 1.
Initial Examination Visit
Upon Your Arrival
Upon your arrival, please let our receptionist know. You will then
be escorted to our conference room where our treatment coordinator
will begin making you acquainted with our office. At subsequent appointments,
our patients simply identify themselves to the receptionist and proceed
directly to the “On Deck” area of our clinic to read a magazine or
play a Game Boy.
Initial Examination Visit
After the treatment coordinator has acquainted you with some of the
basics, Dr. Walker, Dr. Dixon, or Dr. Vail will conduct a thorough
clinical examination and go over the findings with you.
The purpose of the initial examination is to answer:
- What sort of problem is present, if
any?
- When is the proper time for treatment?
- How much will the treatment cost?
- How long will treatment take?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
What’s Next?
If orthodontic treatment is needed at this time, an appointment
for additional Diagnostic Records is scheduled. If time allows,
sometimes these diagnostic records can be taken at the initial visit.
For further information, see Diagnostic Records Appointment.
What is the cost of the initial examination?
There is no charge for the initial examination.
What is the cost of the treatment?
At the initial examination appointment, we will give you a good
idea of the overall cost of the treatment. Treatment fees vary according
to the complexity of the treatment rendered and the time required.
In most cases, we can tell you at the initial visit what the cost
will be. In some instances, it may be necessary to wait until the
diagnostic records have been evaluated to determine the extent of
the problem and the exact cost involved.
2. Diagnostic
Records Appointment
 What
are diagnostic records?
At the initial exam visit, clinical measurements of the patient
are made. The diagnostic records provide us with information that
is not available from a clinical exam and allow us to study the
case in more detail. Proper diagnosis is critical to the success
of the case.
How long will it take?
The records appointment will last approximately 45 minutes.
What records will be taken?
Two radiographs (x-rays) will be taken. These radiographs are of
the teeth and of the skeletal profile. This information is critical
to determine the most stable, healthy, and esthetic position of
the teeth. Photographs of the face and teeth will be taken. We are
interested in the appearance of the face as well as the teeth. Impressions,
or molds, of the teeth will be taken so we can study your bite more
thoroughly.
The next appointment that follows the records appointment is the
treatment planning session. For more information on this appointment,
see Treatment Planning Session.
Cost
The cost of the diagnostic records and treatment planning session
that follows is $210.00.
3. Treatment
Planning Session
After the doctors have had a chance to review
the findings of the clinical examination and the diagnostic records,
a treatment plan or “blue print” for the patient’s treatment will
be formulated.
Once the diagnosis is complete, one of the doctors will review with
you the findings of the clinical exam and the diagnostic work-up.
The proposed treatment options, length of treatment, and cost will
be discussed in detail. If there are different options in a particular
case, the pros and cos of each will be discussed. It is best if
the child, as well as one or both of the parents can attend this
session. Spouses and/or significant others are welcome at adult
treatment planning sessions.
In some routine cases, the treatment planning session can be done
at the initial exam visit. In these cases, the diagnostic records
are always reviewed and a written treatment plan is formulated prior
to starting treatment. If something unexpected is found upon examination
of the records, another appointment can be set up to discuss the
findings.
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your first appointment by completing this Patient Information
and Medical History.
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to our office.
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