Patient Info

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST ORTHODONTIST VISIT

We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. During this time, we will help you get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic state. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. Your first orthodontic visit will consist of a complimentary examination with records and discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address your orthodontic needs to determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment.

After we have evaluated your records, we will hold a treatment consultation with you to explain all aspects of your treatment in detail. We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis of the problem. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent, and as such, we provide ample time to answer your questions.

If time is a barrier and you would like a virtual recommendation TEXT us at (515) 225-9245 or get our Free Online Smile Assessment.

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Patient Registration

COMMON BITE PROBLEMS

Protrusion of Upper Front Teeth (Overjet)

This type of bite can result from the upper teeth being too far forward or the lower teeth being too far back. Function and appearance are affected with this bite.

Overbite

The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth. Many times, the lower front teeth hit the roof of the mouth if not treated. We often see habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting with this bite.

Underbite

The lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth. This can cause chewing and eating problems and jaw and joint problems if not treated. Early detection is important.

Crossbite

This is when one or more of the upper teeth bites on the inside of the lower teeth. This can happen in the front of the mouth, the back, or both. Often, we see unfavorable jaw growth and excessive tooth wear and possible breakage with untreated crossbites.

Open Bite

The upper and lower front teeth do not touch. We often see habits and tongue thrusting with this bite. Proper chewing is definitely affected.

Crowding

This occurs when teeth do not have enough room to come in. Appropriate expansion can correct crowding, often without tooth removal.

Spacing

Spacing can be an aesthetic concern and can result in gum problems due to the lack of protection by the teeth.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth is the absence of a tooth or teeth that should be present in the mouth. This can be caused by trauma or lack of development.

Non-Matching Dental Midlines

This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit together correctly. This may negatively impact proper jaw and dental function.

FOOD TO AVOID WITH BRACES

For most situations, common sense will tell you what types of food to avoid with braces. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires.

Minimize sugary foods. They cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should also be avoided.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

Gum
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

Ice
Nuts
Hard taco shells
French bread crust/rolls
Corn on the cob
Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
Bagels
Chips
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza crust
Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy

Only Once a Day:

Soda
Sweetened tea
Gatorade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with sugar

It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.

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