, can cause permanent damage to tooth structure.  However, many clients do not rule out this possibility because of the level of commitment orthodontists Ottawa require (usually 2-3 years, and more financial backing).

If at a different stage in the process of orthodontic treatment, there are a number of other articles on this site designed to provide useful information to potential clients, such as What Questions to Ask and What to Expect of your Ottowa Orthodontist (more information useful to know before setting up the initial consultation).  Prior to the initial consultation itself, What to Expect of Your Ottawa Orthodontist, in addition to How Ottawa Orthodontists Correct Your Dental Problems may help, as well.

Before you choose an orthodontist Ottawa to correct your teeth, you will sit down for an initial consultation, during which time the orthodontist will outline a treatment plan.  In order to get the most out of this meeting, it can be important to understand much of the orthodontic lexicon beforehand.  Prepping for the meeting will allow you to ask better questions, probe deeper into his/her reasoning for using one technique, procedure, or apparatus over another, which will better ensure that you make the best choice.

If the initial consultation is a few steps away, then click on Selecting a Ottawa Orthodontist to Suit Your Needs.  Alternately, if you have set up a few consultations and are wondering more generally what to expect and what information to search for, click on What Questions to Ask and What to Expect of Your Ottawa Orthodontist.

The information below is more specifically regarding the main problems patients take to orthodontists, and the most prevalent types of treatment orthodontists Ottawa provide.

Instant Orthodontics

This type of treatment, which places veneers or crowns over teeth to make them appear better, is very appealing for its low price and the quickness with which it takes effect.  Because the treatment involves only a superficial change, the treatment is done with instantly and entails little pain or discomfort.  However, the practice has been ridiculed by orthodontists, who claim that all veneers, no matter how well executed, damage teeth irreversibly (Journal of the American Dental Association Apr. 2008).  While this damage is usually not significant the first time it occurs, because most veneers must be replaced a few times, the overall effect of this branch of treatment can become hazardous to the patient’s teeth.

Generally, orthodontists treat patients by moving their teeth or adjusting their jaw-line without putting anything in or taking anything out of their mouths permanently.  Only in extremely severe cases will a trained orthodontist remove teeth, except for wisdom teeth, a common exception to this rule.  So, whereas the former type of orthodontics will rely on crowns and veneers to change the appearance of teeth for the better, the following problems and treatments are the type that most orthodontists Ottawa will be familiar with and use.

The most common problem that patients of orthodontists face is teeth crowding.  Ottawa Orthodontists will solve teeth crowding or improper teeth placement with a variety of different devices, which either adjust the jaws to provide more space, or apply pressure directly to the teeth.  Depending on the patient, Ottawa orthodontists will choose any combination of the following to adjust the jaw:

lip bumpers – for the lower jaw

herbst – to push the lower jaw forward

expanders – to widen the jaw

headgear – for the upper jaw (see below)

In the event that the orthodontist believes a crowding problem will occur in a young patient, as the permanent teeth come in, the orthodontist may want to use either: 1) a lower lingual arch space maintainer; or 2) a transpalatal arch.  These are essentially the same device, but the lower lingual arch space maintainer is used on the lower jaw, while the transpalatal arch is used on the upper.  These are simply more specific names for retainers, and are often removable for eating and cleaning.

Overbites and Underbites, or overjets and reverse overjets, are generally treated with either headgear or Herbst.  Both may be adjusted for overjets and reverse overjets, and patients tend to have a preference when given choice in the matter.  The biggest difference between them is that headgear must only be worn for roughly 12-16 hours per day, whereas Herbst are a permanent appliance in the patient’s mouth.  Because there are many different types of each appliance, ask your orthodontist to show you pictures of patients using the headgear/Herbst he/she provides, and consult regarding your specific treatment.

When speaking with your Ottawa orthodontist, already knowing some of the techniques and apparatuses they will suggest, as well as having already formed some preferences will better ensure that you have the best alignment experience possible.

If you have not selected a small number of Ottawa orthodontists that will serve as primary candidates for consultations, then click on Selecting an Ottawa Orthodontist to Suit Your Needs for more information on that stage of the selection process.  The information this article is about to yield will help you through the consultation phase, when you are consulting with a few select orthodontists regarding your treatment options.

Walk into the first meeting with a clear set of expectations of your orthodontist.  Make a list of priorities that best defines what you will value most in the treatment.  If, for example, you are concerned about suffering from an allergic reaction, you will want to ask what kind of backup plan they have for, say, a rubber allergy.  (Up to one-third of female patients suffer from allergies to some element of the orthodontic apparatuses, whether it be rubber bands, archwires, brackets, braces, and so on.)  The main point is that you should be able to assert your desire for the best care, according to your specific needs.  You can expect your orthodontist to accommodate to whatever those needs entail.

In the event that you are concerned with receiving the most technologically advanced treatment plan, then be sure to ask about the newest treatments your orthodontist performs.  Probe for details regarding your specific case, enquiring about which options the Ottawa orthodontist is equipped for, which they are not, why, etc.

Invisalign, for example, is frequently sought after.  As the name suggests, it provides many of the same treatments that braces do, but it does so without being as obvious.  The technology uses a number of plastic castings, which can be removed, like a retainer, for up to two hours of each day for meals and cleaning.

As the method is still relatively, however, there is only a short list of certified Invisalign providers in the Ottawa area.  These Ottawa orthodontists simply take a number of impressions and X-rays of their patients, then send the information to the main research and development center.  The first set of castings are then sent a few weeks afterward, to be exchanged for a new set every two weeks.  Invisalign is not yet as versatile as other types of orthodontic procedures, so it may not be able to correct you or your child’s teeth, so .

But regardless of the orthodontist, facility, and treatment plan, ask for a number of before-and-after photos for cases similar to yours.  These will give you a great idea of what you will be paying for, and after speaking with a number of orthodontists Ottawa in the area, will be a great resource for comparing various treatment plans.  In addition, ask about financing and price.  More particularly, ask whether the price is fixed or, if not, enquire as to what could occur to drive the estimate upwards.

To provide a guide-post, most cases take approximately three years to complete, with a removable retainer taking the first year, and braces being required for the subsequent two.  If your Ottawa orthodontist’s treatment plan is different, ask why.  You want to communicate that you are interested in receiving the best treatment and, at the same time, assess whether they are confident that they can give that to you.

Getting your kids to sit still for an entire meal may be asking too much, but fortunately there are some simple techniques that will help them form healthful eating habits, including balancing their diet, eating suitable portion sizes, suitable foods, and learn proper etiquette.  In today’s world of television advertisements that make our mouths water in front of larger-than-life images of hamburgers and cokes constantly attempting to warp our perception of food, formation of correct approaches to eating is crucial to perform at an early age.

Firstly, carving out some time and space for an uninterrupted meal has been proven to benefit the eating habits of kids and parents alike.  Paying quality attention to what we eat allows us to relax and relieve stress while eating, which supports productivity and learning.  Perhaps more importantly, an uninterrupted dinner causes conversation, developing family ties and interpersonal skills.

In addition, the extra attention children gain allows for increased attention to their stomachs’ signals.  We all have mechanisms that tell us when we have eaten our fill, but watching an engrossing movie while eating will distract children from recognizing or heeding this signal, leading to overeating.  ‘Mindful eating’ of this sort is quickly becoming a cornerstone of eating programs across the globe because of its widespread benefits on family life and individuals with eating problems.

Structured eating time also makes discussion a focal point that televisions, video games, or other sources of distraction prohibit.  In turn, this allows the parent to exert more control over the eating habits of children, reminding eaters to slow down, eat some corn with their meat, etc.

Adding to the creation of a structured environment for mealtimes, design plates that will appeal to both the tongue and the body.  For children, this usually means a portion of one of their favourites and one portion of veggies.  Not only does this technique communicate a need for a balanced diet that will remain strong into adulthood, but on a more pragmatic level, it gives parents something to bargain with.  Try asking a child to eat one bite of greens for every two bites of their favourite item.  Alternating between bites teaches children to focus on the flavour they prefer but still eat their vegetables.

A final tip that will have the same effect of mixing the good with the good: introduce dips with produce, such as carrots with ranch dressing, french onion dip with celery, etc.  Kids will not only be attracted by the taste of the dip, they will enjoy the action of dipping itself.  Perhaps because it circumvents the need for cutlery, dipping makes vegetables seem like an opportunity to have fun and do what parents want at the same time.

With plenty of Ottawa orthodontists and dentists offering their expertise, experience, and education to residents, the selection process can be a daunting.  The following article will not only teach you how to wheedle down that number to an approachable list, but give you the background knowledge and tips to ensure you make the best decision possible, which is quite important, considering the majority of orthodontic adjustments require about three years to complete.

The first thing you want to do is ask your dentist for some referrals.  General practitioners outsource a good amount of work to specialists, so your dentist will have worked and coordinated with a number of orthodontists in the region.  Knowing you and your professional needs, as well, gives them access to almost all of the most pertinent information.  All you have to do is make sure they use it.

Because the dental field is a professional network, it is riddled with favours, which means that when your dentist gives you a list of referrals, some or all of the Ottawa orthodontists on the list may represent nothing more than your dentist’s interest.

To ensure that this is not the case, sit down and discuss your needs specifically.  Start by asking where they would send their children for orthodontic treatment, and move from there by asking why they would choose that list.  Then tell them very candidly what your expectations are, and if those expectations seem different than his/hers for another orthodontist Ottawa recommendation or two based on your personal needs.  Ask about the possibility of a specialist (for more details on specialists, please see, Different Types of Ottowa Orthodontists).

You will also want to approach your own personal network for additional information.  Check your friends, parents of any child you know has braces or a retainer, etc.  When you discuss their experience, don’t be afraid to probe a bit for details.  Be sure you walk away from each meeting with a detailed explanation as to why they would recommend or not recommend the orthodontist they chose.

Then take all of the information you have gathered and search for each name on a mapping website, such as Google or Yahoo, and take note of how far each is from your residence, school, or business.  You will be frequenting this place for the next three years if you need braces, so convenience matters.  (For more estimates on specific dental problems, see Different Dental Problems.)

You are now ready to begin calling offices to set up initial consultations.  Most orthodontists perform this service without charge, but the set-up can be a decisive factor in your choice.  Take advantage of the first encounter by asking a few questions of the person taking your call.  Be sure to have a good idea as to the size of the office, which orthodontist will most likely be taking your case, their credentials (education, experience), and then information regarding the office (how they deal with emergencies, office hours).

You may also want to consider paying for the initial consultation of any orthodontist you are thinking about.  The fee is nominal when compared to the price of the total number of visitations, so it can be well worth it.

Now you have all of the information you will need to move on to the next round: consultations.  Be sure to take into account the experience you had on the phone with the assistant who answered your questions.  Again, you are likely committing to around three years of regular communication with the office you choose, so professionalism, cordiality, and patience are all important characteristics of your primary contact in the office.

In some cases, your call will be directed to a practice manager or patient liaison who will work with you for all scheduling and coordination activities.  In this case, developing a positive rapport with this individual is even more important, as they will have a greater impact on your case.  You can also harbor higher expectations of this individual’s person-to-person skills because it is their primary role.