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Ohana! "means famliy!" We are always eager to meet new patients and welcome them into our family. Your first visit will be for a patient consultation and examination. During your initial examination, Dr. McFadden will discuss several key features of your individualized treatment plan. With the help of our imaging software, we will provide powerful visuals to effectively communicate and educate you about best treatment options for you. We will take the utmost care to provide you with individualized treatment
What to expect your first visit:
- We will take digital photographs of your face and teeth. Complimentary x-rays may also be taken if needed (usually for patients under 13 years of age). Realizing the fast pace of today’s lifestyles and the value of your time, we have an in-house orthodontic lab and x-ray developing for your convenience.
- Dr McFadden will give a thorough examination to determine:
- If orthodontic treatment is needed;
- The appropriate time to begin treatment;
- The available treatment options;
- The anticipated length of treatment; and
- How much the treatment will cost.
- Explanation of individualized treatment plan with take home welcome packet.
- Our treatment coordinator will discuss insurance benefits and help you find the perfect financial plan to get you started.
- Scheduling of any necessary appointments.
We look forward to meeting you!
New Patient Form
Please download the form and fill out before your visit. You may bring the form on your visit, or email to:
nazortho@aol.com Subject: New Patient Form Submission
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New Patient Form |
Patient Gallery
Congratulations to our latest smiling faces!
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206 W. Hunt Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-774-4982
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Before and After Photos
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Refer a Friend
Give the gift of a complimentary consultation to a friend or family member. If you are a patient of ours, you can receive a $100 credit/gift certificate by referring a friend to our practice. Simply click here for the printable certificate.
Oral Hygiene
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Braces, wires, bands, and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of harmful bacteria, food, and saliva, which, if allowed to build up, can attack your teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease.
Brushing
Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after each meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. We recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush with moderate force and a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and that you brush at least two times per day. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to pick up a replacement from us when you come in. Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth, including areas above, below, and between each brace.
Flossing
Flossing is more difficult when you have braces on your teeth. A floss threader, provided in your braces kit, may be needed to get the floss under the archwire. Use a piece of floss about 12 inches long. Use the floss threader to get the floss under the wire. Slide the floss up and down along the tooth surface. When the tooth is clean, the floss will “squeak” as you slide it up and down along the tooth surface. Be very careful to not pull with too much force on your archwire. Flossing is important and should be done every day. The best time to floss is before bedtime after brushing, in order to remove plaque missed by brushing.
Interdental toothbrush
An interdental toothbrush, provided in your braces kit, is another aid you may find useful to keep your teeth, braces, and gums clean and healthy. It can be used to clean under orthodontic wires and around braces. Use this device slowly, so you do not damage your braces.
Cleaning a removable appliance
All orthodontic appliances tend to accumulate food particles and plaque just like teeth do. Every time you brush your teeth, brush your removable appliance. Once a day, you should soak your appliance in a glass of room temperature tap water with a denture-cleaning tablet, such as Polident or Efferdent. This will help prevent plaque buildup and oral infections and will keep your appliance tasting better. Do not use hot water, as it can distort the appliance.
Appointments
We do our best to accommodate your needs! The first appointment time that starts your treatment (braces, appliances, Invisalign aligners, etc.) is usually 40 to 80 minutes long, depending upon the procedure. These appointments are scheduled in the morning to allow more patients to be able to be seen in the after-school and after-work time (for shorter appointments of 20 to 40 minutes—you will be having those too!). These are usually scheduled every seven to nine weeks for Dr. McFadden to monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary.
Orthodontic Emergencies
True orthodontic emergencies usually involve trauma to the face, neck or jaw. If you experience pain, swelling or bleeding, please call the office at 928-774-4982 Please do not come directly to the office. By calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
Loose brackets or bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a brace or wire is loosened. The brace may need to be re-fitted. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off of 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.
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.
1. Does my family dentist have to schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, although many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, most patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should receive an orthodontic screening by age 7 - 9. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and x-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.
6. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is often necessary for orthodontic treatment. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
7. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The average timeframe a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
8. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
9. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every seven to nine weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
10. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled seven to nine weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
11. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On most occasions, we would like to speak with a parent about their child's progress.
12. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
13. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
14. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
15. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
16. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for all sports.
17. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
18. Are there certain foods that I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e., caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
19. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least two times each day: preferably after each meal. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription.
20. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain, or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
21. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
22. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One Treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of seven and ten. Phase One Treatment lasts about 12 to 21 months. The primary objective for Phase One Treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem.
23. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One Treatment. The period following Phase One Treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
24. Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
25. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
