First Visit- The Consultation (30 minutes)
Clinical photographs are taken first then Dr. Lowney or Dr. Davis will outline the clinical orthodontic findings. The treatment time estimate and the cost of the treatment will be outlined.
A financial coordinator will outline payment options (Payment Presentation) and explain how insurance benefits are incorporated into a payment plan.
The Next Step- “Orthodontic Records” (25-40 minutes)
Diagnostic data is collected at this visit. Appropriate x-rays, & impressions for study models are taken. The final analysis and treatment plan is established by both doctors using the information obtained by the “records”.
(For your convenience the first and second visit can be combined into one appointment)
Third Visit- The Treatment Presentation (1.5-2 Hours) this visit is divided into three steps:
1. The treatment coordinator will go over the paperwork that needs to be signed (by parent/legal guardian). Informed consent, office policies, and Federal Truth & Lending Form. The down payment will be collected at this time.
2. Dr. Lowney or Dr. Davis will review the clinical findings from the diagnostic records & outline the treatment plan.
3. Orthodontic appliances (braces/bands/wires/colors) are placed and full instructions are given on care and maintenance of the appliances.
It is required that a parent accompanies a minor child to this visit
Fourth Visit- (20- 60 minutes)
The remainder of the appliances are placed if necessary.
All subsequent visits are scheduled every 6-8 weeks. The time interval is based on what type of appliance we are using. The appointments are 20-30 minutes in length and a majority will be scheduled during a non-academic time of the day. Long visits however are scheduled prior to 2pm on any given day this is our office policy.
“Final Office Visit”
At this visit or at the prior visit, retainer options are gone over with a parent/legal guardian. The impressions are taken (with the braces on). Two weeks later, braces are removed and the retainers are given. Feel free to take a sneak peak at our current retainer options.
“Braces Off Visit” (1-1.5 hours) The day is finally here!
This is divided into 3 steps:
Braces are usually removed in one or two visits depending on what finishing touches need to be performed.
1. An orthodontic assistant removes the braces, then the doctor removes the adhesive
2. Final records are taken (necessary x-rays, impressions for study models and clinical photographs)
3. Retainers are placed and detail instruction are given. Since retainers are important in preserving your child's beautiful smile, we highly recommend a parent/legal guardian to attend this part of the visit.
Any additional visits are the following:
Extraction of Primary or Permanent Teeth:
If a decision is made by Dr. Lowney or Dr. Davis to have teeth extracted, it will be explained during the treatment presentation and an appointment can be made with your general dentist or oral surgeon following the Treatment Presentation.
(Note: Braces are placed before permanent teeth are extracted.)
Hyrax Rapid Palatal Expander:
If it is decided that an expander is needed as part of a treatment, additional visits will be needed consecutively once a week for four weeks. These visits consist of placing separating elastics, taking an impression for the expander, bonding the expander and checking the expander during the "turning phase" (2-4 visits after bonding).New to the process? Don't worry, it is not as complicated as it sounds. Our administrative professionals will guide you through this whole process.
Dental Implant Preparation:
Dr. Lowney or Dr. Davis work closely with your general dentist and an oral surgeon to determine where to place the adjacent teeth to an implant space. Your general dentist will refer your to the appropriate specialist unless they are trained to place implants themselves. Additional visits will need to be coordinated with your general dentist and the appropriate specialist towards the end of your treatment. If your child is too young for an implant our doctors will coordinate with your general dentist to assure that the space is secured until they are done growing. This often requires the additional expense of a resin bridge by your general dentist.