Initial Visit

Dr. Copeland will perform a simple clinical exam and discuss your dental and medical history.  We also want to know what you would like to accomplish from orthodontic treatment.  Dr. Copeland will be able to tell you what types of treatment would be indicated, when treatment should begin, and the estimated length of treatment time.  In most cases we can provide you with a general estimate of the cost of treatment.

Diagnostic Records

During this visit we will take digital x-rays and several photographs of the patient’s face and teeth, as well as make plaster study models of the teeth.  This appointment allows us to gather all the information needed to make a final diagnosis.

Consultation

Dr. Copeland will provide you with a diagnosis and present a customized treatment plan.  He will offer you specific treatment options and provide you with estimated treatment time and fees.  At this time that you can inquire about insurance coverage, payment options and financing.

Beginning Active Treatment

This is when your orthodontic appliance or braces are applied.  This is usually a longer appointment - up to two hours depending on the type of treatment.

Full Adjustments/Checks

These appointments are usually 10 or 20 minutes long.  While in full braces, you will need to be seen every 4- 8 weeks for these types of appointments.  Partial treatment (appliances other than full braces) will require regularly scheduled visits which may vary depending on the appliance**.  During these appointments the doctor will be assessing your progress and making any changes to your appliance or braces as indicated.

** It is important that you bring your appliance with you – i.e. headgear, retainer, appliance

Delivery of Appliances/Retainers/Headgear

This appointment is 10-30 minutes long.  You will receive an appliance, a retainer or headgear as well as full instructions during this visit.

Impressions

These appointments are 20 - 30 minutes long and involve taking impressions of the teeth in order to make models.  From these models we are able to make a customized appliance or retainer.

Bonding/Banding

These appointments are usually 30 minutes long.  During these appointments we will be repairing a bracket, replacing a band or adding additional brackets/bands.

Deband

This is the appointment everyone waits for.  This is the appointment the braces come off!  This is usually a 60 minute appointment. Impressions and pictures are taken after your braces come off.  The impressions we take during this appointment allow us to make your retainers which you will receive in 1-3 weeks depending on the type.

Retention

These appointments are usually 10 minutes long and are scheduled after braces have been removed.  During these visits we will be checking to ensure proper fit of the retainer(s) so that the teeth do not relapse back to their original position.  Dr. Copeland will tell you how often you should be wearing the retainer(s) and be able to assess the status of the wisdom teeth.  You should bring your retainer with you to this appointment.