Office Visits
Your First Visit
We look forward to getting to know each of our new patients! Your first visit is a great opportunity for Dr. Boe and the rest of the ZBO team to get to know each patient and the family, and to address any questions or concerns you may have.
We will collect your new patient paperwork and some additional information, and Dr. Boe will spend some time evaluating the patient’s teeth in preparation for determining an individualized treatment plan.
Records
Your next visit will involve collecting diagnostic records in order to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, digital study models of the teeth, photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and X-rays.
This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as teeth move under orthodontic care.
Consultation
After Dr. Boe has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.
Appointments
Regular visits occur at four- to eight-week intervals. As a courtesy to all our patients, we strive to stay on schedule. Arriving on time for your appointments is essential and appreciated.
Because we prepare them in advance, materials needed for your appointment are reserved just for you. Please consider your schedule carefully in choosing your appointments.
Patients who miss appointments delay their treatment time. If a patient arrives late for an appointment, we may have to reschedule. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.
Our Schedule
We have timed and analyzed each kind of appointment in our office. From this study we have determined the best time of day for specific procedures in order to accommodate all our patients and parents.
In an effort to minimize excessive time away from school and work, we schedule only 15-to-20-minute appointments during early mornings and late afternoons. Longer and more involved appointments are scheduled during school hours.
School Absence
When your son or daughter must come to our office for an appointment during school hours, the absence will be excused.
Emergencies
When a patient is in discomfort, we are here to help. Please call our office phone numbers at (319) 352-4750 or (319) 260-2077, and we will schedule you for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Loose or broken braces, wires, or appliances may or may not qualify as emergencies, so please call our assistant and she will determine whether a quick visit to the office is needed or not.
Change of Appointed Time Scheduled
Call us in advance to any regular appointment to alert us to any problems. We will need to schedule an appointment to repair the situation, and this often requires more time than a regularly scheduled appointment.
Cooperation
Treatment is teamwork, and cooperation is the single most important factor in achieving ideal treatment results and keeping treatment on schedule. We also provide progress updates throughout treatment to keep you informed of treatment progress.
Also, if any questions arise during treatment, always feel free to ask the doctors or the assistants. We will try to answer any questions you have to keep you informed of the treatment progress and future plans.
Diet
Loose or broken braces or appliances are normally caused by improper eating habits and will cause treatment progress to be delayed. You will want to avoid hard or sticky foods that will damage the braces.
Hygiene
It is essential for you to maintain your checkups with your family dentist every six months throughout orthodontic treatment. Braces are very good food collectors, so this presents an excellent opportunity to learn how to care for your teeth and gums properly.
Your cooperation in this area is essential. Our office provides a tooth-brushing area so our patients can brush can before each appointment.
Elastics
Rubber bands may be required during treatment. Please follow the instructions carefully so you can finish your treatment on time. If elastics are not worn consistently or correctly, your treatment will not progress as needed.
Retainers
When the braces are removed, treatment is not over. The retention phase begins, and it is essential that the retainers are worn as prescribed to ensure the stability of the teeth. The total orthodontic fee includes the first set of retainers as well as follow-up appointments for two years.
