What will happen to me on my first visit to see Dr. Bales?

You may wish to have a consultation with a view to having orthodontic treatment, or for a second opinion, or just to see what options are available for improving your smile.

Christine, our receptionist, will be the first person you meet. She will collect the completed biographical forms from you so that she can enter all your information correctly in our computer. You can download this biographical form from the Patient Forms page of this Web site. It is important for us to have your most up to date medical and contact information on file.

While you are waiting for your appointment, you can play X Box 360 or PS2.

One of Dr. Bales' assistants, either Faye, Nicole, Tracy, Sue or Morgan, will call you and take you into one of the examination rooms. If you are under 18, you will need to bring along your Mum or Dad into the room. The assistant will ask you and your parents a few questions. She needs to find out what problems you are having with your teeth.

Dr. Bales will examine the general condition of your jaws and teeth. Perhaps, he will tell you you have to grow a little bit before you are ready for braces or perhaps he will advise you that you are ready for braces. He will then talk to you and your parents about the treatment options.

After your discussion with Dr. Bales, we will then take our diagnostic records. Orthodontic records consist of taking imprints of your teeth so that Dr. Bales can make a stone model. We also take digital photos and radiographs. These records help Dr. Bales to formulate the best treatment plan for you.

While you are having your records done, Dr. Bales' assistant will discuss payment options with your parents.

After all this is done, one of the assistants will take you back out to the reception area and Christine will schedule your next appointment. This appointment will probably be to get your braces on. If you are not ready for your braces yet, Christine will put your name in our computer and call you back when it is time for Dr. Bales to check your teeth again.

Don't forget to ask lots of questions if you don't understand. Dr. Bales and his assistants will know all the answers - remember they are experts in braces.