My staff and I always enjoy meeting and getting to know new patients during their first visit to our office. The initial appointment, which is free of charge, consists of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important consultation gives us insight into your personal orthodontic needs. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, we may also reserve time following the exam for more extensive diagnostic records. This evaluation includes x-rays, photos and impressions for study models which are necessary for the development of an appropriate orthodontic strategy.

During the initial examination of each patient, we may discuss the following topics that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment, and we encourage you to ask questions as well.

• Do you have a need for orthodontic therapy?
• Is treatment required now, or should you be placed on recall and monitored until the appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred?
• What treatment procedures might be considered to correct the problem such as Invisalign, ceramic brackets or metal braces
• How long will treatment take?
• How much will it cost?
• What are your payment options?

While we can often answer these general questions about treatment during the initial examination, we will address specific areas of concern after we make our measurements and perform a careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyze each patient’s individual needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

• Any panoramic x-ray taken with the past six months
• If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of your costs.

We want our patients to leave the office with a clear understanding of their treatment plan, probable length of care, and our strong commitment to them.