Welcome to our office! We understand that each patient has different health needs, goals and expectations about treatment. We set aside a time to discuss these questions regarding you or your child’s orthodontic care. After you have scheduled a new patient consultation, a welcome letter will be sent to your home. To download your new patient form simply click on “Child or Adult New Patient Form & Medical/Dental History Form” and print it out at your convenience. Please have your form completed prior to your appointment we can begin your visit without delay.
If you have insurance benefits, please complete the appropriate information on the new patient form regarding your insurance coverage and bring your card with you to your appointment. This new patient initial exam is complimentary.
Upon your arrival, you will always be kindly greeted by one of our receptionists, Lynn or Maggie. They will assist you in getting checked in at the Patient sign-in computer and will notify our new patient coordinators that you have arrived.
Our Patient Coordinators, Julie or Jessica, will greet you in our waiting room and escort you or your child to one of our consultation rooms for your first visit with Dr. Wendell.
Our New Patient Coordinator will discuss you or your child’s concerns and then take a series of digital photographs. Occasionally a panoramic x-ray will also be taken to help with the diagnosis and discussion of treatment.
Your new patient exam will take approximately one hour with includes your photos, panoramic x-ray and discussion of treatment.
After a brief tour of our office and your discussion with Dr. Wendell and Julie or Jessica, you will be introduced to Yve, our Financial Coordinator. Yve will handle all the financial arrangements and as a courtesy, gladly handle all aspects regarding your orthodontic insurance.
What are Diagnostic Records?
Orthodontic records are obtained at the following appointment. Additional records confirm Dr. Wendell’s diagnosis and treatment plan and serve as documentation of your teeth, lips and profile when treatment is initiated.
Typical records include the following:
- Panoramic Radiograph
- Cephalometric Radiograph
- Impressions of teeth for models: Although not always necessary, models of the teeth help in understanding the 3-Dimentional aspect of your bite.
What will be the Iength of treatment?
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient. It depends on the severity of the bite and the degree of correction. However, most cases are completed with 15-24 months. At each appointment, you will be given an update regarding you or your child’s treatment status.
What if treatment is not recommended at the first appointment?
If treatment is not indicated, a recall appointment will be scheduled for either 6 or 12 months, to monitor the child’s growth and dental development. Recall examinations are complimentary as well. It is important that we continue to monitor our patients until a decision on treatment is made.
What Is my responsibility once the braces have been put on?
The patient must maintain regular visits to our office throughout your orthodontic treatment. The appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor your progress, check hygiene, and adjust your braces. It is a team effort for successful treatment: patients, parents, staff and Dr. Wendell must all work together.