Your Visits With Us
Initial Exam and Consultation
Your initial appointment will consist of an examination by Dr. Chen and a discussion of whether orthodontic treatment is indicated. If so, Dr. Chen will explain potential treatment options and which one is right for you or your child.
Prior to this first visit, you can:
- Call our office to set up a Consultation Appointment
- Have your dental insurance information ready when you call to set up your appointment. This will save time and allow us to help you verify your orthodontic benefits for you.
- Print and complete New Patient Forms (available under “Patient Info”) to bring to your Consultation Appointment.
Diagnostic Records
If orthodontic treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Dr. Chen will review them and confirm the best treatment plan for your orthodontic needs!
Banding/Bonding
Adjustment Visits
Once your braces have been put on, periodic visits will be an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will need to see you once every 4 to 8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, eat nutritiously and practice good oral hygiene. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly at least once every 6 months.
Completing Treatment and Retention
When your new smile is ready, we will remove your braces, polish your teeth and take impressions for your retainers! Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retainers are important to maintain your beautiful smile!
Length of Treatment
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation and the degree of movement possible.
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.
In addition, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Dr. Chen prescribed to correct your bite. 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 because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement.