PATIENT INFO

Your First Orthodontist Visit

Getting to know you and your orthodontic concerns is a key element in our relationship with you and/or your child. At the first visit Drs. Bob and Ron will perform a thorough examination, including digital photos and a panoramic   x-ray (if needed). If diagnostic records are needed, we will review this with you at time of examination.  These records are used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient.  

Upon completion of your evaluation, we will discuss with you your orthodontic needs, preliminary treatment options and estimated cost of treatment.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

  • Any x-rays (if applicable)
  • A list of medications you are presently taking
  • If you provide the information,we will be happy to check on your insurance for you. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
  • Completed online or printed patient registration forms.

Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible. By doing so, you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment.  If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering system or email us and we will contact you the morning of the next business day.

Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning 

Successfully achieving the goals for an ideal orthodontic result begins by properly diagnosing all of the problems involved. This includes not only the teeth but joints and face as well.  Some patients have hidden skeletal problems, such as facial asymmetries and dual bites, which can be detected by proper diagnostic evaluation. 

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of mounted diagnostic models,  photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Drs. Bob and Ron will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Then our office will schedule a consultation appointment to review your treatment plan, set up the necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment and present financial arrangements.

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, eat nutritiously 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!

Length of Treatment

Treatment times vary widely depending on the age, the patient's cooperation and the severity of the case.  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.

In addition, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Drs. Good prescribe 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 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.