We offer an extensive complimentary initial evaluation and consultation including a panoramic x-ray. Most of our patients are referred by their dentist, friends, or family but a referral is not necessary if you have questions in your mind that we can best answer. It is best to see a child before all the permanent teeth are in even if they aren’t quite ready for braces. After you call for an initial examination/consultation we gather a little information about you.
- You will receive some paperwork and our office brochure in the mail or you may download these forms from this web site by clicking on the “More” link above:
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- A brief medical and dental history form.
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- An acquaintance/information form.
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Please bring the completed forms with you to your appointment. It will save some time at the first appointment. Expect to be warmly greeted when you arrive for your first appointment. We will follow this with a brief tour of our office which finishes in our consultation room with Cindy Ter Haar, our new-patient advisor.
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- Cindy will help you feel relaxed.
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- Discover your reason for an evaluation.
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- Introduce you to orthodontics.
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- Obtain a complimentary facial photo and panoramic x-ray
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- Answer your questions.
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- Introduce you to Dr. Oppenhuizen
Dr. Oppenhuizen will then greet you and conduct an extensive evaluation. We follow a specific written protocol, just like a pilot uses to start a jet airliner, so as to not miss any details. It will sound like a lot of information – because it is… and all of it matters. After dictating his evaluation, Dr. Oppenhuizen will explain to you the essence of both what’s right and what needs attention. His explanation will be thorough and understandable. He will summarize the orthodontic needs, his best approach to treatment, your options, and answer questions. If your child is not ready for treatment, Dr Oppenhuizen will explain timing and alternatives. Cindy, your new patient advisor, will then further explain and demonstrate the sequencing of treatment and show you the hardware that Dr. Oppenhuizen has prescribed as well as why it is the best solution. She will be fully prepared to review treatment costs and financing. After your consultation, you will receive an extensive written summary of our findings, proposed treatment, and written information on prescribed treatment devices. We will also send your dentist a summary of our findings and proposed treatment.