Orthodontics By Dr. Gregg Hipple

It All Begins With Your Smile
We look forward to meeting you. When you arrive at our office for your first visit our new patient coordinator will personally guide you through a comprehensive examination process. This is a great time to find out all the benefits of successful orthodontic treatment. We encourage your participation in the new patient process so please feel free to bring a list of any questions you may have regarding orthodontic treatment.

During your first visit Dr. Hipple will review your medical and dental history, establish the need for orthodontic treatment, and discuss your orthodontic treatment goals. Dr. Hipple will carefully examine your teeth, jaws, and facial profile to determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment. If additional dental maturity is needed, we will monitor growth and development in our growth guidance recall program. In those cases where orthodontic treatment is indicated we will detail the type of treatment recommended, review the variety of appliances available to treat your case, discuss the length of treatment, provide a cost estimate and customized payment plan, and assist you in scheduling your appointments.

In all cases we will forward a detailed summary of our findings and recommended treatment plan to your dental specialist. Awesome results are created by outstanding communication between our office, your dentist, and each patient.

Diagnostic Records
Following the initial examination, diagnostic records will be secured for each patient. Records confirm Dr. Hipple's diagnosis and treatment plan and serve as documentation of the position of your teeth, lips and profile when you started treatment. Typically records include the following items:

Panoramic x-ray

This type of x-ray captures an image of your teeth and jaw region. It helps in identifying eruption patterns, missing or extra teeth, blocked out teeth, and root formation. As we proceed with orthodontic treatment this x-ray can help monitor proper root positions.

Cephalomatic x-rays

This type of x-ray captures an image of your entire skull and profile. It is used to identify potential growth problems and for recording diagnostic measurements. In addition this x-ray allows us to measure irregularities in your facial profile.

Bite registration/ Study Models

Impressions of your teeth are secured as part of the records process. Your impressions are then filled with a special dental plaster to form detailed reproductions of your teeth called models. Your models are articulated together with a wax impression of your bite and carefully attached to an articulator which simulates jaw movement.

Diagnostic Photographs

Diagnostic photos are taken of your smile, profile, face, and teeth. These pictures are again used to document your current status and will help Dr. Hipple track your progress and see how your smile is changing.

Final Treatment Plan
After your records have been studied, we will review with you and your child the final orthodontic treatment plan including what orthodontic appliances will be used, how long treatment will last, what foods to avoid, proper care of the appliances and teeth during treatment, etc.

Length of Treatment
The length of treatment for each patient can vary based upon the severity of the bite, the correction desired, treatment timing, and the cooperation achieved during treatment. Most of our cases are completed between 18-24 months. We always review treatment progress at each appointment. We know you want to successfully complete treatment on time.

Patient Cooperation
Outstanding patient cooperation is the key to successful orthodontics. Our job is to be excellent technicians and encouraging coaches. We ask our patients to commit to outstanding cooperation during treatment and we encourage all parents to participate in their children's orthodontic care. We will discuss appliance care in detail on the day your braces are placed. For more information please access the Caring For Your Braces section.

Financial Investment
Our office offers a variety of flexible payment options designed to fit your individual needs. We will review the cost of orthodontic treatment and our payment options at your new patient examination. And, as you consider your investment in successful orthodontics you should consider the benefits .......
a beautiful, healthy smile. So.............

7729 79th Street South - Cottage Grove, MN 55016 - Phone: 651.459.6674
e-mail: info@orthodonticsbyhipple.com - www.orthodonticsbyhipple.com
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