Your First Orthodontic Visit
Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of a complimentary examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:
- Any x-rays (if applicable)
- A list of medications you are presently taking
- If you have dental insurance, bring your dental card and the subscribers information. This will save time and allow us to quickly verify orthodontic benefits.
- Completed patient registration forms. Click below to print of view our registration forms:
- Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. bisphosphonates, heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact either office at 864-654-7534 or 864-888-3113. 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 answering machine and we will return your call in the morning.
Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning
If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Dr. McInnis will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. You will then be scheduled for a case or case by phone discussion to review the treatment plan, set up the necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment and discusss all payments options available.
Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 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 position. Retention 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. McInnis 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 at 864-654-7534 or 864-888-3113 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.