Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child.
First Visit
Your First Steps with Gehring Orthodontics
- Any X-rays (if available). A set of photographs and panoramic x-ray will be taken if needed.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary information. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
- Completed online or printed patient registration forms.
- Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, bisphosphonate therapy, etc.)
Cancelled or Missed Appointments
If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at (319) 378-3333. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering machine and we will return your call in the morning.
Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning
If it is determined that treatment is needed additional diagnostic records will be obtained, as required. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Dr. Gehring will determine a specific treatment plan for your individual orthodontic needs. Our staff will review your treatment plan, set-up financial arrangements as well as all necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment.
Length of Treatment
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the degree of movement possible.
Successive Visits
Periodic Visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4-8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition.
It is important that all orthodontic patients continue to see their general dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings.
Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
Dental Care
Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and your gums and underlying bone are free from periodontal disease.
If necessary, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Dr. Gehring prescribes to correct your bite. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement.
Since some problems are best addressed with early intervention, treatment timing is very important. A consultation is the only way to adequately determine the best time to start treatment. If treatment needs to be delayed, the patient will be monitored on recall. Please contact our office if you have any questions.