Patient Information

Your First Orthodontist Visit

Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an 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:

  • Download and complete Patient Information Form and Health History.
  • A list of medications you are presently taking
  • If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary information. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
  • Any x-rays (if applicable)

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, any biophosphonates you are currently taking or have taken in the past three years for bone cancer).

Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at 949 661-5882. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment.

Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of  diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Dr. Andrews will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Then our office will give you a call to review your treatment plan, set up the necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment and set up financial arrangements for you.

Successive Visits

Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4 to 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 every 6 months for a complete prophylaxis and clinical review.

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! Dr. Andrews strongly advises that retainers should be worn 24 hours a day for the first year, and at bedtime thereafter, to hold the teeth in aligned position.

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. Clear aligners to straighten your teeth require a much shorter treatment period (6 - 12 months).

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. Andrews 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 949 661-5882 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.