Your first orthodontic appointment

Our goal of making your every appointment with us pleasant and informative starts with your very first appointment. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child and is free of charge. During this appointment, Dr. Coats will conduct an examination of your teeth and will also discuss with you potential orthodontic treatment options. This usually takes about an hour.

Because there is so much to cover, we make sure each first appointment is scheduled with plenty of time to give us the opportunity to completely answer all your questions. A written summary of our findings and recommendations will be provided to you and your family dentist at the conclusion of this appointment. In addition, any questions regarding insurance or financial options will be discussed.

One of three outcomes will be determined at this first visit:

• Orthodontic treatment is not needed, no further visits necessary
• Orthodontic treatment will be needed in the future
• Orthodontic treatment is needed now

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

• Recent x-rays of our teeth taken within the past 6 months.
• If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
• Completed patient registration forms

Diagnostic Records and Treatment Planning:
If it is determined that treatment is needed, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, we will review them and determine an individualized treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. We will review your treatment plan with you, make financial arrangements, and set up visits for treatment to begin.

Successive Visits:
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly. Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions.

Length of Treatment:
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem and the degree of movement possible.

Dental Care:
Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bones are free of periodontal disease. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. It is important that you keep your regular visits with your family dentist. We are an aid to your family dentist not a replacement. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Broken Appointments:
If for some reason you cannot keep your appointment, please contact our office. By doing so, you allow another patient to use that time and we are able to reschedule your appointment as well. If you call after hours, please leave your name and number and a brief message on our voice mail and we will return your call in the morning.

Serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Coppell, Double Oak, Argyle and Copper Canyon.