First Check-Up

What is the right age for a child's first visit to the orthodontist?

Age 7! For the last 40 years The Canadian Association of Orthodontists and The American Association of Orthodontists have been recommending that a child's first assessment by an orthodontist be done no later than age seven.

Most often the prime purpose of this visit is to investigate the child's facial structures and teeth for developmental problems and establish a base line for futrue comparison of the individual's facial growth and development.

However, it is not uncommon to uncover early problems which if intercepted can prevent the need for more serious and complicated treatment later.

In recent years it has become clear that several conditions such as a crossbite and jaw excess or deficiency can have better treatment outcomes if treated even earlier.

The family orthodontist concept is gaining momentum because of this information. Ideally the orthodontist in whom you have confidence becomes your family orthodontist and assesses younger children in the family early enough to allow for forward planning and best treatment outcomes.

What To Expect

Upon your arrival, please notify one of our receptionists. You will be welcomed into one of our new patients examination rooms where you will need to complete a Patient Medical History. All patients under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Krystie or Melissa our dental assistants will take digital photographs, cephalometric and panoramic x-rays and impressions for orthodontic study models. The doctor will then  conduct a thorough clinical orthodontic examination.

The purpose of the initial examination is to answer:

What sort of problem is present, if any? Are there any hidden problems you can only see in the x-rays?

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?

In our office – There is no charge for the initial examination – this includes all diagnostic records (photos, x-rays and study models) a $450 value. We want you to be able to make an informed decision about your orthodontic needs without worrying about the cost.

What’s Next?
If orthodontic treatment is indicated at this time you will meet with the Lacey our treatment coordinator who will explain treatment guidelines and fees.

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 consultation, if treatment is required. We have different payment plans to suit your budget . We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

What does my investment include?
Your investment includes:

Orthodontic records, which consists of x-rays, study models and a personalized growth study workup to determine your treatment objectives.

Active treatment fee includes Phase I appliances or Phase II (comprehensive appliances or braces); Each Phase, if required, is a separate investment.

This fee includes all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed, in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if instructions are followed by the patient. If appliances need to be replaced due to loss, breakage, misuse or failure to eliminate foods that cause damage, we reserve the right to charge an additional replacement fee.

What doesn’t my investment include?

Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice eg. dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, dental surgery.

Assignment of Benefits
Our practice accepts assignment of benefits for all insurance plans.  We will be happy to help you with the paperwork to file claims so that the insured can be reimbursed . Should there be any change in your policy prior to full payment please notify our office.

Office Hours

Our office is open on patient days, Monday – Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm . It is our goal to see you, on 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 at or before their scheduled time to avoid delays, as the day progresses. Your cooperation and consideration with appointments is greatly appreciated by our office and the patients that are seen after your appointment.