Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child and is complimentary (free of charge). Please allow one half hour for this examination. There are several questions that all potential orthodontic patients and parents want answers to.
During the initial consultation for each patient, we will try to discuss each question and provide clear and reasonable answers. Ample time is always allowed for questions to be asked. Dr. Rigali & Dr. Walder also have examples of various orthodontic appliances to visually show the patient how their treatment will progress. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit: Any recent X-rays (x-rays taken within the past 6 months) If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary card and/or completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims. Completed online or printed patient registration forms.
BROKEN APPOINTMENTS
If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at 413.586.8455. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our voice mail, and we will return your call in the morning.
DIAGNOSTIC RECORDS AND TREATMENT PLANNING
If it is determined that treatment is recommended you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs, orthodontic x-rays and a thorough orthodontic exam. Depending on your schedule and ours, we may be able to take these records at the initial exam appointment to save you time. Once these orthodontic records have been taken, the doctor will review them and work up an individualized treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Three to four weeks after the records appointment we will review your treatment plan with you, make financial arrangements, and set up visits for treatment to begin.
ORTHODONTIC RECORDS
Orthodontic records include a panoramic x-ray, a cephalometric x-ray, study models of the teeth, 3 facial photographs and 6 intra-oral photographs. Pre-treatment orthodontic records are essential for Dr. Walder & Dr. Rigali to properly diagnose and treatment plan each patient's individual orthodontic problem and treatment needs. Some orthodontic records may be taken again during the course of treatment or after the completion of treatment.
Panoramic X-rays
Cephalometric X-rays
Impressions
Facial Photographs
Intra-Oral Photograph
PANORAMIC X-RAY
A panoramic x-ray enables the doctors to see the roots of the teeth and the position of any unerupted teeth. Any missing or extra teeth will be identified on this x-ray. Panoramic x-rays are an excellent way to determine the best time to begin your orthodontic treatment.
CEPHALOMETRIC X-RAY
Cephalometric x-rays are used by the doctors to make angular and linear measurements of a patient's hard and soft tissue utilizing various landmarks. Examples include the angles of the teeth in relation to the skull and jaw structures and the assessment of the facial profile. Each patient's measurements are compared to normal values.
IMPRESSIONS
Impressions are molds of your teeth that are used to make plaster study models. The doctors use the models to help in your treatment planning. Impressions are almost always made before and after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances such as expanders and retainers are made on models of your teeth.
FACIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Facial photographs enable Dr. Rigali & Dr. Walder to identify and analyze various features of your face and smile. Facial asymmetries, "gummy" smiles and profile imbalances are identified using photographs of your face. These pre-treatment facial photographs provide a way to assess the progress of treatment.
INTRA-ORAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs of you or your child's teeth are used, along with study models, to help the doctors accurately evaluate the malocclusion. These photographs are extremely valuable to assess the progress of treatment.
PRESENTATION VISIT
This is a great visit to have the whole family attend. Dr. Rigali or Dr. Walder will present their recommendations for your orthodontic treatment in detail. You will have the opportunity to see the x-rays, study models and photographs that were taken at your last visit.
This is a great time to ask questions.
Our Treatment coordinator will also discuss the scheduling and sequencing of appointments. She will review proper oral hygiene and diet while wearing braces. Financial arrangements and a payment plan will also be finalized at this visit.
It is our goal to have you thoroughly understand your orthodontic treatment before the braces are placed.
If you are ready to proceed with your orthodontic treatment we can arrange to have the separators placed at this visit. This means that in just a few days from the Presentation visit, you will get your braces!
SUCCESSIVE VISITS
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 5 - 6 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Also continue to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and a check up. Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
LENGTH OF TREATMENT
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement possible.
DENTAL CARE
Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement. Please contact our office at (413) 586-8455 if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. There is an optimum time for each individual to begin. Therefore, an evaluation will allow us to better understand your needs.
Try out our new Braces color selector 06/13/2011
If you're getting ready for new braces, why not try our new braces color picker. This will help you decide what color you would like to have on each tooth! Experiment with different colors - there are so many options.