Your First Orthodontist Visit
Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. We would appreciate you allowing approximately an hour for this important initial appointment. Dr. Smith and our Treatment Coordinator will be providing you or your child with a very thorough examination which will consist of diagnostic photos, x-rays, an oral examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. Our treatment coordinator will verify insurance benefits, provide financial estimates as well as payment options. We recommend both parents be present for this appointment as treatment decisions and financial arrangements will be made at this time. If Dr. Smith feels treatment is indicated and you or your child are ready, we can take the necessary steps to begin treatment at that time.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:
- Any previous x-rays, study models, TMJ splints, retainers or appliances which are currently being worn, MD or DDS referral forms, transfer forms, or contact information we will need to help with your diagnosis and treatment.
- Before your fist appointment, you will receive an email from OrthoFi Company which does our office billing. This will save time and allow us to help you process any insurance claims.
- If you are actively being treated by another office you will need to provide information that you are no longer being treated to complete your transfer.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, allergies to latex, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at (830) 438-1110. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. There is a $25.00 charge for appointments missed without prior notice. If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering machine and we will return your call in the morning.
Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning
It is necessary for diagnostic records to be taken at your initial visit, as this is a vital part of Dr. Smith’s evaluation for treatment. Your initial records and exam are complimentary. You may be required to get additional records outside our office or request a referral from your existing orthodontist, Primary Care dentist, MD or TMJ specialist.
Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4 to 8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, and practice good oral hygiene. 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. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected, that’s why Dr. Smith prefers permanent retainers that are hidden behind your top and bottom teeth.
Length of Treatment
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation and the degree of movement possible.
Dental Care
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, as well as having your regular cleaning before the placement of braces.
In addition, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Dr. Smith prescribed to correct your bite. 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 because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement.
Please contact our office at (830) 438-1110 if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. You or your child may or may not be ready for treatment. Therefore, a consultation will allow us to better understand your needs.