Patient Info
Everything you need to know about Your First Visit
We want your first visit to be a great experience. Here’s what to expect
Fill Out Medical/Dental History Form in advance to save time
Comprehensive Evaluation
We’ll evaluate your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan using advanced imaging technology.
Treatment Plan
Discuss all your options, associated costs, and steps toward your ideal smile.
Office Tour and Introduction
We will introduce you to our friendly team and give you a tour of our clinic to help you feel comfortable and at ease. Our goal is to make your first visit informative, reassuring, and a positive step toward your new smile.
Comprehensive Evaluation
During your initial visit, Dr. Peikar will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw, joints, and facial symmetry. We will take photographs and a CT scan to provide a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal smile. At this time, our treatment coordinator will discuss:
- Treatment fees
- Monthly payment plans
- Insurance benefits
Checklist for Your First Visit
Our goal is to get you started with braces the same day if possible!
- Filled Out New Patient Forms
- Patient’s Dental Insurance Information (ID card)
- Legal Guardians (if the patient is a minor)
- Down Payment & Monthly Payment Preferences
Questions to Expect During Your Visit
We will address the following questions during your initial consultation for orthodontic braces treatment. Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have:
- Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
- Is treatment needed now, or should we wait until appropriate growth or tooth eruption occurs?
- What treatment procedures will correct the problem?
- Will any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- How long will treatment take?
- What are my payment options?
We’re here to make your first visit smooth and informative. Feel free to reach out to our office with any questions before your appointment.
Financial & Insurance
Insurance Information
If you have dental insurance, please contact our office prior to your visit and provide our staff with your insurance details. This will enable us to verify your coverage and determine your benefits ahead of time. After your customized treatment plan is created, we will be able to provide detailed financial arrangements.
Budget Preparation
Before your visit, it’s helpful to have an understanding of your budget for braces, including the down payment and monthly payments you’re comfortable with. Most insurance plans cover a portion of the treatment cost, and we work with you to create an affordable payment plan based on your budget. If you’re ready, you might want to be prepared to start treatment the same day to make the most of your visit.
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment, especially when wearing braces. Braces create extra spaces where food particles and plaque can get trapped, making it important to be diligent about cleaning your teeth and gums.
Brushing with Braces
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, ensuring you clean around the brackets and wires.
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, to remove any trapped food particles
Flossing with Braces
- Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
- Gently work the floss between your teeth, being careful not to damage the wires or brackets.
- Floss at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup.
Interdental Brushes
These small brushes can reach areas around brackets and between teeth more easily than regular brushes.
Mouthwash
Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
Water Flossers
These can be a helpful alternative to traditional floss, using a stream of water to clean around brackets and between teeth.
Retainers
Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. Once your teeth have been carefully aligned, it’s important to ensure they stay in their new positions.
Long-Term Investment
Retainers are not just a temporary measure but a long-term commitment to protecting your smile.
Customized for You
We provide retainers that are designed to fit comfortably and effectively.
Wearing Your Retainer
In most cases, retainers are worn full-time immediately after your orthodontic appliances are removed and then transitioned to part-time use as directed by your orthodontist.
By wearing your retainer as instructed, you can preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment and enjoy a confident smile for years to come.
FAQs
At Peikar Orthodontics, we understand that you may have many questions about orthodontic care. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from our patients:
Yes, regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining oral health during treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have usually erupted, allowing for a proper evaluation of your child’s orthodontic needs.
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase with age. In fact, the space may decrease after the permanent molars erupt.
Simply call our office, send us an email, or fill out our online appointment request form. Our front office team will guide you through the process and schedule a convenient time for your visit.
During your first visit, our team will take photographs and X-rays to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Peikar will perform a thorough examination, and we will explain the findings and treatment options.
If there is an orthodontic problem and what it is; what needs to be done to correct the problem; whether any teeth need to be removed; how long treatment will take; and what the treatment will cost
In some cases, removing teeth is necessary to achieve the best result. However, thanks to new technology, extractions are often not required.
Treatment time varies depending on each patient’s orthodontic issue. Typically, treatment can last anywhere from 8 to 30 months, with the average time being 12-18 months.
- The exact cost of treatment will be discussed during your initial examination. We offer several financing options and will help maximize your insurance benefits by filing claims for you.
Appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your treatment needs. If closer monitoring is required, we will adjust your appointment schedule.
- Yes. However, we may request to speak with a parent afterward, so we ask that parents check in with our team before leaving.
- Braces don’t typically hurt. After certain adjustments, you may feel some soreness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relief like Advil or Tylenol can help ease discomfort.
- Yes! There’s no reason to miss school due to getting braces.
- No, shots are not needed for orthodontic treatment.
- No, we provide new, customized braces for every patient to ensure the best results.
- Yes, but we recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth and braces during sports activities.
- Yes, certain foods can damage braces. You should avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like caramel, taffy, hard candy, and raw vegetables.
- We recommend brushing at least four times a day: after meals and before bed. We will show you how to floss with braces, and we may prescribe a special fluoride treatment if needed.