First Visit Exam

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our receptionist, Karen, or one of our treatment coordinators, Mary Will, Jennifer, or Donna. Mary Will, Jennifer, or Donna will assist you in checking-in. Then she will give you a tour of the office and escort you and/or your child to our consultation room for your first visit with Dr. Collins.
On your first visit, our objective is to be able to look at the long-term needs for you and/or your child. At this visit, one of three outcomes will be determined.
-Treatment is needed now.
-Treatment is not needed at all.
-Treatment will be needed-
but the timing is such that it should be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have developed.

Dr. Collins will conduct a thorough examination of your face, mouth, teeth, and jaws, and will explain to you what may need correction. We have a neat computer program that simulates and demonstrates many of the things that we do. We will present to you possible treatment approaches and possible financial arrangements. If treatment is recommended now, we may proceed and take diagnostic records.

Diagnostic Records

In order for Dr. Collins to accurately diagnose your problems and plan your treatment, some additional information is needed beyond what is found during the examination. These usually include: 1) molds of the teeth, from which plaster replicas are made, 2) photographs of your face and teeth, 3) a panoramic x-ray showing the developing teeth and surrounding bone, 4) a cephalometric x-ray (or head film) which helps Dr. Collins evaluate tooth positions and the growth relationships of your jaws. See Planmeca.

For your first visit, please take time to complete the patient information form, which is in the packet sent to you. By completing this form prior to your arrival, we can begin your first visit without delay. Also be aware of your insurance coverage, if you have coverage. If you do have orthodontic coverage, please bring the needed paperwork, so that we may assist you in getting your orthodontic benefits. Please contact your insurance company and ask the following questions:

Do I have orthodontic coverage?
What are my benefits?
Is a pre-treatment estimate required?

If you have any questions,
Karen, Mary Will, or Donna will be pleased to help you