What to Expect

Your First Visit

It is our goal to make your consultation a pleasant and informative experience. Your initial appointment will consist of the following:

• Office tour
• Clinical examination
• Panoramic image taking
• Initial diagnosis
• Discussion of orthodontic problems
• Guide to treatment options
• Guide to the timetable of treatment
• Determination of Insurance Benefits

This important visit will fully address the orthodontic needs of you or your child and is complimentary (FREE OF CHARGE). During the initial consultation for each patient, we will discuss your questions and provide clear and reasonable answers

Your sequence of appointments following the initial consultation with Dr. Finelli or Dr. Siller will be as follows:

1. Records / Bonding Appointment
   Taking orthodontic records includes the following components:
   • Digital impressions of upper and lower teeth and gums
   • Xray of head showing the relationship of the teeth to the jaws (Cephalometric)
   Once Dr. Finelli or Dr. Siller review the records and confirm the initial treatment plan, you are now ready to get your braces! For most patients, this is the appointment where the doctor places the braces on the teeth and a wire is secured into the brackets. At this appointment the importance of proper care of the teeth and braces will also be reviewed. Some orthodontic problems require additional appliances to help achieve our goal of a beautiful smile. If your individualized plan includes the use of an additional appliance, a separator, which is a small rubber band, will be placed one week prior to the placement of orthodontic bands. The separator will be inserted between the back teeth and help create space between the teeth for easier placement of the bands.
2. Adjustment Appointments
   Once the braces are in place, you will visit our office approximately every 6-8 weeks to review your treatment progress, depending on your specific needs. At these appointments, a number of different procedures might be done in order to ensure the continued progress of your treatment. Some of these procedures include the placement of new wires, the use of rubber bands, and the review of home care instructions.
3. Debanding
   Upon completion of treatment, the braces will be removed and a post-treatment panoramic xray and photographs will be completed. Retainers will be inserted at this appointment to hold the teeth in place.