Getting Started
- Give our office a call or schedule free consultation. No referral is necessary.
- Fill out our simple online forms before your visit. This will save you time when you’re are in the office and allow us to do a complimentary insurance benefits check before you arrive at your appointment.
- Come in for your smile and bite assessment and meet Drs. Sarah and Tanner and see our state-of-the-art offices.
- If treatment is indicated, we can get you started the same day saving you from missing additional school or work. We know how busy you are and make starting treatment as easy and convenient as possible.
First Visit
Our team is committed to making your treatment as easy and enjoyable as possible, in a friendly and welcoming environment. At your initial appointment, Drs. Sarah and Tanner will perform a thorough, complimentary examination and discuss potential treatment options. We’ll also get you acquainted with the process and procedures for braces.
If treatment is indicated, we’ll begin by taking diagnostic pictures, x-rays of your teeth, and impressions. These diagnostics will be referenced throughout your treatment and used to monitor progress. There is a charge for collecting the diagnostics.
Drs. Sarah and Tanner will then be able to develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific treatment needs. We will take the time to answer all your questions regarding treatment and estimated costs. Our staff is here to help you get the most out of your orthodontic experience.
Patient Information
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Office Policies
As a courtesy to our patients, we will gladly bill your insurance for you. We accept assignment of benefits from most insurances, meaning that your insurance will pay our office directly for your services. However there are some insurances, that only allow payment to be sent to the subscriber (you). If this is the case we will do our best to notify you in advance. Any claim not paid by your insurance will become your responsibility.
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Payments
Payment for services is expected at the time of treatment unless prior arrangements have been made for you. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and major credit cards.
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New Patient Forms
You may access the following forms securely online to assist us with your care prior to your appointment.
North Liberty Forms
Muscatine Forms
Emergency Info
There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call us as soon as possible so we can fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, read below on how resolve minor problems you may encounter during you orthodontic treatment.
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Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
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Wire Irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
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Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
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Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.