Initial Examination Visit – Your First Visit
Dr. Smith’s Main Orthodontics Office is a warm, welcoming office conveniently located adjacent to the Exton Mall in the Exton Commons. Realizing that your time is very valuable, our commitment is to always see you at your appointment time. The reception desk is the first place you stop. Please let the receptionist know you are here. On entering our office, you will be warmly greeted by one of Dr. Smith’s friendly staff. If you are a new patient, welcoming information should have been mailed to you so that you may have the time to complete it at your convenience at home. You also may click on the Patient Forms tab to print them out. We have a comfortable waiting room for patients, parents and siblings where you can enjoy magazines, books or our play area for the younger children. Our passion is creating beautiful smiles in a warm, friendly environment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create that beautiful smile.
 The purpose of the initial examination is to answer:
- What sort of problem is present, if any?
- When is the proper time for treatment?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
What’s Next?
If orthodontic treatment is needed at this time, an appointment for additional Diagnostic Records is scheduled. If time allows, sometimes these diagnostic records can be taken at the initial visit. For further information, see Diagnostic Records Appointment.
What is the cost of the initial examination?
There is no charge for the initial examination.
2. Diagnostic Records Appointment
What are diagnostic records? At the initial exam visit, clinical measurements of the patient are made. The diagnostic records provide us with information that is not available from a clinical exam and allow us to study the case in more detail. Proper diagnosis is critical to the success of the case.
How long will it take?
The records appointment will last approximately 45 minutes.
What records will be taken?
An orthodontic assistant will collect the diagnostic records necessary to begin orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontic office is one of the few offices in the area with digital x-ray equipment which reduces radiation exposure 70-90%. These radiographs are of the teeth and of the skeletal profile. This information is critical to determine the most stable, healthy, and esthetic position of the teeth. Photographs of the face and teeth will be taken. We are interested in the appearance of the face as well as the teeth. Impressions, or molds, of the teeth will be taken so we can study your bite more thoroughly.
The next appointment that follows the records appointment is the treatment planning session or Consult. For more information on this appointment, see Treatment Planning Session.
Cost
There is no charge for this appointment; the cost will be included in your treatment plan. However, if you should decide to take your records and not go into treatment, the cost of the diagnostic records is $250.00.
3. Treatment Planning Session/Consult
After the doctor has had a chance to review the findings of the clinical examination and the diagnostic records, a treatment plan or “blue print” for the patient’s treatment will be formulated.
Once the diagnosis is complete, Dr. Smith will review with you the findings of the clinical exam and the diagnostic work-up. The proposed treatment options, length of treatment, and cost will be discussed in detail. If there are different options in a particular case, the pros and cons of each will be discussed. It is not necessary for the child to be present at this consult, but he or she can be if you prefer. One or both parents can attend this session. Spouses and/or significant others are welcome at adult treatment planning sessions.
What is the cost of the treatment?
Treatment fees vary according to the complexity of the treatment rendered and the time required. The new patient coordinator will discuss different payment options as well as appointment policies after you have meet with Dr. Smith for the Treatment Planning Session/Consult. Working as a team, we assure you that your experience with us will be both a positive and enjoyable one.
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