No, it's not. Many of our patients have been referred to us by their family dentist, however many patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
At what age should I schedule an appointment to see the orthodontist?The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?Generally not. Sometimes spacing of the upper front teeth improves as the canine teeth erupt, but if the teeth are crowded they usually get even worse with age.
What information do I need to schedule an appointment for an initial exam?When you call our office, our staff will be happy to schedule your free initial consultation. You will be asked some basic questions to start your patient profile. You will also be asked if you have orthodontic benefits attached to your insurance plan, so it may be helpful to have your insurance card handy when you call. If you are not sure about your orthodontic coverage our staff will be happy to assist you by calling the insurance company for you.
What will happen at the first appointment?At your first visit, you will be seen by both the staff and by Dr. Schulten. The staff will show you around the office and take any necessary x-rays, photos and possibly create a virtual impression of your teeth using our iTero 3-D digital scanner for a proper diagnosis. Dr. Schulten will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam. He will discuss with you the diagnosis and treatment plan. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, a staff member will discuss the treatment fees with you as well as our payment options and any insurance benefits you may have. We allow an hour for each new patient exam in order to make sure all of your questions and concerns can be properly addressed.
How often will I have an appointment?Appointments are scheduled on an individual basis. Most patients in braces will be seen every 5 to 8 weeks. If there is a specific situation that requires more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Can all of my appointments be scheduled after school?Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate all of our students during the after-school hours. Sometimes longer appointments are necessary and may need to be scheduled in the mornings. We do this because these longer appointments often require more 1-on-1 time with Dr. Schulten and we want to accommodate as many people as possible during the after school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 5 to 8 weeks in advance, most patients will miss minimal amounts of school and will have time to plan accordingly. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
Do I still need to see my family dentist while in braces?Yes, you will need to have a regular cleaning and exam every six months with your family dentist.
