 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.
At our complimentary examination we will get acquainted, take complimentary photos and x-rays, 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.
Steps to starting 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 starting treatment.
- Orthodontic 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 xrays of both the teeth and jaw, models for study of the teeth, and face and teeth 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 & Hygiene Instructions – Orthodontic separators are only used it the patient must wear bands on the back molar teeth and are flossed 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. Orthodontic appliances are "glued" onto the teeth. This appointment can last from 40 to 90 minutes depending on the type of treament. For dental discomfort after the proceedure 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. |
