Helpful Hints for Your First Orthodontic Appointment

Please allow an hour to an hour and a half for this appointment. If your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, we spend time explaining the need for treatment and what to expect during treatment. It is difficult to properly prepare your family for an orthodontic experience if you are rushed.

It is best, whenever possible, if both parents or the parties responsible for orthodontic treatment accompany the child to this appointment. So much diagnostic as well as financial information is discussed. It is oftentimes very difficult for one parent to explain to the other parent the need for treatment. A lot gets lost in the translation. We make every attempt to schedule adequate time to answer your questions and hope you take advantage of it.

We have a "kid friendly" office. Video and computer games are available to entertain siblings, but frankly, toddlers become restless after a short time and it is difficult for parents to discuss treatment when distracted by an active toddler. We suggest, if at all possible, that small children not accompany their older sibling to the orthodontic exam. Make this a special day for you and your older child. However, if you must bring your toddler along, certainly, please do so.

If you have orthodontic insurance, please come prepared with orthodontic insurance information. We need the telephone number of your DENTAL INSURANCE carrier, the name of the employer, group number, name of the insured, Social Security Number or other ID number, and birthdate of the primary policy holder. Our staff can then inquire as to the limits of your orthodontic benefit so we can better estimate your out of pocket expenses. Most often, we will obtain this information from you at the initial phone call, but if not, please bring it with you.

Please let us know if your dentist or acquaintance referred you to our practice. We want to be sure to thank them for their confidence in us.

Seeing the orthodontist does not take the place of seeing your general dentist. It is important prior to the start of orthodontic treatment to have your teeth cleaned and checked. During orthodontic treatment you should see your general dentist at least every 6 months for cleanings and exams. We do not have a dental hygienist on staff and do not clean teeth in the orthodontic office.

Our initial exam is complimentary and includes a panoramic x-ray and photographs. The x-ray is necessary for us to make a complete and thorough diagnosis. We will take the x-ray here at our office AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. If you feel your general dentist has a RECENT panoramic x-ray, please have them send a copy of the x-ray to us. Bite-wing or check up x-rays are of no value in an orthodontic exam.

We are looking forward to meeting you at the initial exam. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 972-539-8295.