First Visit Information

Your first visit to our office is important and informative. During your initial appointment we will conduct an in-depth examination of your teeth, mouth and face. We will identify and describe any concerns and then discuss potential treatment options. We will also take photographs and a possible x-ray to aid in diagnosis.

During your initial examination we address questions such as:

• Is there a condition that orthodontic treatment can address?
• Should treatment start now, or would it be best to delay treatment until more growth and tooth eruption have occurred?
• If treatment is needed, what methods will be used?
• How long will treatment take?
• How much will it cost?
• What are my payment options?

We encourage your questions and look forward to enhancing your understanding of orthodontics.

Before treatment begins we will take additional diagnostic records, including impressions for study models and an x-ray. These records are necessary for us to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. This detailed planning enables superior treatment results.

Please assist us by bringing the following to your first visit:

• Any panoramic x-ray taken in the past 6 months.
• If you have orthodontic insurance, please bring your insurance card. This enables us to give you a more accurate estimate of treatment cost.

Emergency Visit Information

Many problems that occur during orthodontic treatment can be remedied at home. There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. The following information can be helpful as you resolve the minor issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment. If you are unable to resolve an issue, please call our office so that we can assist you.

Sore Teeth

Most people experience some discomfort during the first few days following new appliance placement or "tightening" of the braces. A warm salt water rinse can be helpful to relieve discomfort- disolve one teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. For severe discomfort you can take a non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen). The directions for over-the-counter use should be followed and these medicines shouldn't be used regularly for a long period of time.

Wire Irritation

If your braces are irritating your lip or cheek because of a poking wire, try pushing the offending wire end away from the irritated area with a pencil eraser. If you can't move the wire, place wet cotton or wax on the sharp area. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliance.

Loose Bracket

Occasionally, a bracket comes off of a tooth. If this happens, please call our office as soon as possible to see if the bracket needs to be replaced before your next regularly sheduled appointment. If the bracket comes off the wire, please save it and bring it to your next appointment.

Financial Information

We make every effort to make orthodontic care affordable. We deliver excellent care with quality materials at a reasonable price. We also have flexible payment plans with NO INTEREST available. If full payment is made at the start of treatment, we offer a fee discount. We also offer family discounts.

In order to serve you better, we are happy to bill your insurance for services provided by our office. While we will do everything we can to work with you on insurance, please remember that you are responsible for charges by our office.