Office Visits

Choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for improving the way you look and feel. Our practice works with you every step of the way, providing the most rewarding orthodontic care possible. Our practice utilizes the latest technology, offering a variety of safe and comfortable treatment options to give customized, individual care.

Your complimentary initial evaluation gives the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options best meet your needs.

Children and Adolescents:

During the first visit, the doctor will examine the general condition of the jaws and teeth. If treatment is needed at this time, an appointment for full diagnostic records and subsequent consultation will be scheduled. If not yet ready for treatment at the initial appointment but likely to need treatment in the future, we will set up a future observation appointment to monitor growth and development. Your child's general dentist will receive a letter outlining the doctor’s preliminary findings. There is no charge and a direct referral is not necessary for initial appointments.

Adults:

If you think braces are just for kids, think again. The fact is, many of our patients are adults.  That’s because today, thanks to the newest technologies, correcting problems is possible at any age.  At Associates in Orthodontics, we take pride in treating adults of all ages as well as children.  Modern orthodontic treatment is more comfortable, less visible and often requires fewer appointments than you might expect.  Some of these treatment options allow us to obtain dramatic results in facial appearance—even in the most severe cases.  On your initial visit, you will receive a  thorough clinical evaluation regarding your teeth and their relationship, facial bone structures and jaw joints.  After your evaluation, we will review our preliminary findings with you, providing as much information as possible from our clinical exam all at no charge.

Records:

Orthodontic records consist of an intra-oral scan of the teeth to produce a digital model, facial and dental photographs, and two specialized orthodontic x-rays. These records allow our team of orthodontists to formulate a full diagnosis and treatment plan which will be presented to you at the consultation appointment. The records are done in our So. Burlington, Essex and Middlebury offices due to the specific x-ray equipment needed. (All other appointments can be scheduled in the most convenient office for you.)

Consultation:

During the consultation appointment, you will receive extensive information about the records, treatment recommendations, patient responsibilities and expectations, estimated treatment time, fee, and payment options.  This appointment is typically presented by the treatment coordinator and the doctor.  It is an important appointment for the patient and family members.

Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have, and we will provide all of the information that you need to determine which treatment is right for you. Please contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation.

Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program:

The timing of treatment is very important in obtaining an ideal result.  Assessment of facial growth and supervision of eruption of permanent teeth helps to achieve results which may otherwise be unattainable if treatment were initiated after the jaws have completed growth. The Pre-Orthodontic Guidance program is free of charge during a child’s growth and development.

Scheduling Appointments:

Visiting the orthodontist about every four to eight weeks is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Our practice will work with you to make sure that your appointments are as convenient as possible. When scheduling appointments, please let us know what days and times work best for you.

We understand that “life happens"! If you're running late or need to reschedule, please let us know, and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. When you're ready to schedule your first appointment, contact our practice, and our friendly scheduling coordinator will assist you. We're looking forward to working with you.

Visiting the dentist during orthodontic treatment:

It is very important that you continue to visit your family dentist once every six months, even during your orthodontic treatment, for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist to make sure that you are receiving the best care possible.