First Visit

We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office. Whether you are excited or apprehensive about beginning treatment, the rewards are immeasurable if you are willing to make the commitment. While we will be doing everything possible to give you the highest quality care available, the success of your treatment will also depend on you. Active patient participation is always essential for orthodontic success, and we expect that you will be compliant and achieve a successful result.

First Visit

Your first orthodontic visit will consist of a preliminary examination and discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address your orthodontic needs to determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment. This important 30-minute visit will give us insight into your orthodontic needs.

During the preliminary examination for each patient, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
How long will treatment take?
How much will it cost?
What are my payment options?

While we can often answer these general questions about treatment during the initial examination, we will address specific areas after careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyze each patient's specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months.
If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs.

Diagnostic Records

If you are ready to begin orthodontic treatment, we will acquire the initial diagnostic records at your next appointment. This information is used to create a custom treatment plan and track the progress of your orthodontic care. Diagnostic records include impressions, photographs and radiographs, and they are necessary for developing your proper treatment plan.

Impressions

Impressions of your teeth are used to obtain accurate models of your teeth, dental arches and bite. The impressions are needed to measure your teeth, analyze your bite and plan treatment. Impressions are an essential part of providing quality orthodontic care and monitoring the progress of treatment.

Photographs/Radiographs

In order to accurately determine where to move each of the teeth within the upper and lower jaws, a series of digital photographs and radiographs will be taken. These images are used throughout your active treatment, as well as during the retention phase.

Consultation

After we have evaluated your diagnostic records, we conduct a consultation appointment to explain all aspects of your treatment in detail. We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of the problem, a written summary of the findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals and estimated fees. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent, and as such, we provide ample time to answer your questions. We believe that the more you know about and actively participate in your orthodontic care, the better your results will be.