PATIENT INFO

Your First Orthodontist Visit

We offer a free initial consultation visit. Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination, an informative discussion of proper bite characteristics and potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

Any x-rays (if applicable)
If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary information to your first visit. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at (321) 254-5232. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment.

Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Drs. Stewart and Reddick will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Then our office will present your treatment plan to you, set up the necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment and set up financial arrangements for you. No interest financing is available.

Successive Visits

Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6 to 8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, wear rubber bands if indicated and practice good oral hygiene. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly.

Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected! We recommend the retainers be worn one year full time (except while eating, brushing your teeth, and for special occasions), then at night for the rest of your life. Research has shown that teeth will move throughout life if they are not held in place regardless of whether you have braces or not.

Length of Treatment

Braces may be on between 6 months and 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation and the complexity of the case.

Dental Care

Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease.

Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your dentist and not a replacement.

Please contact our office at (321) 254-5232 if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. You or your child may or may not be ready for treatment. Therefore, a consultation will allow us to better understand your needs.