Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning

We want your visits with us to be pleasant and informative. At the initial appointment, we will take diagnostic photos, and a dental (panoramic)  x-ray to determine tooth development, tooth alignment and evaluate jaw joint integrity. The doctors will then conduct an exam and discuss potential treatment options for you or your child.  The appointment should last approximately 45 minutes.

If it is determined that orthodontic treatment is indicated, when treatment begins a (skeletal) x-ray to examine present and help predict future facial and jaw growth patterns will be taken and impressions for study models will be made.

Successive Visits

Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4 to 8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, eat nutritiously and practice good oral hygiene. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly.

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.

In addition, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Dr. Tichler or Dr. Abraham prescribed to correct your bite. 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 if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. You or your child may or may not be ready for treatment. Therefore, a consultation will allow us to better understand your needs.