For all of our patients over eighteen, we appoint you with the doctor first, for one full hour. We understand that to some patients with a busy schedule, this might seem like an unnecessary waste of time; however, as we get older there are a number of factors that can negatively impact our oral condition, so we want to ensure that we have a thorough and complete record of your teeth, gums and other soft tissue. This is why a comprehensive exam includes periodontal probing (measuring gum level), an oral cancer screening, TMJ evaluation (jaw and bite alignment), documenting existing work, reviewing x-rays and diagnosing anything that needs to be done. We divide our treatment plans into three separate phases. The first is ‘disease control’, this means any active decay that is going on in your mouth currently is the number priority to address. The second phase of our treatment plan is ‘restorative’, which means anything broken. Our goal is to get your mouth disease free and functionally stable for what we all need to be able to do to remain healthy and happy- eat! The final phase is purely elective and not for everyone. Because some of our patients are interested in improving the look of their smile, we can review cosmetic options which could include adult orthodontics using clear aligners and teeth whitening. Learn more about how we treat new patients.