The first new patient exam is free. We are exited to get a chance to have you visit our office and meet our friendly orthodontic staff. Dr. Abbink, orthodontist, will take the time to listen to your concerns, review your medical and dental history, and answer any of your questions regarding orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, regular brackets and clear braces. Please allow an hour of time for this first appointment.
If orthodontic treatment is indicated the next step is to gather diagnostic records at our office. These usually consist of orthodontic X-rays, study models and photographs, as well as sending you to your dentist for single xrays of specific teeth. After analyzing these records, Dr. Abbink will discuss your diagnosis and the best course of treatment for your individual situation, and the details of the proposed treatment plan. Our goal is for you to clearly understand your treatment options and have all your questions answered prior to starting treatment.
Adult New Patient Exam
We recognize that many adult know what they would like orthodontic treatment to accomplish and look forward to being a part of the process that provides the beautiful smile you desire with either Invisalign, regular brackets or clear braces
Once the doctor completes the initial exam and orthodontic treatment is indicated, a referral to your dentist for single x-rays of specific teeth, and the next two appointments at our office will be records and then a detailed consultation with the records where the doctor can give a more detailed review of how to obtain your orthodontic goals.
Child New Patient Exam
Age 7 is an ideal time for a child’s first visit with an orthodontist. Treatment is not always needed at this age but it’s a good time to get a “first look.” At the first appointment, our treatment coordinator will greet you and your child. She will accompany you during the visit. The exam itself is very easy and even the most anxious kids leave feeling good about their visit with us.
Prior to the exam, the doctor will review the patient’s medical/dental history. The clinical examination consists of looking at the face, teeth and jaw structure. This helps him determine if any orthodontic treatment is needed at this time. After the exam, the doctor will discuss his findings with you and, if treatment is recommended, what the problems are and what will be needed to correct them. Our treatment coordinator will answer any questions you have, discuss fees and help set up the next appointments needed.
Recall Program
If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, he or she will be placed in our recall system. Regularly monitoring development enables us to begin orthodontic treatment at the optimal time. All examinations conducted during recall are complimentary. In addition to their age, growth, development and dentition, we also consider the following factors at each appointment:
- Eruption sequence of permanent teeth
- Growth coordination of the upper and lower jaws
- Space availability for the permanent teeth
Records Visit
At the second visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient’s face and teeth and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
Consultation
Following the records visit, the doctor will examine your diagnostic records and develop a treatment plan. The doctor will discuss in detail the problems with the patient’s bite and tooth alignment and how orthodontic care can help. He will discuss the patient responsibilities such as keeping scheduled appointments, brushing and flossing, elastic wear and diet considerations. He can demonstrate case specific orthodontic appliances and provide choices between treatment with with Invisalign, regular metal brackets or clear braces.
The goal of this meeting is to develop an understanding of orthodontic care. Patients and parents are encouraged to ask questions. Following the consultation with the doctor, a staff member will assist you in scheduling the next appointments to get started. Financial arrangements will also be finalized at this time.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your initial appliances (Invisalign, braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes one hours. You’ll then see us at regular intervals approximately four to six weeks apart for an adjustment. Orthodontic adjustments typically take about 15 to 30 minutes and bracketing and rebracketing take 45 minutes to one hour.
Our regular office hours are:
Monday 8- 12 and 1:30-5
Tuesday 8-12 and 1:30-5
Wednesday 8-12 and 1:30-5
Thursday 8-12 and 1:30-5
Friday 8-12 and 1:30-5
Patients are seen by appointment only. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made four to six weeks in advance. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us.