Office Visits

COVID-19 OFFICE PROTOCOL:

As we continue to adapt to the changing nature of COVID-19, our office continues to monitor the COVID-19 Community Level.   Currently, our level is LOW,  which means that masks are welcome but not required in our waiting area,  per CDC public indoor guidance.

We frequently monitor our local levels and will require indoor masking in our waiting area if our local level is upgraded to HIGH.

One thing that will not change at your upcoming visit is the adherence to strict COVID-19 safety protocols during your exam or procedure. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and the dental team will continue wearing all proper personal protective equipment (including masks), following enhanced cleaning protocols, and more. 

********************************************************************************************

Your Initial Exam

When you arrive for your first visit, you will be welcomed by the new patient coordinator. Both digital radiographs and photographs of your face and teeth will be taken to aide in the diagnostic process. Additionally, you or your parent/guardian will be asked to complete a detailed health history form.

Dr. Karlin sets aside a dedicated 45 minutes for your visit and currently charges NO FEE for this initial consultation.

During this in-depth exam, Dr. Karlin will review your medical and dental history and perform a clinical exam.

The purpose of your initial exam is to answer several questions:

1. What problems require correction, if any?
2. Is orthodontic treatment needed?
3. How long will treatment take?
4. When is the proper time to start treatment?
5. What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

After completing his exam, if orthodontic treatment is indicated, Dr. Karlin will thoroughly discuss your personalized treatment options and address any questions or concerns you may have. Our treatment coordinator will then discuss the anticipated cost and insurance coverage.

Diagnostic Records

Once orthodontic treatment is deemed necessary, a set of diagnostic records will need to be taken before appliances can be placed. Study model impressions will be taken of both the upper and lower arches as well as a wax bite. These impressions in addition to the radiographs, photographs, and examination will allow Dr. Karlin to study the case in greater detail. A thorough diagnosis is critical to understanding each patient as an individual and to tailoring the treatment plan.

Orthodontic records include all necessary x-rays, diagnostic photos and diagnostic plaster models for patients.

You will leave our offices with a written treatment plan, fee estimate, and a welcome packet.

Your First Appointment

Your first appointment after your exam should last about 30 minutes. We will start the process by reviewing our expectations of the patient during treatment. It is important that everyone understand all that is involved in achieving a beautiful smile. Next steps include the review and signing of the treatment contract. Finally, we will take the patient’s study model impressions and then place separators. (We do recommend taking Tylenol or Advil prior to this appointment)

Your Second Appointment

This is the day you will get your braces! The appointment should last about 1 to 2 hours and will be scheduled during the morning hours. Your teeth will be polished and prepped for bonding prior to Dr. Karlin placing the braces and applying a fluoride treatment. Oral hygiene is the key to successful treatment; we will give you a thorough demonstration of proper oral care and maintenance as well as a care kit. (We do recommend taking Tylenol or Advil prior to this appointment)

Once braces are placed your regular appointments should be every 4 weeks, lasting approximately 30 minutes each.

Regular Appointments

Office hours are Monday & Friday 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm. and Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 am. to 5:00 pm. On Tuesdays we have late hours from 1:00 pm. to 6:00 pm. We are closed on weekends. (Note: Summer Hours are announced in May and are in effect between Memorial Day and Labor Day.)

Patients are seen by appointment only. We know that our patients have many demands upon their schedules for work and school. In an effort to accommodate patient needs we have dedicated much time and thought into designing our schedule. Please understand that due to the high volume of patients desiring after-school appointments we have reserved the time after 3:00 pm for short adjustments. Most adjustment appointments will average 30 minutes. Longer appointments (placing and removing braces) will need to be scheduled during the mornings and early afternoons.

We pride ourselves in not only the level of care we provide, but also in being prompt and respecting your schedule. Our goal is to see each patient on time.

As a courtesy, we will attempt to reach patients just prior to each appointment as a reminder of the scheduled date and time. However, we rely on patients to make the necessary arrangements to arrive on time. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately; cancel only if it is an emergency. Rescheduling may be difficult since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Emergency Appointments

Please contact our office immediately if you have a loose bracket or appliance or if you are experiencing pain. We will make every effort to get you scheduled as soon as possible.