Orthodontic Treatment Outline
First visit - The consultation (30 minutes)
Dr. Lowney will outline the clinical orthodontic findings.
The treatment time, estimate and the cost of the treatment will be outlined. Our 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 and clinical photographs are taken. The final analysis and treatment plan is established by both doctors using the information attained by the “records”.
(The first and second visit is often combined into one.)
Third visit- The Treatment Presentation (1.5-2 Hours) It is required that a parent accompanies a minor child to this visit.
This visit it is divided into three steps:
1. Dr. Lowney will review the clinical findings from the diagnosis records and outline the treatment plan.
2. The treatment coordinator will review office policies and collect the down payment.
3. Orthodontic appliances (braces/bands/wires/colors) are placed and full instructions are given on care and maintenance of the appliances.
Fourth visit- (20- 60 minutes) the remainder of the appliances are placed if necessary.
All subsequent visits are scheduled every 4-8 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 during the school year
“Braces off” visit
Braces are usually removed in one or two visits depending on what finishing touches need to be performed. These are long visits.
Retainer Placement
A removable retainer is delivered after the upper braces are removed
A permanent retainer is placed on the same appointment that the lower braces are removed.
Final records
Initial records are repeated after the braces are removed. These records provide the information necessary to determine how long a retainer will be necessary. These are long visits.
Additional visits:
Extraction of primary or permanent teeth
If a decision is made by Dr. Lowney to have teeth extracted, it will be explained during the treatment presentation and an appointment can be made with your general dentist following the treatment presentation.
Hyrax rapid palatal expander
If it is decided that a hyrax is needed as part of a treatment plan, additional visits will be needed to place separators, cement the expander and to check it weekly during the “turning phase”(2-4 visits after cementation. An additional visit is needed to remove it and replace the brackets approximately six months after expansion is complete.
Quadrahelix slow palatal expander
If it is decided that a quadrahelix expander is needed as part of a treatment plan, additional visits will be needed to place separators, cement the expander, and to remove it six months later.
Dental Implant preparation
Dr. Lowney works closely with your general dentist and an oral surgeon to determine where to place the adjacent teeth to an implant space. Additional visits will need to be coordinated with your general dentist and an oral surgeon towards the end of your treatment. Your general dentist will be asked to participate in retaining the space for the implant to assure that the adjacent teeth do not move between the time the braces are removed and the implant is placed.
