Making Each Visit
Hassle-Free
Your First Visit
**If you have had a panoramic radiograph taken within the past six months, please let us know. If you have orthodontic insurance, please bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we are better able to serve you.
After you learn of what it will take to proceed with orthodontic treatment, our next step is to make an appointment to take diagnostic records. These records include digital impressions, digital radiographs, and diagnostic photographs in order to develop a complete treatment plan for you. These items allow us to determine whether there’s an underlying problem causing teeth to be crooked or crowded. Careful analysis of the diagnostic records allows for the in-depth planning that leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction. Based on the information we gather, a customized treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. The diagnostic records appointment takes approximately 45 minutes.
It is most important to Dr. Fran that all of her patients and their parents clearly understand their specific needs and their customized treatment plan. After she has done her homework, she will schedule an appointment to share and go over these details with you. This is called a treatment conference. Any additional questions you might have will be answered and all other arrangements and details will be finalized.
Patient Forms
Routine Home Care
A daily oral hygiene regimen is essential for clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath. We recommend the following:
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft bristled brush
- Floss at least once a day
- Mouthwash: can be a helpful tool to aid in oral health during orthodontic treatment
This will help remove plaque, which is a bacteria biofilm, from the surface of your teeth. Bacteria changes sugars from food into acid, and this acid attacks the enamel of your teeth leading to tooth decay. Bacteria can also be responsible for gingivitis and other gum diseases.
- Careful snacking: reduce sugary snacks and sodas, switch to healthier foods like yogurt, fruits, and vegetables
- Quit Tobacco products: tobacco products of all types increase your risk for oral cancer and can damage delicate oral tissues.
- Healthy diet
It is essential that you maintain your regular preventative dental examinations. Your dentist, hygienist, and dental care team play a crucial role in your oral health and they have the expertise and focus to help you maintain a healthy oral cavity throughout orthodontic treatment and throughout life. We will be in contact with your dentist throughout orthodontic treatment in order to provide you with optimum comprehensive dental care.