We strive to make your first visit to our office a pleasant and informative experience. Your initial appointment will consist of the following: Office tour Comprehensive Clinical examination Complimentary Panoramic image if needed for diagnosis Initial diagnosis Discussion of orthodontic problems Guide to available treatment options Guide to the timetable of treatment Treatment fee estimate Determination of Insurance Benefits This important visit will fully address the orthodontic needs of you or your child and is complimentary (FREE OF CHARGE). Typically this visit takes about 30 minutes. During the initial consultation for each patient, we will answer any questions you may have. Generalized treatment recommendations will be discussed, but can't be finalized until after diagnostic records have been taken. Most of the time, diagnostic records can be taken the same day as your first visit, or can be scheduled at your convenience. What to expect at your next appointments Your sequence of appointments following the initial consultation with Dr. Derek Bock will be as follows: 1. Diagnostic Records Appointment In order for Dr. Derek to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient, information, or records, must be gathered as the next step to getting braces. Taking orthodontic records includes the following three components: Dental impressions of upper and lower teeth and gums; to fabricate digital study models X-Rays of the teeth and jaws (Panoramic) and of the head (Cephalometric) Pictures of patient's face, teeth, and bite Some orthodontic problems require additional appliances to help achieve our goal of a beautiful smile. If Dr. Derek plans to use an additional appliance, a separator will be placed one to two weeks 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. 2. Case Presentation and Bonding/Banding Appointment After careful review of all the orthodontic records, Dr. Derek will formulate an individualized treatment plan. This treatment plan will be presented in detail, as well as care instructions for the teeth and braces during and after orthodontic treatment. Our treatment coordinator will discuss the finalized treatment fee and the many financial options available to you. For most patients, this is the appointment where Dr. Derek places the braces on the teeth and a wire is secured into the braces. We will go over the care of the braces and the teeth during orthodontics treatment, and instruct you/your child on proper oral hygiene techniques. 3. Adjustment Appointments Once the braces are in place, you will visit our office to guide your treatment progress at intervals of 4–12 weeks, depending on your specific needs. At these appointments, a number of different procedures might be done in order to assure 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. 4. Debonding/Debanding Upon completion of treatment, the braces will be removed and the teeth will be polished. Post-treatment models, x-rays, and pictures are then taken to evaluate treatment response compared to the initial orthodontic records. Retainers are then made to hold the teeth in place.

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