Missed-call texts for orthodontists.Written for orthodontic practices.
What a good one does
Updated
An orthodontic office's missed-call text usually reaches a parent booking a first consultation or a patient with a loose bracket. Reply within a minute, sort new patients from existing ones, and give each a clear next step. Keep cost and insurance questions for the call, ask people not to text health details or photos of teeth, and include a STOP line.
8 templates.Copy, then make them yours.
Words in [brackets] are placeholders. Keep the STOP line on every text.
- 01
A first consultation
Text · 156 characters, 1 text Hi, this is [Practice]. Thanks for calling about a consultation. Reply with the patient's first name and age and a good time to call. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 02
A loose bracket or wire
Text · 147 characters, 1 text Hi, [Practice] here. If a bracket or wire is loose or poking, reply BRACKET and we'll call with what to do until your visit. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 03
Clear aligner enquiries
Text · 164 characters, 2 texts Hi, this is [Practice]. Calling about clear aligners? Reply with your name and a good time, and we'll call to explain options and next steps. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 04
Cost and payment plans
Text · 157 characters, 1 text Hi, [Practice] here. If you're asking about cost or payment plans, reply with a good time and our treatment coordinator will call you. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 05
Insurance questions
Text · 155 characters, 1 text Hi, this is [Practice]. Checking whether your insurance covers braces? Reply with the plan name only, and we'll call after we check. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 06
Moving an adjustment
Text · 145 characters, 1 text Hi, [Practice] here. Need to move an adjustment? Reply with the patient's name and current date, and we'll call to rebook. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 07
Lost or broken retainers
Text · 142 characters, 1 text Hi, this is [Practice]. Lost or broken retainer? Reply with the patient's name and we'll call to arrange a replacement. Reply STOP to opt out.
- 08
After hours
Text · 171 characters, 2 texts Hi, [Practice] here. We're closed until [time]. For an urgent problem with braces, call [after-hours number]. Otherwise we'll call you when we open. Reply STOP to opt out.
Rules that apply.In plain words.
This is a summary, not legal advice. Each row links to the official source.
- FCC: Stop unwanted robocalls and texts (consent for texts)
- 47 CFR 64.1200: the TCPA rules, including opt-out words and the 10-business-day limit
- FCC rule effective November 25, 2026 on how customers revoke consent
- CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices (May 2023)
- A2P 10DLC registration for business texting (Twilio docs)
Mistakes to avoid.We see these often.
- Asking parents to send photos of a child's teeth by text.
- Quoting treatment prices by text before an exam.
- No after-hours line for poking wires or broken appliances.
Questions people ask.Short answers.
Should we quote braces prices by text?
No. Offer a call with your treatment coordinator. Prices depend on the exam, and a range without context invites the wrong comparison.
What about a child's first visit?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7, which is a useful line for the follow-up call, not the first text.
Can patients send photos of a problem?
Ask them not to text photos of teeth. Offer a call or your secure patient portal instead.
Sources
- FCC: 2015 TCPA Omnibus Declaratory Ruling and Order (texts are calls) · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Federal Register: TCPA revocation of consent rules (October 2024) · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Federal Register: Enhancing the ability of consumers to control robocalls (October 2026) · checked Oct 31, 2026
- Twilio: Error 30034, unregistered 10DLC traffic · checked Oct 31, 2026
By Shakhawat Ullah Badhon, Founder, Damex Digital. Published Nov 1, 2026, updated Nov 1, 2026.