Your First Visit
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Your First Visit
Initial Exam Appointment
We always look forward to meeting new patients during their first visit to our office! At this initial appointment, Dr. Bowdoin will complete a thorough clinical examination and then will discuss the potential treatment options and estimated costs. Because your time is valuable, we can often take diagnostic records at this same appointment if you are ready to begin treatment. Diagnostic records are necessary to determine the best course of treatment for each individual. In addition to the medical/dental history and clinical exam, complete diagnostic records typically include x-rays, photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and impressions of the teeth. Taking the records usually requires about 45 minutes. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for the patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of the case as the teeth move throughout orthodontic treatment.
We encourage the patient and/or parent(s) to ask questions at this initial appointment. Dr. Bowdoin will address the following questions by the end of the first visit:
- Can I benefit from orthodontic treatment?
- Am I ready to begin treatment now or should I wait?
- What kind of treatment procedures will be necessary to correct my problem(s)?
- Do I need to have any permanent teeth removed?
- Approximately how long will treatment take, and how often will I need to come in for appointments?
- How much will it cost, and what are my payment options?
Our goal by the end of this first appointment is to provide you with the information you were seeking regarding orthodontic treatment in general. We strive to make sure you feel completely informed and comfortable when making a decision about whether orthodontic treatment is right for you!
Please assist us by providing the following information (if available) at the time of your first visit:
- Your insurance card (if you have orthodontic coverage) so we can give you a more accurate estimate of your costs.
- Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past year (your dentist should be able to provide this to you or could mail or email a copy to our office). If you do not have one, don’t worry! We will take a new one when we take diagnostic records.
- For your convenience, you may also print and complete the Patient Information form below and bring it with you to your first appointment.
- Patient Information form
Consultation
We can often answer the basic questions by the end of this first visit, and then Dr. Bowdoin will carefully study the diagnostic records after they are taken. She feels it is extremely important to analyze each patient’s specific needs so that she can develop the best treatment plan for that individual to ensure superior results and patient satisfaction. After careful analysis of the diagnostic records, she will be able to recommend the exact plan of treatment and provide additional details regarding the length of treatment and cost of your particular case. Once you accept the treatment plan, we will begin the “active” phase of treatment.