Office Visits
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Complimentary Consultation The first visit to our office is for you to meet the orthodontist and our staff. At this appointment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and discuss with you any problems that exist and different treatment possibilities that can correct them. If the timing is right for you to start treatment, we will schedule for you to come in and have orthodontic records taken. At this appointment we will also discuss the cost of your particular treatment and answer questions you may have in regards to your insurance. Regular Appointments The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Records Appointment At this second visit, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records include x-rays of jaws and teeth, digital photographs of the patient's face and teeth, and plaster study models of the teeth. We may also decide to take a cbt scan if needed, which can be done at our Orland Park or Ashland office at 9535 W. 144th Place, 60462, or 3655 North Ashland Ave, 60613. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. The orthodontist will use these records to make a custom treatment plan to address the needs of each patient. Treatment Planning Consultation After the doctor has evaluated your records, we will meet with you to discuss treatment options and your treatment plan in detail. At this appointment we will also discuss the cost of your particular treatment and answer questions you have in regards to insurance. Typical Emergencies and How To Solve Them Loose or Poking Archwires If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an adjustment. Loose Brackets and or Bands If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by the door on the bracket or a ligature wire. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of the problem. If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit. Lost Separators In case a rubber spacer or separator falls out, call our office so that we can arrange to replace it for you. If it happens a day before your appointment to put on braces or bands, you do not need to do anything. If You Swallow Something Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. It will usually go into the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece. Call to make a replacement appointment. If you already have an appointment, please call to advise the front desk that you may need a longer appointment. Broken Retainer If a retainer cracks or breaks, remove the retainer from your mouth and call to make an appointment. Bring all the pieces to our office for professional repair. Sore Teeth Or Sore Gums Drinking something cold will deactivate the wires and can reduce pain. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt can be soothing. If your teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, give us a call as it can be unusual for your teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit. If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, call your family dentist or our office. Minor irritations and canker sores will heal much more quickly if you apply Zylactin or Orabase, according to the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase it over the counter at most pharmacies and convenient stores. Regular Appointments The appointment when you get your braces usually takes from 1-2 hours. You will then see us on regular intervals 2-8 weeks apart, depending on your bracket type, for adjustments which take 15-30 minutes. Payment & Office Policies Cost The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable. Fees In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:
Because of variations among insurance policies, we have adopted certain procedures to streamline filings and allow you to more expediently receive your benefits. Upon starting comprehensive (full braces) treatment, we will be glad to submit your form to the insurance company with all of the pertinent information. Some companies require written verification that treatment is continuing. If you receive this form, either bring it to your next appointment or mail it to us and we will verify it and forward it for you. We have an insurance coordinator at each of our offices to provide you with help for any of your insurance concerns. Links CareCredit® 
CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.www.carecredit.com |
