At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American and Canadian Associations of Orthodontists recommend that most children should have an orthodontic screening by the time they are seven years old. This allows Dr. Dionne to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated. Many of the dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early, and may refer a child to our office before they turn seven.
What to expect at your free smile exam
The initial appointment, which is complimentary, is a clinical assessment to determine you or your child’s orthodontic needs. We will review your medical record and dental history and complete a preliminary orthodontic examination. A panoramic radiograph may be taken as well as a 3D optical scan and intra-oral photographs to aid this exam. We will describe the general development status of you or your child’s teeth and any problems you may have and outline possible treatment options. Our goal is to give you as much information as possible before diagnostic records are taken, but please keep in mind that a detailed treatment plan cannot be put together without additional diagnostic tools.
The purpose of the initial examination is to answer:
- What problem are present, if any?
- When is the proper time to begin treatment?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will the treatment cost?
What’s Next?
If treatment is indicated but the best time for this treatment is in the future, we will recommend a period of observation to monitor growth and development at no charge.
What is the cost of the treatment?
The cost of treatment depends upon the severity of the patient’s problem. The treatment coordinator will discuss fees and payment options, during the initial exam, if treatment is required. We have different payment plans to suit your budget and accept assignment from most insurance plans. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
What does my investment include?
Your investment includes:
- Active treatment fee for both early treatment options and complete comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign includes all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if the patient follows instructions. If appliances require replacement due to loss, breakage, misuse or failure to eliminate foods that cause damage, we reserve the right to charge an additional replacement fee.
- One set of final retainers for our comprehensive patients is provided upon completion of treatment. There is a replacement fee for each additional retainer that is lost or broken.
What is not included in my investment?
- Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
Office Visit
It is our goal to see you, on time, every time for your appointment. Time is scheduled to complete the necessary procedure, give information about the treatment and answer any questions you may have. In order for us to maintain a schedule that runs in a timely manner, we request that patients arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time to avoid delays. Your cooperation and consideration with appointments is greatly appreciated by our office and the patients that are seen after your appointment.