We appreciate you selecting our office to serve your orthodontic needs. We understand that everyone's needs and expectations about orthodontics are different. We are committed to caring for you individually and to helping you achieve the finest results possible. Our staff is looking forward to the opportunity of working with you to create a happier face and a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
When you arrive for your first visit, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members. Our Treatment Coordinator often times will meet you at the door! At the very least, you can expect a warm and welcoming person at the reception desk to help you start the process of your first visit with us.
You will be shown how to check in on the computer. After that, you will be given a tour of the office, including the sterilization area. Once your tour is completed, we will take photographs of your face and teeth, as well as a specialized panoramic radiograph of your teeth and jaws. Once we have gathered all necessary information, Dr. Dula will review the material and perform a thorough oral examination. This examination is comfortable and completely painless. At this time, one of three outcomes will be determined:
- Treatment is needed now
- Treatment will be needed, but it's too soon for one or more reasons
- Treatment is not needed
Treatment is Needed Now
At the conclusion of the examination, Dr. Dula will recommend and explain any needed orthodontic treatment, answer any questions you may have regarding the recommended treatment, and discuss your personal orthodontic treatment goals. He will also provide you with an estimate of how long the recommended treatment will take. The main goal at this visit is for you to understand both the diagnosis and the recommended treatment.
If treatment is indicated, Dr. Dula will request that we gather additional information for further diagnostic evaluation. These diagnostic records consist of the photographs and panoramic radiograph taken prior to the examination, as well as models of the teeth and a second radiograph that allows Dr. Dula to evaluate the positions of the teeth and jaws.
Quality patient care and individualized attention are the cornerstones of our practice. We pride ourselves on the fact that we use the most modern equipment available. We use digital imaging, models, and the most up-to-date radiographic equipment to help us plan the treatment for your case. For your convenience, we are prepared to gather the diagnostic information during your initial visit. Traveling to an off-site facility for your records is not necessary. This saves you an additional appointment, which saves you time!
At the conclusion of your discussion with Dr. Dula regarding any needed treatment, the Treatment Coordinator will be able to demonstrate the appliance(s) recommended by Dr. Dula. She will also explain the sequencing of appointments necessary to begin the treatment. The Treatment Coordinator will discuss your investment with you, as well as various options for financing it. Our office offers a variety of flexible payment options designed to fit your individual needs.
Treatment Will be Needed, but it's Too Soon for One or More Reasons
As described above, your first orthodontic visit does not always result in a recommendation for immediate treatment. After evaluating the patient, Dr. Dula may recommend monitoring his/her growth and development periodically while the permanent teeth erupt and/or the face and jaws continue to grow. During this time of periodic checks, your child will be part of our growth and development program, where he or she can be closely monitored to determine the appropriate time for either Phase I orthodontic treatment or braces. Patients in our growth and development program are also included in special office events and contests!
Growth and development visits are very important because Dr. Dula uses them to evaluate factors such as growth of the jaws, loss of baby teeth, eruption of the adult teeth, and the effect of habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and mouth-breathing. These early visits allow Dr. Dula to optimize the timing of a child's orthodontic treatment so that minimal amounts of time and expense are invested in achieving the maximum benefit, or result. Our growth and development program allows for many potential problems to be kept to a minimum, so the duration of orthodontic treatment can be greatly reduced.
In all cases, we will forward a detailed summary of our findings and recommended treatment to your general dentists. Great results are often attained by outstanding communication between our office, each patient, and his/her general dentist.
The entire process of your first visit is completed in about an hour. The appointment is about a half-hour longer if we gather the diagnostic records described above. Your time is important to us, so we will work hard to expedite this plan in an efficient and timely manner, thus minimizing your time away from work, school, or play! Our goal is for you to leave our office at the conclusion of your first visit feeling comfortable and confident about your orthodontic treatment with us.
Before your first visit, please take time to complete the New Patient Form, which is available on this website. By completing this form prior to your arrival, we can begin your first visit without delay. Please also be aware of your insurance coverage. If you have orthodontic coverage, please bring the needed paperwork so that we may assist you in understanding your orthodontic benefits. Due to the importance of your initial visit, we encourage the attendance of any and all family members who are involved in making decisions regarding orthodontic treatment.