We know choosing an orthodontist is a difficult decision. We sincerely appreciate your consideration of our office for your care.

The primary purpose of your first visit is to establish the desired treatment goals. It is important for us to thoroughly understand your reasons for seeking orthodontic care, including your expectations and goals. It is equally important that the treatment plan be based on the long-term health of your teeth and jaw joints. A faulty diagnosis leads to extended treatment time and unstable results. Ultimately, with all the factors considered, it is always the patient’s decision as to the scope of the treatment.

At the first visit, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. We will tell you what you need and approximately how long your treatment will take. A written outline of the findings, goals, treatment and limitations will be presented at the initial exam. The initial records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care; these records will be available to you online through a password-protected web site.

With children, we may inform you that orthodontic treatment is appropriate but only after more skeletal and/or dental maturity occurs. In this case your child will be placed on recall for future evaluations.

In some cases additional component records are required for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Should this be the case, the additional records will be ordered and you will be scheduled for an “end of day” consult. This type of consult is the last appointment of the day, which allows as much undisturbed one-on-one time with us as necessary.

After we have evaluated your records and discussed your diagnosis and a treatment plan is agreed upon, we will provide detailed financial information and payment options.