Office Visits
Our greatest goal is to give you the healthy, straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. We understand that choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel.
Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic care is as rewarding as possible. Our practice utilizes the latest technology and offers a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.
Complimentary Consultation
We look forward to meeting you at your first visit to our office. At this visit, Dr. Fowler will work with you to identify your treatment goals, explain his diagnosis, and provide an individualized treatment plan to achieve your new smile. This visit will include a set of digital photographs, oral measurements, and digital X-rays.
Dr. Fowler will use this information to explain your orthodontic needs. Additionally, you will view computer simulations that will help you visualize the treatment objectives and the appliances that will be used to create your beautiful and healthy smile.
Dr. Fowler and his staff will provide you with the following information at your first visit:
- Whether an orthodontic need exists
- Whether treatment is recommended now or should be delayed until a more appropriate time
- What treatment procedures and appliances will be used to correct the problem
- Treatment options that may be available for you to consider
- The length of time involved in the treatment
- The fee for your treatment
- Financial arrangements and payment options
You will receive a health history form via email prior to your initial visit. Please complete this form and submit it before your first appointment.
If you have orthodontic insurance, we will verify your coverage prior to your appointment so we can provide you with an accurate estimate of fees.
The consultation will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We want to make sure you are able to make a well-informed decision. If you are an orthodontic candidate and the time is right for your treatment to begin, we will complete your visit by scheduling your next appointment to begin your treatment and, in most cases, can begin treatment that same day.
Regular Appointments
Your initial appointment for the placement of braces or other appliances will take from one to two hours. We will then see you every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Each adjustment appointment takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the procedure.
Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment. If you need to cancel your appointment, we kindly request that you give us at least 24-hour notice. It is important to keep your regularly scheduled appointment to be able to complete treatment within the prescribed timeframe.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the complexity of the case. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment. The patient’s diligent use of prescribed appliances (e.g., rubber bands, MARA, headgear) is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment.
Visiting the dentist during orthodontic treatment
It is very important that you continue to visit your family dentist once every six months for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups, even during your orthodontic treatment. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist to make sure you receive the best possible care.
