There are no cookie-cutter approaches to orthodontia. There are no short-cuts,
either. The type of care you receive must be tailored to your specific needs.
Since treatment requires a serious commitment of time, effort and money,
we want you to feel as informed as possible about the process. We also want
you to know we’re dedicated to providing the fastest path to great
results.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here or in our Frequently
Asked Questions section, please contact
us. We’ll do our best to provide a timely, thorough
response.
Your First Visit
Diagnostics & Treatment Planning
Before Treatment Begins
The “Active” Phase
The “Retention” Phase
Appointments & Your Treatment Your
First Visit
This no-cost evaluation is our opportunity to assess your
needs and discuss potential treatment options. It’s also your opportunity
to meet our staff and familiarize yourself with the orthodontic specialty.
We hope you’ll
find the session pleasant and informative.
If you’re an adult
seeking advice about how to correct a lifelong bite problem, we’ll
help you begin to envision what’s possible for
your age and the severity of your condition.
If you’re a parent
seeking an opinion about your child, we strongly recommend an evaluation
no later than age 7. (This target age is consistent
with guidelines from the American Association of Orthodontists.)
With an early assessment, we can intervene, if needed, before all
permanent teeth
are present. Early intervention can significantly reduce the cost
and complexity of later-stage treatment.
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Diagnostics & Treatment
Planning
If your initial exam indicates that you’d benefit
from treatment, we’ll
prepare diagnostic records – tools such as orthodontic
x-rays, facial photographs and three-dimensional study models.
Once these items are available,
Dr. Quinn analyzes them and determines a specific treatment
plan for your needs. We’ll talk with you about every
aspect of the plan, including recommended orthodontic appliances,
a
schedule for installation and maintenance,
and a complete cost estimate.
Because patient involvement is
essential to success, we encourage you to discuss the plan
thoroughly with us and ask any questions
you may
have.
By learning about your treatment early in the process, you’ll
be ready to play an active role in helping Dr. Quinn get
great results.
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Before Treatment Begins
FOR ADULTS:
Treatment usually begins as soon as you
approve our recommendations and all general dental requirements
are satisfied.
For example, your
family dentist should verify that all cavities have been
treated, and your gums
and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease.
Also,
if Dr. Quinn prescribes the removal of any teeth to correct your bite,
your dentist or oral surgeon should
complete
the
work at this
point. And
last but not least, your family dentist should develop
a schedule for regular visits throughout your orthodontic
treatment,
so
your teeth
remain clean
and free of cavities. Remember that orthodontic treatment
doesn’t replace
general dentistry – instead, the two disciplines
work together to improve and maintain your oral health.
FOR
CHILDREN:
If you’ve sought an early evaluation
for your child (at the recommended age of 7), Dr. Quinn
may recommend that treatment begin in
adolescence. However, many progressive options are
now available for patients age 7-11, especially for
those with jaw irregularities. Early intervention
has numerous benefits. Often it prevents existing conditions
from worsening, simplifies future treatment, and yields
results than wouldn’t be possible
to achieve after facial and jaw bones fully develop.
FOR
EVERYONE:
It’s very important to begin treatment
in the timeframe Dr. Quinn prescribes. If, for any
reason, you or your child are hesitant
about the recommended timing, please contact
us to
discuss your concerns. A consultation may quickly resolve
these issues.
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The “Active” Phase
After braces are installed, the “active” treatment
phase begins. For most people, this phase lasts from 6 to 30 months,
depending on several factors:
- Your age
- The nature and severity of your
orthodontic problem
- The degree of movement possible in your
jaws and facial bones
- Your
vigilance
in following
care instructions.
Maintenance visits are an integral
part of active orthodontic treatment, so we can check your progress
and adjust your
braces on a consistent
schedule. Monthly
appointments are common, but depending on your
needs, the interval can range from 2-8 weeks.
Throughout
the active phase, it’s essential to
keep appointments, follow all care instructions for
your appliances, maintain proper nutrition and practice
good oral hygiene – including periodic check-ups
with your general dentist.
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The “Retention” Phase
Once your braces are removed, retainers
are prescribed to hold your teeth in their new position until
your bone, gums,
and
muscles adapt.
This
retention period may last for several years.
However, in some circumstances, patients
must wear
a retainer for several hours every day, to
maintain proper alignment. Regardless, retention is a
vital part of your
overall treatment.
It shouldn’t be neglected
if you want to ensure a smile that’s
great for life.
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Appointments & Your
Treatment
Periodic maintenance appointments
are a critical aspect of orthodontic treatment. Skipping scheduled
appointments
can
delay your progress
and put your treatment
plan at risk. Therefore, we hope you’ll
make these visits a priority.
Nevertheless,
from time-to-time, you may be unable to join
us for appointment. If
so, we’ll rely on you to contact
us as
far in advance as possible to reschedule.
Advance notice makes it possible for another
patient to see Dr. Quinn during your timeslot.
If our office isn’t
open when you call, please leave your name,
number and a brief message on our answering
machine and we’ll follow-up
as soon as possible.
If you feel extraordinary
pain, or if another orthodontic emergency
occurs, please call
the emergency phone
number listed on our
Contact page immediately.
We’ll make
every attempt to see you the same day.
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