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We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. During this time, we will help you get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic treatment. We understand that each patient's orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. Your first orthodontic visit will consist of an 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.
After we have evaluated your records, we conduct a treatment consultation 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.
If for some reason you cannot keep your appointment, please contact our office. By doing so, you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. If it is after hours, please leave your name and number and a brief message on our voice mail and we will return your call in the morning.
If it is determined that treatment is needed, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of diagnostic photographs and orthodontic X-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, we will review them and determine an individualized treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. We will review your treatment plan with you, make financial arrangements and set up visits for treatment to begin.
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly. Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions.
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem and the degree of movement possible.
Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist. We are an aid to your family dentist, not a replacement. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
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