First Visit Information
Your First Visit
We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. During this time, you will learn about your orthodontic treatment and get acquainted with our office. Each patient's orthodontic treatment is different and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. At your first orthodontic visit Dr. Kubik will perform a complete clinical examination to assess your orthodontic needs and determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment. Dr. Kubik will discuss potential treatment options and if you are ready he will recommend that we take complete diagnostic records.
After Dr. Kubik has evaluated your diagnostic records, we will schedule a treatment consultation to explain all aspects of your treatment in detail. At this appointment you will receive a complete clinical diagnosis written summary of Dr. Kubik’s treatment recommendations, estimated treatment duration, and fees. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent.
Diagnostic Records Appointment
The diagnostic records are used to formulate the course of treatment best suited to your individual needs. These records will include X-rays, impressions of the teeth, bite recordings, photographs, and other diagnostic procedures as needed.
X-rays
Routinely, two x-rays are taken. The panoramic x-ray shows all the teeth and supporting bone. The other is a side view of the skull, called a cephalometric x-ray, from which a special tracing and measurements of your jaws and teeth are made. We may take a frontal x-ray which is a frontal view of your skull. We may request a three dimensional scan of your teeth and jaws to further demonstrate the relationship of these structures in space.
Impressions
The impressions are molds that are taken of the upper and lower teeth and surrounding tissues. To make these molds, we select upper and lower impression trays, just the right size for you, and fill them with a special material that changes from a "pudding-like" to "Jell-O-like" consistency in the mouth. These molds are later filled with special plaster stone to make the models of your teeth.
Bite Registrations
Wax registrations are made of your teeth. One soft wax bite records how your teeth meet when you bite completely together and another soft wax bite records how your teeth come together while your jaw is guided into a relaxed position. We may also record the distance from your teeth to your jaw joints using a procedure termed a facebow transfer. This facebow transfer allows us to mount your dental study casts on a special machine called an articulator. The articulator stimulates your jaw motion allowing further analysis of your bite.
Photographs
Photographs are taken of your teeth and face. At this point, you will be ready to smile – your diagnostic records visit will be complete.
Consultation Appointment
Dr. Kubik will fully analyze your records and create a personalized treatment plan. At your consultation appointment our Communications Coordinator and Dr. Kubik will share our findings and discuss our treatment recommendations. We will take the time to explain all treatment alternatives and fully answer all your questions. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to learn about what orthodontics can do for you.