A Better Orthodontic Experience

What to expect

Your initial appointment (first examination) will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. The length of your first visit will be an hour, and will give us insight into your orthodontic needs.

During the first examination various records will be taken to assess the extent of the orthodontic problem and determine the optimal treatment plan to address the problem. These include x-rays, photos, and impressions for plaster models.

During the initial examination for each patient, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
How long will treatment take?
How much will it cost?
What are my payment options?

We insist that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take.

We are always excited about meeting new patients!

At your first consultation appointment you will be asked to complete necessary paperwork. To save time, you are able to download new patient forms here. Please complete the forms and bring them with you to your consultation appointment.

Patient Details Form

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How Orthodontic Treatment Works:

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear, silver, platinum or gold in color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

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Duration of Treatment:

Intervals between subsequent visits range from two to seven weeks with visit duration from twenty minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment. We strive hard to run on time so that you can be seen on time. It is a courtesy to the rest of our family of patients for you to arrive promptly for appointments so that we can stay on schedule.

Children – Early treatment procedures may take three to six months. It’s best to see an orthodontist by the age of 9. Early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Adults – One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. If you have waited until your children were done with treatment, or if you have just waited your whole life for straight teeth, a simple and painless evaluation will let you see just what it will take to improve your smile.

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Regular Appointments:

Your first treatment appointment will entail putting your braces on. The appointment will take 45 – 90 minutes and you will leave with all the tools and instructions you need. You’ll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Remember, the adjustments keep treatment moving forward. Missing appointments slows your treatment down and keeps you in braces longer.

We love having you as a patient and hope you love being our patient, but we can guarantee that the sooner your braces are off, the happier you will be!

Eating with Braces

For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.

Avoid –

Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice. Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips . Sticky foods: caramels, gum. Hard foods: nuts, candy. Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots . Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

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Don't rush when you brush!

It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

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