Your First Visit
We love seeing new patients and we’re excited to talk about your family’s orthodontic care.
During your complimentary first visit we will provide you with a walk through of our office. We want you to meet our team. You will notice an obvious quality about our practice; we enjoy orthodontics and it shows in our office every day. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve.
During your complimentary initial 60 minute appointment Dr. Brown will conduct a thorough exam of the teeth and bite and facial esthetics to give us insight into your orthodontic needs. We may obtain photographs and x-rays. We encourage you to ask questions so that you leave the office with a clear understanding of your specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take.
At our complimentary examination we will get acquainted, determine if there is a need for orthodontic treatment, and provide you with the information to make a decision about orthodontic care. Dr. Brown will personally conduct a comprehensive visual examination of the teeth, jaws and facial areas. We will cover the specific types of orthodontic appliances, the estimated time to complete treatment, and the approximate investment as well as payment options.
Listed below are several steps necessary to starting your orthodontic treatment:
- Current Dental Exam and Cleaning - Please be sure that you have had an exam and cleaning with your general dentist within the last 6 months and any necessary restorations completed prior to placement of orthodontic appliances. All adult patients must have a current full mouth series of radiographs taken prior to orthodontic appliances.
- Orthodontic Records – Each individual’s orthodontic problem is different and deserves a customized treatment plan based on the diagnostic records. Orthodontic records will provide both the patient and the orthodontist with information to assist in analyzing and planning the course of orthodontic care necessary. Records will usually include radiographs of both the teeth and jaws, models for study of the teeth, and facial and intraoral photographs.
- Consultation – A pre-treatment consultation provides an opportunity for the orthodontist to review the information gathered from the diagnostic records with the patient. We will discuss the orthodontic treatment options that exist, alternative treatment plans and the ramifications of non-treatment and how to achieve the maximum benefit from treatment while leading a normal lifestyle.
- Orthodontic Separators – Orthodontic separators are flossed or placed with a special instrument between the teeth that will be banded. These separators create a small amount of space so that the orthodontic bands will slide down around the molars comfortably. We will also give instructions for brushing and flossing and the care of orthodontic appliances and eating tips to avoid breakage.
- Appliance placement – Dr. Brown and our assistants will explain each step of the procedure as they place the appliances. This appointment can last from 40 minutes (Phase I appliances) to 90 minutes (Phase II or full appliances). For dental discomfort Ibruprofen is recommended prior to this appointment. Following this appointment a diet of soft foods may be soothing (jello, milkshakes, etc.)
Treatment times vary between a few months and three years, depending on the nature and severity of the orthodontic problem, the age of the patient and their cooperation.
