Have A Comfortable, Relaxing First Visit

Fulfilling your orthodontic needs

The staff at South Bay Orthodontics are always excited to meet you during your first visit to our office.

Your initial appointment involves a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This 30-minute visit is important for us because it will give us an insight into your orthodontic needs.

During your initial examination, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

  • Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
  • Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred?
  • What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
  • Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
  • How long will treatment take?
  • How much will it cost?
  • What are my payment options?

During the initial examination, we can often answer these general questions about treatment. We will address specific areas after careful analysis of the diagnostic records.

We feel it is important to analyze your specific needs because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.

We will then schedule a consultation visit to discuss treatment options, time frames, and financial arrangements.

We hope that after your initial consultation, you leave the office with a clear understanding of your specific needs, what the treatment will consist of, and how long it will take. We will also answer any additional questions.

Please assist us by providing any information you may have at the time of your first visit:

  • Any panoramic X-ray is taken within the past six months.
  • If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs.

Patient Forms


You may access the following forms to assist us with your care. Please print and fill out the following forms, then bring them to your appointment.

Common problems


Underbite

Underbite is characterized by the patient’s underjaw extending forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Spacing

Missing teeth may cause spacing problems; they can also be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.

Upper front teeth protrusion

This kind of bite affects the appearance and function of your teeth. This is characterized by the upper or lower teeth extending far enough forward.

Crowding

Teeth having insufficient room to erupt from the gum leads to crowding. This can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.

Crossbite

This is a problem caused when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, leading to tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.

Overbite

This problem is caused when the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.

Openbite

Here the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, causing hindrance to proper chewing. This also leads to many unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.

Dental midlines not matched

This is a problem caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.