Phone: 615-893-9151
Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. A key part of your first appointment is getting to know you and answering any questions you have about orthodontic treatment. Most importantly, we will discuss your desires and what you wish to accomplish. In order to gather the necessary personal information, we enourage you to complete the “Patient Registration” and “HIPAA Privacy Consent” forms that can be found here on our website.
Our Treatment Coordinator will give you a tour of our entire office and introduce you to Dr. Ditcharo. We will then gather all necessary information to discuss your unique needs. This will consist of taking photographs, x-rays, and possibly study models. Dr. Ditcharo will perform a thorough examination and review their findings with you. We will discuss all of our treatment objectives, as well as the orthodontic methods that will be used to achieve them. Since we will be discussing the responsibilities of all parties involved, we strongly encourage both parents to be present for this initial visit.
Our Treatment Coordinator will review the policies and procedures of our office and answer any remaining questions you may have about specific details of your treatment. At the conclusion of this visit, you will be given a folder that contains all the information and treatment objectives that were discussed during your visit.
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6 to 10 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, eat properly, and practice good oral hygiene. It is very important that you continue to see your general dentist regularly throughout treatment.
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation and the degree of movement necessary. In general, our goal is to have braces off in less than 24 months, if at all possible. Before braces are placed, we will give you an estimated treatment time, in months. About half way through treatment, we will refine that estimate and give you a specific month that is our goal for your braces to be removed. Keep in mind that we are depending on your cooperation to keep these goals!
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 check-up 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 family dentist and not a replacement. Please contact our office 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.
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. We will review proper wearing and cleaning of your retainers with you. Wearing your retainers is a very important part of your overall orthodontic treatment, and ensures the long-term protection of your beautiful new smile.
1574 Medical Center Pkwy, Suite 201, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
Phone: 615-893-9151
Fax: 615-895-9035
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