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We provide excellent orthodontic care for both adults and children. Our adult patients are seen in our special adult treatment area providing both added comfort and privacy.
The First
Visit
Dr. Johnson will be performing an extensive orthodontic examination
during the initial appointment. If you have not already received a
health history form in the mail from us, please click the
Health History
icon to the left to download and print the health history form. Please
bring the completed form with you to your initial evaluation visit.
As a courtesy to you, we are pleased to provide the orthodontic examination appointment at no charge. After evaluating your child, Dr. Johnson may simply want to check your child periodically while the permanent teeth continue to develop and the jaws and face continue to grow prior to planning any treatment.
However, if your child has an orthodontic problem
that requires attention, Dr. Johnson may recommend interceptive
preventative treatment. Early intervention, which takes advantage of
facial growth and tooth eruption, can lessen the severity of a problem,
and it frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age less
time-consuming and less expensive. Dr. Johnson will then work with you
to set up an orthodontic program that best enhances the your child’s
smile.
Interceptive preventative treatment may be beneficial in:
- Avoiding fracture or loss of protruding teeth
- Assuring that the jaws and teeth meet properly during chewing and swallowing.
- Eliminating adverse habits such as thumb-finger sucking, tongue thrusting and lip habits.
- Correcting early alignment of teeth.
- Enhancing proper speech development.
- Evaluating breathing problems that may adversely affect normal growth and jaw shape.
- Correcting crossbite, tooth grinding, tooth interference and lower jaw displacement.
- Coordinating the extraction of primary (baby) teeth with the family dentist and allowing for proper eruption of permanent teeth.
- Improving self-image.
Adult Patients
Orthodontic
treatment can be successful at any age, and adults constitute about 25%
of orthodontic patients nationally. Adult orthodontic treatment results
in exciting changes in the appearance and health of the teeth and gums.
Lifetime value
It
is important to be aware of the lifetime value that orthodontics brings
to patients. We know you will have specific questions in relation to
costs, so don't be afraid to ask. If x-rays or other diagnostic aids are
recommended, or treatment with any appliance is necessary, a fee will be
quoted at the initial examination visit.
You may find that the cost is considerably lower than you thought. Many
orthodontic problems require only limited treatment. The cost will vary
depending upon the severity and complexity of the treatment. We will
always let you know what fees are involved before any treatment is
undertaken.
Payment of fees are normally spread out in installments over the period
of active treatment. We can also offer
payment plans to meet individual
financial needs.