Office Policies

Your First Visit

Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. On this visit Dr. Callender will examine the patient and present potential treatment options. This important visit will address the patient’s orthodontic needs.

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, the financial secretary will then discuss the cost of your particular treatment and your insurance coverage.

Diagnostic records are usually taken on this first visit and are used to plan the best course of treatment for the patient’s specific case. These records usually consist of plaster study models, photographs and x-rays of the patients’s face and teeth.

Consultation

If after studying the diagnostic records taken on the first visit, a change or modification in the treatment plan is necessary, Dr. Callender will discuss the changes prior to beginning treatment.

Dental Care

Prior to the placement of orthodontic appliances, it is very important that the patient has had a recent examination by the family dentist to make sure that all cavities have been filled and that the gums and bone is free of periodontal disease. Adult patients with periodontal problems may need an examination by a periodontist.

Regular Appointments

Your treatment visits will usually be scheduled every 4 – 8 weeks to check your progress and to adjust your braces. With the newer Damon cbraces, visits may be scheduled every 10 – 12 weeks. In order to obtain a good result and to finish in a timely manner, the patient must keep their appointments, follow instructions, and practice good oral hygiene. During treatment, you must continue to visit your family dentist every 3 – 6 months. If you cannot keep an appointment with our office, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Retention

Once treatment is completed, your braces will be removed and you will be given a set of clear retainers. If worn, as instructed, they will hold your teeth in their new position allowing your bone, gums and muscles to adapt to the new position. Since teeth will continue to move throughout your lifetime, you will, unless otherwise instructed, wear your retainers full time for a period of 6 months followed by night time wear for the rest of your life. Most patients find the clear retainers are comfortable, attractive and do not interfere with speech.

Orthodontic Fees

We believe that finances should not be an obstacle to a beautiful smile. We accept assignment of insurance benefits and will assist with the filing of your insurance forms. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER cards. We offer a wide range of payment options including CareCredit which will finance treatment with no down payment and monthly installment payments with no interest.