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When you come for your first appointment, you will be welcomed by either Denise or Sharyl, our new patient coordinators. She will take you on a tour of our office and introduce you to some of our staff members. Your medical and dental histories will be reviewed with you and you will be asked what you would like to change about your teeth or your smile and what questions you have about braces.
A set of digital photographs will be taken of your teeth and your smile which will aid in explaining the results of the exam.
Dr. Jarrell will do a detailed examination of your face, jaws and teeth. Dr. Jarrell does not check for cavities and you will need to have a complete dental checkup with your dentist prior to getting braces. Dr. Jarrell does not replace your family dentist who remains your primary care provider. Be sure to see your family dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months or as instructed by your family dentist.
Dr. Jarrell will explain any diagnostic records, such as x-rays and models of your teeth, that are necessary to plan treatment. There is no substitute for having all the information that these diagnostic tests can provide. This is one area where taking shortcuts can lead to improper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Jarrell will try to answer the following questions: How can the problem be corrected? How much will it cost? How long will it take? When should treatment begin? What kind of appliances will be used? What does the patient need to do for treatment to succeed? What are the pros and cons of orthodontic care?
Dr. Jarrell will customize a treatment plan for you after your orthodontic records have been made.
When your orthodontic records have been acquired, an appointment to start treatment will be made. In addition, arrangements for any necessary extractions, insurance claims and financial obligations will be made. Our office accepts insurance assignment and files all claims for the patients, including primary and secondary carriers. We will also assist you in calculating and planning your Flexible Spending Account.
Please note that both the Kokomo and Logansport offices are "full service" offices and complete treatment may be accomplished at the office most convenient to you!
If you have any problems with your braces, check out our First Aid For Braces page and then call our office if needed.
You will receive special instructions and tooth brushing aids used to clean your teeth with braces to protect the tooth surfaces. You will also receive encouragement to use fluoride rinses and brush-on fluoride gels. For a refresher course on brushing with braces, click here for a short video demonstration "Brushing Techniques with Braces". Click here for a demonstration on "Brushing with Proxabrush". Click here for a demonstration of flossing with "Superfloss".
Expect to wear retainers full time for several months after braces and to keep your retainers and wear them at nights thereafter to prevent unwanted physiologic tooth movement. Long-term retainer wear is encouraged.
The degree of success is almost always a reflection of a person's cooperation during treatment and retention. Active patient participation is always essential for success.
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