What Happens At Your First Visit
Dr. Guelff needs to know what is going on in your mouth. At the first visit, a diagnostic record (orthodontic blueprint) is made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical, dental and orthodontic history, clinical examination, photos of the patient’s face and teeth, study models and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. After Dr. Guelff has evaluated your records, he will discuss your treatment with you in detail, give you all your treatment options and discuss the cost for your particular case. If your preference is to begin right away, we make every effort to start your treatment that same day.
The purpose of the initial examination is to determine:
- What sort of problem, if any is present: i.e., do you need braces?
- The proper time to begin treatment
- The type of treatment indicated
- How long the treatment will take
- How much the treatment will cost
Beginning Your Treatment
If orthodontic treatment is indicated at this time, an appointment for diagnostic records (an orthodontic blueprint) is scheduled. Many times, these diagnostic records can be taken at the initial visit.
What are diagnostic records (your orthodontic blueprint)?
- Digital photographs
- Study models or iTero® 3D scan of your teeth
- Panoramic and cephalogram radiographs
- Doctor studying the diagnostic records and determining the best course of treatment
What is your treatment costs?
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s problem. Dr. Guelff will discuss fees and payment options with you before any treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignments from most insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make your orthodontic treatment affordable.
What does my investment include?
An investment in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and long-term oral health. Your investment here at Guelff Orthodontics includes:
- Orthodontic records, consisting of photographs, X-rays, study models and a personalized growth study work-up to determine your treatment objectives.
- Active treatment fee for both early treatment options and complete comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign® clear aligners includes all appliances, office visits and procedures performed in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if the patient follows instructions. If appliances require replacement due to loss, breakage, misuse or failure to eliminate foods that cause damage, we reserve the right to charge an additional replacement fee.
- One free year of retainer checks. One set of final retainers for our comprehensive (Phase II) patients is provided upon completion of treatment. There is a replacement fee for each additional retainer that is lost or broken.
What does my orthodontic treatment plan not include?
- Work performed by dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
- A fee adjustment may be required to complete treatment if an accident or injury occurs, orthognathic (facial/jaw) surgery is needed or if scheduled appointments are habitually missed.
- Lost or broken retainers and retainer checks after one year.
Our Flexible Office Hours
The appointment in which you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes about one hour. You will then see us at regular intervals 8 to 12 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. Please cancel only if it is an emergency so that your treatment remains on schedule. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.