Patient Info
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Your First Orthodontic Visit
Your initial orthodontic visit to our office is very important to us. It gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and determine what you hope to accomplish with your smile. During this visit, Dr. Shepherd will answer many questions that you may have such as the type of orthodontic treatment needed, when it should start and the estimated treatment time. A fee will then be given and payment plan options will be discussed. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit: Any panoramic X-rays taken within the past six months, If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs. Please fill out the appropriate forms below and bring them with you to your first appointment.
Financial & Insurance Information
Treatment Time If additional time is needed to attain desired results, it will be provided at no additional charge. If, however, treatment is extended because of lack of patient cooperation, an additional fee may be charged for completion.
Retention Following the removal of the bands a set of retainers will be provided at no charge. There is a fee to replace or repair lost or broken retainers.
Statements Monthly statements will be mailed on or around the 20th of each month. Payments are due by the last day of the month.
Insurance Claims In case of insurance programs, it is important that parents or the adult orthodontic patient clearly understand and agree that it is their responsibility to see that the originally agreed fee proposal is paid irrespective of benefits that are anticipated from insurance plans. Also, please notify us immediately if insurance is terminated or changed at anytime during orthodontic treatment as payment plans may need to be modified.
Oral Hygiene
Orthodontic bands, brackets and wires are food-catchers. It is therefore important that the teeth be carefully brushed after each meal and snack. After brushing, the appliances should be checked to see if they appear clean and shiny with no food particles or plaque. Occasionally, prescription strength fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Failure to keep the mouth clean increases the likelihood of dental decay and etching of the enamel around the edges of the brackets and bands.
Patients who keep their teeth clean usually have a minimum of decay, if any. At the end of your treatment, we want you to have straight AND healthy teeth, so it very important to follow the oral hygiene instructions we give you when braces are put on. It also very important to continue and see your dentist for check-ups every six months during your treatment.
Eating with Braces
Foods that are hard, sticky or chewy should be avoided during orthodontic treatment in order to prevent appliance breakages. Appliance breakages will complicate and thus prolong treatment.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard foods: ice, candy, nuts
- Sticky foods: caramels, taffy, candy, sugary gum
- Chewy foods: bagels, beef jerky
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, thick chips
- Tough meats and meat on the bone
- Raw vegetables and fruits that are NOT cut into small pieces
- Also avoid chewing on pens, pencils or anything hard
