Our objective is to make sure your visits with us is pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of digital photos, a jaw x-ray, and an examination. This complementary visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child. A written summary of our findings and recommendations will be provided to you and your family dentist. In addition, any financial questions regarding insurance or payment plans will be discussed.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:
One of three outcomes will be determined at this first visit:
- Treatment is not needed, no further visits necessary.
- Treatment will be needed in the future, but we need to wait a while.
- Treatment is needed now.
Diagnostic Records and Treatment Planning
If it is determined that treatment is needed the next step will be to have diagnostic study models made of your teeth. Sometimes Dr. Dunegan will take your records to your dentist to discuss any case complications before treatment is initiated. For example, some patients have gum problems, or missing teeth that require a team approach to treatment with your dentist.
Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 8-10 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. 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. We will advise some patients during the retention phase if they need wisdom teeth removed.
Length of Treatment
Braces may be on between 6 months to 36 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem and the degree of movement possible. Some less involved treatments are done with retainers only and may require just weeks to complete.
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. 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. In some cases we recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned more than twice a year. Please contact our office if you have any questions.