We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office. We encourage you to complete and submit the New Patient form prior to your appointment, so that we can prepare for your visit. The HIPAA forms are available to review, and can be signed when you arrive. Or, you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early to complete them in our office. If you have any recent dental records, please bring those as well. This will give us insight into your orthodontic needs and enable us to answer most of your questions.
Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. The fee for this important 30-minute visit is $100.00.
General topics to be covered at the First Visit include:
- 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 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.
Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning
If it is determined that treatment is indicated, the next step will be obtaining diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, photographs and orthodontic X-rays. After careful analysis of the records, Dr. Finn will determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. An in-depth discussion will follow at the conference appointment to review the treatment plan, answer any additional questions and set up the necessary appointments to begin orthodontic treatment. Financial arrangements will be established at this time.
If it is determined that treatment is not yet indicated, but will probably be necessary at a later date, we will send a reminder to come back at the appropriate time.