Useful Information for
New Patients
Your First Visit
We know you may be a little apprehensive about your first visit to an orthodontist. Welcome to the office of Dr. Jeffrey Crews, where our goal is to provide every patient with an excellent outcome as well as to make each your visits to our office a positive experience. A professional referral is not required and we set aside time just for new patients. So, when you're ready to discover the difference orthodontic treatment can make in your smile and self confidence, call 706-291-2901 for your appointment. We appreciate referrals, too, so tell your friends and family about us.
Your initial visit to our office is very important. It gives us our first opportunity to get to know each other and discuss what you hope to accomplish for your smile with orthodontic treatment. In order to properly evaluate your unique conditions, a brief examination of your teeth will be needed. After the exam, Dr. Crews will discuss your problem in detail and answer your questions, including appropriate treatment options and an estimate of treatment time. Our fee for recommended treatment will be quoted and payment plan options will be explained.
The Next Step
Before the diagnosis and treatment plan for your specific conditions can be finalized, diagnostic records must be completed and reviewed by Dr. Crews. A complete set of diagnostic records includes a medical/dental history, clinical exam, articulated plaster casts of the teeth, digital photographs of the patient's face and teeth and specific orthodontic X-rays. Once your diagnostic records have been prepared, Dr. Crews will thoroughly review them and write up a specific treatment plan based on your unique requirements. Diagnostic records can be taken following your initial exam and they will take approximately 45 minutes.
A personal consultation may be scheduled to discuss your treatment plan in detail. Dr. Crews and certified orthodontic assistant will show you exactly what's involved in your treatment, what results can be expected and how your active participation can help assure success. Financial questions can be reviewed at this time, including insurance and payment options.
The End of the Beginning
By now we've gotten acquainted, diagnosed your orthodontic conditions and arrived at a plan for treatment. So, it's finally time to get started. We will coordinate an appointment time to place your appliances (braces, expander, Herbst, habit corrector, etc.). Most appliance application appointments require from one to two-and-a-half hours.
As treatment proceeds, the importance of regularly scheduled appointments is essential to your success. We will see you at regular intervals of 3-8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your appliances. It is also extremely important that you maintain regular dental check-ups with your family dentist every 6 months during your orthodontic treatment. Patients who are at greater risk due to poor brushing habits may require more frequent dental checkups.
The Beginning of the End
Just as soon as your braces are removed and your active treatment is complete, retainers will be made. Your retainers are designed to allow your teeth to settle and remain in their correct positions until your jaw bones, gums, and muscles adjust to the change. They can perform this important function for a very long time, if necessary. The retention phase of your treatment is as important wearing braces when it come to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.
New Patient Forms
Child/Teen New Patient
Adult New Patient
Privacy Practices and Acknowledgement
Doctor Referral Form
Dental Records Request
Appointment Policy
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