When you arrive at our office you will be greeted by one of our friendly treatment coordinators and she will take a complimentary panoramic x-ray on you. Dr. Cacchiotti will take the time to give you a thorough exam and discuss treatment options that best fit your orthodontic needs. If you decide to start treatment, Dr. Cacchiotti will work with your general dentist to ensure a result we will all be happy with.
Some questions that will be answered for you include:
- Am I a good candidate for braces?
- When is the appropriate time to begin treatment?
- What treatment is necessary?
- Will any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- How long will I have to wear braces or appliances?
- How much will my treatment cost, and what is included in this fee?
In our office, we understand that everyone's needs and expectations are different. This is why we give you – the patient – the attention you deserve. Our goal is for you to leave our office with a complete understanding of your personal orthodontic needs.
Putting Braces On: What to Expect
Your appointment will last approximately two hours, during this time you will have a full set of orthodontic photographs taken, current x-rays and your braces will be placed. At this appointment you will get to choose what type of brackets you would like and have your choice of our wide variety of colors. We will take the time to discuss maintaining your braces, oral hygiene and answer any questions you may have. You will also leave our office with a fun water bottle full of tools to make taking care of your braces a lot easier!
Procedure for Hyrax Expander
The Hyrax expander is an orthodontic appliance that is used to correct a crossbite. A crossbite is described as an abnormal relationship of a tooth or teeth to the opposing teeth, in which normal teeth relationships are reversed. The hyrax expander allows the palate to expand by separating the two lateral halves of the bony palate over a period of time.
It takes three appointments that are scheduled approximately one week apart in order to place the hyrax expander.
- Take orthodontic records and place separators. Orthodontic records include x-rays and photographs. We will also be placing separators between the back molars to create enough space for us to fit bands around those teeth one week later.
- Fit bands for hyrax expander. At this appointment we will be fitting bands around the back molars and taking an impression. The bands will be removed and separators will be placed again. Over the next week our lab will be using this impression and bands to make the hyrax expander.
- Banding the hyrax expander. At this appointment we will be banding the appliance. After the expander is placed, we will explain how to turn the expander and discuss how to care for the hyrax with the patient and their parent or guardian.
To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, it is imperative that the patient and orthodontist work together. During treatment rubber bands, or other appliances may need to be worn. It is very important that you as our patient, do your part by being compliant in wearing your appliances as prescribed by Dr. Cacchiotti. Let's work as a team and get that smile you deserve!