Your First Visit

Your initial visit to our office is very important to us. It gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and determine what you hope to accomplish with your smile. During this visit Dr. Shepherd will answer many questions that you may have such as the type of treatment needed, when it should start and the estimated treatment time. A fee will then be given and payment plan options will be discussed. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

• Any panoramic X-rays taken within the past six months.
• If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs.
• Please fill out the appropriate forms below and bring them with you to your first appointment.

Financial & Insurance Information

We offer the following financial options for your convenience

• Flexible payment plans with approved credit
• Interest free monthly payments
• Discount for paying in full
• Family discounts
• Most credit cards accepted
• Insurance billing

Treatment Time If additional time is needed to attain desired results, it will be provided at no additional charge. If, however, treatment is extended because of lack of patient cooperation, an additional fee may be charged for completion.

Retention Following the removal of the bands a set of retainers will be provided at no charge. There is a fee to replace or repair lost or broken retainers.

Statements Monthly statements will be mailed on or around the 20th of each month. Payments are due by the last day of the month.

Insurance Claims In case of insurance programs, it is important that parents or the adult orthodontic patient clearly understand and agree that it is their responsibility to see that the originally agreed fee proposal is paid irrespective of benefits that are anticipated from insurance plans. Also, please notify us immediately if insurance is terminated or changed at anytime during orthodontic treatment as payment plans may need to be modified.

Oral Hygiene

Tips on Oral Hygiene
Orthodontic bands, brackets and wires are food-catchers. It is therefore important that the teeth be carefully brushed after each meal and snack. After brushing, the appliances should be checked to see if they appear clean and shiny with no food particles or plaque. Occasionally, prescription strength fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Failure to keep the mouth clean increases the likelihood of dental decay and etching of the enamel around the edges of the brackets and bands.

Patients who keep their teeth clean usually have a minimum of decay, if any. At the end of your treatment, we want you to have straight AND healthy teeth, so it very important to follow the oral hygiene instructions we give you when braces are put on. It also very important to continue and see your dentist for check-ups every six months during your treatment.

Eating with Braces

Foods that are hard, sticky or chewy should be avoided during orthodontic treatment in order to prevent appliance breakages. Appliance breakages will complicate and thus prolong treatment.

Foods to Avoid

• Hard foods: ice, candy, nuts
• Sticky foods: caramels, taffy, candy, sugary gum
• Chewy foods: bagels, beef jerky
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, thick chips
• Tough meats and meat on the bone
• Raw vegetables and fruits that are NOT cut into small pieces
• Also avoid chewing on pens, pencils or anything hard

FAQ

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

What is an orthodontic specialist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but only six percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a four-year dental graduate program at a university dental school or other American Dental Association (ADA) accredited institution. They must then successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. This residency program must also be accredited by the ADA. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required in managing tooth movement (orthodontics) and guiding facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only dentists who have completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.

What is the best age to visit an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to start treatment. Orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens and about one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How long will I have to wear braces?

Treatment time varies from patient to patient, depending on such factors as difficulty of the existing problem, age of the patient, certain physiological characteristics of the patient, and probably most important, patient cooperation during treatment. At shepherdorthodontics, one of our main goals is to get our patients through treatment as quickly and efficiently as possible. The average treatment time for the majority of our cases is 12 to 18 months.

How do I keep my teeth clean with braces on?

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy with braces on is very important and not hard to do, it just takes a little more time. With braces, you should brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and preferably after every meal and snack. This will help to keep your teeth, gums and mouth clean and healthy. It is also important to floss and use a proxy brush daily to clean the areas your brush isn’t able to reach. After your braces are placed, we will show you how to properly brush, floss and take care of your teeth during your orthodontic treatment.

Does it hurt to have braces?

Braces themselves do not hurt; however, there may be some discomfort the first couple of days following the placement of your braces as your teeth, gums, cheeks and mouth adapt. There may also be some general soreness and discomfort for a couple of days following each adjustment appointment.

What should I do if I have a loose band or bracket?

Any breakage of the appliances (loose bands or brackets, broken wires etc.) should be reported immediately to the office and an emergency appointment made to repair the appliance. Do not wait until your next scheduled adjustment, as there is insufficient time during this appointment to repair appliances and make an adjustment. If a repair must be made during an adjustment appointment, you may be rescheduled at a later date in order to make an adjustment. If breakages become excessive, there may be an additional charge made for repairs.

If I have braces, can I still play instruments and be involved in sports?

Playing an instrument or being involved in contact sports may require some adjustment when you first get your braces on, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of these activities. We do recommend that you wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports, to protect your teeth, braces and/or appliances.

How often and how long will my appointments be during treatment?

In order to properly place brackets and fit bands, the first few appointments will be frequent and for intervals of up to two hours, requiring your patience and flexibility. After the appliances are placed, adjustment appointments will then occur approximately every six weeks and will usually be 30 minutes long.

What if I can’t make it to one of my appointments?

Cooperation is requested in making and keeping all appointments. If an appointment must be broken due to illness, accident or unforeseen circumstances, our office should be informed immediately and another appointment reserved. Whenever possible, advance notice of 24 hours is appreciated if an appointment must be changed. There are no additional charges for missed appointments or same day cancellations unless they become excessive.