Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options and will take approximately 90 minutes. We will be taking initial photographs and records to assist Dr. Bergh in the treatment evaluation. This important visit will address the orthodontic concerns of you or your child and is complimentary. A thorough explanation of the problem and possible treatment options will be discussed with you. We always schedule adequate time to completely answer all your questions. A written summary of our findings and recommendations will be provided to you and your family dentist. In addition, any questions regarding insurance or financial options will be discussed.

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

Treatment is not needed, no further visits necessary;

Treatment will be needed in the future;

Treatment is needed now!

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

Recent x-rays 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.

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 as well as reschedule your appointment. We ask that you call our office during normal business hours at least one day in advance to discuss your appointment times.

Diagnostic Records and Treatment Planning
We will be taking photographs and diagnostic orthodontic radiographs at your first visit. Our office has a state of the digital x-ray machine that allows us to take necessary and view them within seconds. This will give Dr. Bergh the necessary information to recommend treatment options for you. These are done at no charge. If treatment is recommended, we will estimate the amount of time treatment will take and inform you of the financial investment necessary to start treatment.

Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6-12 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 necessary.

Dental Care
Before any orthodontic treatment is started, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease. You should also schedule regular cleaning and cavity checkup visits with your family dentist during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to 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.