Your first visit to our office is for a complimentary consultation. We schedule about an hour with you to find out if braces are right for you. In this first visit, you will have pictures taken of the inside of your mouth from every angle as well as some photos of your crooked smile. We will review your medical and dental history, and perhaps take an X-ray. Remember there is absolutely no discomfort during this process.

Dr. Kahn will then check your facial symmetry, profile, smile, TMJ or jaw joints, your teeth and bite, and your X-rays. After this evaluation Dr. Kahn will discuss her findings and areas of concern with you. She will recommend one of four options.

The first option is that no treatment is needed. These individuals have a good bite, a nice profile with the jaws aligned, healthy teeth and gums, and good jaw joints.

The second recommendation is that treatment will be needed, but it is too early to start. In this case Dr. Kahn will recommend a re-check, usually six-months later after there has been more growth and development of the teeth and jaws.

A third diagnosis is the recommendation of Phase I treatment. This early treatment is usually for younger children (ages 7-10) and often involves limited braces and growth appliances for 18 to 24 months. Limited braces may involve braces only on the four front teeth. The purpose of Phase I is to treat those problems that are easy to correct with growth, expansion, and tooth guidance at an early age. The cost of limited early treatment is less than the cost of full treatment.

The fourth diagnosis is the recommendation of full orthodontic treatment or Phase II. This usually requires 18 to 24 months of full braces attached to all the permanent teeth. Phase II treatment may, but not always, involve appliances such as headgear, Herbst or other appliances, in order to completely correct the bite. It is followed by a period of retention. Retention is when you wear your retainer. This is done to make sure your teeth stay straight after the braces are removed. Since it is comprehensive treatment the fee is higher than that for limited treatment.

Before you leave our office on your first visit, Dr. Kahn will give you a treatment outline in which she summarizes the functional as well as the esthetic problems found with your bite. She will also recommend solutions to these problems.

Our treatment coordinator will give you an estimate of the treatment costs. Most cases are covered by insurance. If you give us your insurance information we will contact your insurance company, and notify you of the portion of the fee you are responsible for.

It is important to remember that our fees always include everything that you will need during treatment. There are no hidden charges. Our fees include one set of retainers and up to two years of follow-up visits after you get your braces off.

We usually recommend having your records taken the same day as your first appointment. We often even place separators in between the teeth as part of your first appointment. Separators are used to prepare the teeth for braces. This speeds up the process so you can get your braces on sooner and then get them off sooner.