Patient Information
Your First Orthodontist Visit
Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your "Complimentary" consultation appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This appointment will present us the opportunity to discuss the orthodontic needs of you or your child.
Please assist us by completing prior to your first visit:
- Any Referral Information (if applicable)
- Any X-rays (if applicable)
- Submit Patient Registration Form
- A list of medications you are presently taking
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. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning
For your convenience, if it is determined that treatment is indicated, diagnostic records can be gathered immediately following consultation or at a subsequent visit if you prefer. Records consist of diagnostic casts and digital images. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Drs. Apicella and Lorei will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Our office will then review your treatment plan with you.
Successive Visits
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 6 to 10 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions 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!
Braces may be on between 14 months to 18 months or longer, though orthodontic treatment times vary.
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.
Your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Drs. Apicella and Lorei 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 Mechanicsburg: 717-697-8222 Carlisle: 717-243-3200 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.