Thank you for your interest in Central Iowa Orthodontics. We look forward to meeting you. In the meantime we want to give you some information regarding your first visit with us to give you a good sense of what will happen at this appointment so you can feel totally comfortable. Below you will find a description of the first visit (initial exam) as well as possible subsequent visits.
Initial Exam
This is the first appointment. The doctor will do a clinical exam and answer any questions you may have. This appointment normally takes about 30 minutes. Depending on the circumstances, we may ask your permission to take a panoramic x-ray (an x-ray that shows all of the teeth on one large film) in order to evaluate the development and general health of the teeth—particularly any teeth which have not yet grown in. If the clinical exam reveals you are ready for orthodontic treatment, you will be re-appointed for a records appointment to collect diagnostic information to determine a specific treatment plan. Depending on your schedule and ours we may be able to collect these records on the same day as the initial exam. If the clinical exam reveals you are not ready yet for treatment, we will set up a recall appointment.
Patient Form
Help us be prepared for your first visit by completing the patient information form prior to your first visit. Download the file, print it out, fill it out, and bring it with you to your first vist.
Patient Information From
[WORD] [PDF]
RecallHelp us be prepared for your first visit by completing the patient information form prior to your first visit. Download the file, print it out, fill it out, and bring it with you to your first vist.
Patient Information From
[WORD] [PDF]
Recall appointments are scheduled 2-3 times a year simply to keep an eye on your growth and development until you are ready to begin treatment. There is no fee to you for this exam unless we need an x-ray. This allows us to stay in touch and intercept those orthodontic problems which might be simplified or eliminated. When treatment is indicated, you will be ready to schedule a records appointment. Again, depending on time available and your schedule, we may be able to complete the records appointment at the same visit as the recall.
Records
The records appointment is usually a 30-minute visit where we collect diagnostic information which the doctor evaluates to determine exactly what treatment is needed to correct your particular orthodontic problem. The diagnostic materials we collect at this appointment generally include x-rays, study models and photos. After this appointment you will be reappointed for a consultation appointment.
Consultation
These are relaxed "one-on-one" appointments with the doctor. Here you will be able to discuss the finding from the records which were previously collected and discuss treatment alternatives to correct the problems. Once treatment is agreed upon, the Treatment Coordinator will discuss financial arrangements, answer any insurance questions and schedule appointments to begin your treatment.
Adjustment Appointments
After the braces have been placed, or Invisalign® treatment has begun, we generally see our patients every 4-6 weeks for adjustment appointments. At these appointments we make any adjustments to the braces necessary to keep the treatment progessing. In the case of Invisalign® we will check the progress of the treatment and fit new aligners.
Thank you once again for your time in evaluating our practice. We look forward to seeing you for an initial exam to get to know you and to help you in any way we can to give you the teeth and smile you deserve!