Your First Visit: New Patient Exam

When you arrive at Icon Orthodontics we ask that you sign in at the "On-Deck" computer station to let us know that you have arrived. This allows us to serve you better and faster by having our treatment staff notified of your arrival to the office. Here's how it works:

• You arrive at the clinic and our reception staff will show you how to log on to the computer
• Your log-in tells the treatment staff that you have arrived
• An assistant escorts you to the treatment area

Your first visit to Icon Orthodontics will allow Dr. Low the opportunity to complete a "New Patient Examination". A patient health and orthodontic history will be completed. Your consent to collect and use your personal information will be requested. Records will be taken at this appointment and a comprehensive summary of the exam will be given to you at the completion of the appointment.

Records will occur first, with our Assistant staff escorting you into the clinic for the following:

• Pictures of patient's face, teeth and bite
• Three dimensional scan of head, including teeth and jaws

This is a complimentary service at Icon Orthodontics, and saves you a trip back to see us for a 'records appointment'. The use of the three dimensional scan allows us to have a no impressions policy for records, thereby increasing your comfort.

The records portion of your first visit will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Records allow Dr. Low to complete a proper treatment plan for each patient and are important in ensuring that all available information is utilized in planning treatment.

A comprehensive initial examination of the facial structures, jaws, gums and teeth and a review of overall orthodontic health is performed next, by Dr. Low. The exam portion of your first visit will take approximately 40 minutes complete, bringing the total time for your visit to 60 minutes.

Dr. Low will briefly discuss any concerns and will also answer any questions that you may have. One of the following outcomes will be decided at this appointment:

• Patient is ready for treatment
• No treatment is indicated
• Treatment will be needed but not at this time

If it is determined that orthodontic treatment is required, we will explain our recommendations for future appointments to you.

If it is determined that treatment is not needed at this time (due to growth factors or tooth eruption patterns), you will be placed on a "recall" list for a future appointment.

Upon completion of the New Patient Exam a New Patient Folder will be presented to you that summarizes your records, exam and our recommendations. It will include:

• Written summary from Dr. Low outlining the proposed plan for treatment
• Potential Risks and Limitations of Treatment documentation
• Financial summary
• Pre-Authorized Insurance Form(s)
• Privacy Policy Handout
• Biography of Dr. Low
• Thumb drive showing pictures from the records

Instructions regarding future appointments will be included with this folder. If the patient decides to pursue the recommended treatment, the appointments detailed below will then occur.

Separator Appointment

A separator appointment will be made one week prior to having braces placed. This appointment takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The insertion of separators on the back teeth will allow for easier placement of the bands during the bonding appointment, when the braces are fully inserted.

Appliance Appointment

According to the treatment plan proposed by Dr. Low, it may be necessary to insert an orthodontic appliance at some point in the treatment, usually prior to having the braces inserted. This procedure could take 2 to 3 appointments depending upon the type of appliance required.

Bonding Appointment

During this appointment the braces are placed. This involves having bands and brackets placed upon the teeth, a wire inserted through the brackets, and clips closed on each bracket to hold the wire in place. Dr. Low employs the Sondhi Indirect Bonding method, which allows for more efficient bracket placement and thus reduced chair time for the patient. This appointment takes approximately 1 to 1 & ½ hours to complete.

Archwire Appointment

Approximately every 6 to 12 weeks the patient is seen to review treatment progress and insert a new wire, as necessary. In addition, oral hygiene will be evaluated and any questions from the patient or caregiver will be addressed. This appointment takes approximately 20 minutes.

De-Banding Appointment

Upon completion of treatment, the braces will be removed and post-treatment models, x-rays and pictures are completed. This appointment takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The models are used to construct a retainer to hold the teeth in place.

Retainer Insertion Appointment

About one week after having braces removed, retainers are inserted. Instructions are given to the patient regarding care, time of wear, and future appointments.

Retention Appointment

Even though your braces have been removed, regular check ups are required to ensure that the orthodontic correction is stable. This short appointment will be scheduled at 3, 6 or 12 month intervals as required.

Confirmation of Appointments

All appointments scheduled at our clinic will be confirmed via our computerized confirmation system. An e-mail address or cellular telephone number is requested from each patient, and reminders are mailed or texted as per your request.

Recall appointment

Should you not require treatment at the time of your first visit to our office, your name will be placed on a "recall" list and we will invite you back for an additional appointment in approximately 6 months time. This will allow Dr. Low to monitor your growth progress so that treatment can be started at the most appropriate time. All recall appointments while a patient is under observation by Dr. Low are at NO CHARGE.