» Inside Our Office
» Appointment Policy
» Patient Cooperation
» Preparing for Your First Office Visit
 

Welcome to Our Practice

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the confidence that you have placed in our practice. We are looking forward to developing a close relationship with you as we complete a successful course of treatment.
 

Inside Our Offices

Dr. Bill’s Warson Woods office is a state-of-the-art facility, complete with digital x-ray and imaging equipment and a cassette autoclave sterilization system that cleans dental instruments to meet surgical standards. While waiting for your appointment, you can play video games or relax with a delicious cup of fresh-brewed cappuccino while lounging on our outdoor terrace.

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Appointment Policy

During active treatment, we will need to see you on a regular basis. We will try to work out a schedule that is most convenient for you. Because we respect your valuable time, we do our very best to stay “on time.” Your prompt arrival for your appointment will enable us to utilize all the time we have reserved for you – for adjustments, instructions, and questions.

Long Appointments

Longer appointments are always scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to allow adequate time for more complicated treatments and to allow more time before and after school hours for shorter visits.

Short Appointments

Shorter appointments, such as visits for wire activation or retainer checks, can usually be scheduled early in the morning, after school (starting at 3:00 PM), or during school hours.

Rescheduling Appointments

Because schedules are carefully coordinated, your late arrival or missed visit can pose a problem. In fairness to the other patients, if you are running late we may not be able to “squeeze you in”, but we will be happy reschedule your appointment.

Emergency Care

As a general rule, an emergency appointment is necessary only when there is severe pain, a loose band, a broken wire or something protruding that you can't remedy alone. Please check our Parts of Your Braces section before phoning or e-mailing the office. It will help us visualize what part of your appliance is broken or out of place so it can be correctly identified.

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Patient Cooperation Is Needed for Successful Treatment

Loose or Broken Appliances

Sometimes appliances break or become loose. Please let us know about any broken wires or loose braces before you come in for a scheduled appointment. We want to be prepared for when you arrive. If the repairs are significant and we don’t think we can complete them during your regularly scheduled appointment, we may ask to reschedule you.

Hygiene

When your appliances are placed, we will show you how to keep your teeth clean with proper brushing. Appliances and wires have a tendency to collect food, so you will want to brush frequently. We want straight, clean and healthy teeth and gums at the end of your treatment.

Diet

Braces are cemented or bonded to the teeth. Please avoid eating hard or sticky foods (ice, chewing gum, taffy, etc.) because they can loosen the braces or bend and break the wires. Broken appliances require additional appointment time for repairs and can slow your treatment.

Elastics

Elastics, commonly called rubber bands, may be required during treatment. Please wear them as instructed.

Retainers

When your braces are removed, the second and very important phase of your treatment called RETENTION begins. Wearing a retainer as directed will help your teeth stabilize. Retention visits may last for up to 3 years. If you follow your instructions, you can be assured that you will have the kind of results that you can be proud of for years to come. Remember: "A Smile Is Forever."

Family Dentistry

We strongly recommend that you have your teeth thoroughly cleaned your family dentist before your braces are put on. Be sure to keep up with your routine exam visits with your family dentist throughout your orthodontic therapy. Ask about our Orthodontic Hygiene Inventive program that encourages regular cleanings by your dentist.

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Preparing for Your First Visit

The Initial Patient Exam, Records and Consultation Visit(s)

Depending upon the complexity of your case, the initial examination, records and consultation may take one or more visits. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will show you how to sign in on our computerized check-in screen. You will be given a personal office tour and we will take digital photos and x-rays of your teeth in the Imaging Room.

Dr. Bill will perform a clinical examination, review all x-rays and photos and then present his treatment recommendations to you in great detail. Costs and timing will be explained and you will be given a letter fully describing the terms and conditions of the treatment.

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits will include:

• Taking impressions of your teeth to be used in the IDB process
• Applying your braces
• Adjustment appointments
• Appliance removal appointments.

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