New Patients
Complimentary Exam
We look forward to meeting you at your first visit to our office. Your first visit to our office will be a complimentary exam for you or your child. The doctor will carefully examine the teeth for a wide range of possible orthodontic problems, such as crowding, cross-bite, gaps, etc. Once the doctor has a clear picture of the most likely course of treatment, we’ll discuss what type of treatment is necessary, how long it will take, and estimate how much it will cost. You’ll understand everything you need to know in order to decide whether to proceed with treatment. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different and we promise to give you the attention you deserve.
Records Appointment
After your complimentary exam, if you are ready to begin treatment, you have the option of doing orthodontic records at this visit. Records are necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, digital scan of your teeth (no more goopy molds needed), photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and digital X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
After the doctor has thoroughly evaluated your diagnostic records, we’ll explain your treatment to you in detail, including the cost for your particular case. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent and we provide ample time to answer your questions. Proper communication between the orthodontist, dentist, parent, and patient are necessary for successful treatment. A final simulation of your treatment result can be shown to you at this records visit.
Regular Appointments
After the records appointment, we’ll be ready to schedule the appointment to get your new appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) placed. Getting appliances placed usually takes one to two hours. You’ll then see us at regular intervals six to ten weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes about 20 minutes.
Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.