First Visit
Your first visit with Dr. Antosz will ideally be around the age of 7-8 yrs, and no, you do not need a referral from your general dentist. We even encourage parents make an appointment to bring in younger siblings for the complimentary exam so that they can be monitored to see if orthodontic care will be advised for them in the future. This helps parents plan ahead and give their children the early assessment that can head off future orthodontic problems.
In order to get your children's orthodontic needs assessed, you will need to make an appointment with one of our scheduling coordinators. The office is open to patients from 8AM to 4:30PM Monday and Tuesday and 7AM to 3:30PM on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are reserved for Dr. Antosz and staff to handle administrative duties and spend time with their families.
Your first visit will be a professional, personalized and pleasant visit that will take approximately 1 ½ hours. You will be introduced to one of our Treatment Coordinators who will be your contact for the day. She will show you how to check in on our computer system and will take complimentary facial photos and a 3D imaging scan (digital x-ray of your teeth). These are an invaluable part of our New Patient process which enables Dr. Antosz to complete a thorough examination.
If you are ready to begin treatment, we will use state-of-the-art technologies to give you detailed explanations of your orthodontic needs and we will show you the type of appliances that can be used to move your teeth. We will go over fees in an easy-to-understand language and explain our payment policies. We will do an insurance pre-authorization for you to send to your insurance company and we will give you all the information in a clear, concise walk-out package. If you so desire, and are ready to begin, we can even get started right away. In some cases even the same day. This will save you a visit to our office and reduce the number of appointments you will need.
When orthodontics begins at 7-8 yrs of age, or while baby teeth are still present, growth modification or Phase One or a two-phase treatment plan may begin. During Phase One, growth modification procedures are attempted to correct more difficult structural and functional problems with the jaw. However, since the permanent teeth are not yet erupted, the final result cannot be produced. The second phase of this treatment is often performed later when all of the permanent teeth have erupted to produce the final result. Helping the jaw grow at this early age makes overall treatment more stable and often eliminates the need for permanent tooth removal or jaw surgery.
Doing a Two Phase or Interceptive Treatment plan does not make the overall cost of care more expensive. However, in many cases, delaying early treatment can make the overall treatment more difficult or even compromise the final result.
Not all examinations at age 7-8yrs require treatment at this time and a Two Phase treatment plan is not appropriate for all patients. Sometimes it is suitable to wait for all of the permanent teeth to erupt. If this is the case Dr. Antosz will recommend a Growth Evaluation or Observation Program. These programs are complimentary and will follow your child's facial growth and development until it is indicated that corrective measures can be initiated.
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Expect a common sense approach to your orthodontics care using the most advanced techniques to get the best results possible. Because Dr. Antosz is a specialist, you will benefit from a unique combination of art, science and experience.
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Expect scheduling to acknowledge that your time and convenience is important to us. We work hard to stay on time so you don't waste yours.
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Expect the most advanced orthodontic devices. Our in-house laboratory facilities make getting your appliances quick and easy. We don't send any thing "out" and can sometimes even fix or replace stuff while you wait.
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Expect to be amongst friends. Nearly half of our patients are referred to us by other patients. We treat many physicians, dentists and other health professionals and their families. In the end we believe that you will be comfortable referring your family and friends to our practice for their particular orthodontics needs.
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Expect exceptional education. We want you and your child to understand his.hers problems and treatment. We use state-of-the-art technology to help and provide doctor to patient progress reports throughout treatment.
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Expect the most advanced diagnostic services, state of the art technologies and sterilaization facilities.
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Expect a professional and enthusiastic team to understand that YOU are the most important part of our practice and you can expect us to be there if you or your child needs us. Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but we are always there!
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Expect competitive fees, flexible budget arrangements with no hidden costs or unpleasant surprises, all clearly presented in an above board fashion.