Office Policies

What to Expect at Your First Visit

We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office.

Please print, fill out, and bring in our patient health history form and welcome questionnaire to our office for your first appoint. Download Adobe Reader for free if you cannot open PDFs.

Your initial appointment will consist of a brief tour, thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important 30-minute visit will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, if time permits, we may be able to take diagnostic records on your first visit. The records include X-rays, photos and impressions for study models and are necessary for developing the appropriate treatment plan. The additional time for your diagnostic records will last approximately 30 minutes.

During the initial examination for each patient, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
How long will treatment take?
How much will it cost?
What are my payment options?

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

Cost

We don?t want finances to stand in the way of a healthy smile. The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a 0% financing option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Bonding Appointment (Separators and banding if needed)

After Dr. Eli develops the individualized treatment plan, you are now ready to get your braces! For most patients, this is the appointment where the doctor places the braces on the teeth and a wire is secured into the braces. At this time, we will discuss the importance of proper care of the teeth and braces.

Some orthodontic problems require additional appliances to help achieve our goal of a beautiful smile. If Dr. Eli plans to use an additional appliance, a separator will be placed one week prior to the placement of orthodontic bands. A separator which is a small rubber band will be inserted between the back teeth and will allow for easier placement of the bands.

Adjustment Appointments

Once the braces are in place, you will visit our office to review your treatment progress at intervals of 4-8 weeks apart for which take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your specific needs. At these appointments, a number of different procedures might be done in order to ensure the continued progress of your treatment. This includes the placement of new wires, the use of rubber bands, and the review of home care instructions.

Debanding

Upon completion of treatment, the braces will be removed and post-treatment models, x-rays, and pictures are completed. Retainers are then made to hold the teeth in place.