It will be our pleasure to provide you or your child with a complimentary orthodontic exam. You do not need a referral from your dentist in order to schedule an appointment. Your first visit will require approximately one hour and will consist of the following:
X-Rays
Our office is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital imaging system that uses low-dose radiation for patient safety. Two types of digital x-rays will be taken, if appropriate.
Panoramic X-Ray
This special image provides a view of all teeth, bones, and surrounding areas of the head and neck in one picture.
Cephalometric X-Ray
This special image is taken only by orthodontists and shows the relative positions of the facial profile, jaws, and teeth. It allows us to measure jawbone position, predict facial growth, diagnose the condition, and plan the corrective treatment.
If you have had a panoramic x-ray taken by your dentist, you may ask the dental office to to email a copy to our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. prior to your visit.
Photographs
Three facial photographs and five intra-oral photographs will be taken.
Facial Photographs
Facial photographs are used to identify and analyze various features of your face and smile. Facial asymmetries and profile imbalances are identified using photographs of your face. Pre-treatment photographs also provide a way to assess the progress of your treatment.
Intra-Oral Photographs
Photographs of the teeth are used to accurately evaluate the malocclusion (bad bite) and are valuable at assessing the progress of your treatment.
Orthodontic Video
You will watch a 5-minute educational video that explains common problems that are treated through orthodontics, what to expect during treatment, and different ways that treatment can be performed.
Patient Information Form
Download and complete this form before your first appointment to save time in the office!
Comprehensive Exam
During the examination, Dr. Gallagher will thoroughly examine your or your child’s teeth, assess the bite, and review your digital x-rays, photographs, and dental and medical histories in order to provide you with a diagnosis and potential treatment options. During the consultation, the following questions will be addressed:
- Is there a problem that orthodontics can correct?
- Is orthodontic treatment needed now, or is the timing such that it should be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors are reconciled?
- What orthodontic treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
- Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- How long will orthodontic treatment take?
Payment Options
Our Financial/Insurance Coordinator will meet with you to discuss the estimated cost of orthodontic treatment and provide you with payment options and mechanisms for financing treatment. If you have dental insurance, please provide this information when scheduling your appointment. We will check your insurance prior to your visit in order to factor your orthodontic insurance coverage into your payment options.
Diagnostic Records and Treatment Planning
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, the next step is to schedule a diagnostic records appointment. At the records appointment, a set of impressions (molds of your teeth) will be taken to make study models. Your digitized study models along with your panoramic x-ray, cephalometric x-ray and photographs taken during your initial appointment will be used by Dr. Gallagher to write an individualized treatment plan for your orthodontic needs.
Two to three weeks after your records appointment, you will have a consultation with Dr. Gallagher to review recommendations for your orthodontic treatment in detail. After the consultation, our Treatment Coordinator will discuss the scheduling and sequencing of your starting appointments. At this time, financial arrangements and a payment plan will be finalized.