Appointments

INITIAL EXAM
As a courtesy to our patients, our office provides an initial examination free of charge.  When you arrive you will be given a tour of our office.  After completing the necessary forms, a panoramic radiograph will be taken for the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis.  If your dentist has taken one recently please request them to send a copy. During this appointment the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the teeth, jaws and bite. Following the exam, Dr. Thomas will discuss:

>  Any problems found
>  Types of treatment options
>  When the best time to start treatment is
>  How long treatment will take
>  Any questions you have about treatment

Our Financial Coordinator will then discuss:

>  How much treatment will cost
>  Any insurance benefits you have
>  Our various payment options

DIAGNOSTIC RECORDS
If treatment is indicated the next appointment will be to create a full set of orthodontic diagnostic records. Diagnostic records include an additional x-ray, digital photos of the teeth and face, wax bite registrations and study models of the teeth. This provides additional information that is not available from the initial exam.

If you are ready to start treatment, the diagnostic records can be taken the same day of the initial exam visit. After Dr. Thomas has reviewed the findings of the clinical examination and diagnostic records, a treatment plan will then be formulated.

BANDING APPOINTMENT
The banding appointment is the day the braces or aligners are placed. The initial appliance placement usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. During this appointment your new braces, aligners or appliances are placed. Instructions for the care of your new appliances are discussed and any questions you have are answered.

REGULAR APPOINTMENTS
After the banding appointment regular adjustment appointments are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks depending on what point of treatment you are at. These appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes.