First Visit: A Complimentary Evaluation

Our New Patient Coordinator and Drs. Pappas and Tapley set aside special time to spend one-on-one with you to determine your treatment goals, evaluate your orthodontic needs and discuss your treatment options. We want you to fully understand the options available to you so you can make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Please bring your completed Patient Information /Health History Form and any orthodontic insurance information with you.

What can you expect at your first appointment?

The initial consultation appointment typically lasts about an hour. First, our New Patient Coordinator will take an x-ray and digital photographs of your face and teeth. Then, one of the doctors will complete a thorough orthodontic exam.

After the doctor talks with you and finishes the exam, she will tell you whether or not orthodontic treatment is recommended for you. If the doctor does recommend treatment, she will talk with you about your treatment options and estimated treatment time. Dr. Pappas or Dr. Tapley will also answer any questions you might have. Our Financial Coordinator will then review the financial aspects of orthodontic treatment, how your insurance will work for you, and several affordable payment options for your consideration.

Usually treatment can begin at the next appointment, possibly the same day if you wish and schedules will allow! Before treatment actually begins, the doctors will review your treatment plan together and, at subsequent appointments, you may see either of the doctors.

Our initial consultation is complimentary. Please e-mail us or call us at 352-332-7466 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed four years of dental school and a special two or three year residency in orthodontics so they can give you the best smile possible. Orthodontists not only straighten teeth but also are interested in the bite, facial profile, and growth of the jaws.

Can you be too young or too old for braces?

For those who can benefit from orthodontics, age is not a factor.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children be evaluated for orthodontic treatment starting at the age of seven. While you may not see a problem the orthodontist may detect something that can be prevented from causing additional problems if left untreated. If the dentist or parent desires an orthodontic evaluation can be done earlier. A complete orthodontic evaluation will help Drs. Pappas and Tapley determine if a child has any orthodontic needs and the best time to address any needs. Sometimes it will be best to wait for further development to begin treatment.

Adults who have healthy teeth, gums and bone support are never too old. Many adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment so they can spend the rest of their lives with a smile they like. Drs. Pappas and Tapley will be able to evaluate any orthodontic needs during a consultation appointment.

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

The cost of orthodontic treatment is based on many factors, including the types of appliances that will be used and how long treatment is needed. At the initial appointment, Dr. Pappas and Dr. Tapley will make recommendations for treatment. We can then discuss the financial aspects of your treatment. We offer several flexible payment plans, we accept Mastercard, VISA and Discover and are happy to work with most insurance companies to make braces affordable for you.

Does your office accept insurance?

Our office works with most insurance companies and will be happy to file your insurance claim for you in most cases. Our Financial Coordinator will assist you with determining the orthodontic benefits of your insurance plan. We also accept assignment of benefits in most cases so your initial expenses are reduced.

What are your office hours and appointment times?

Our office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed for lunch from 1 to 2 pm. Appointments are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am until 4:15 pm. On Tuesdays, we schedule emergency appointments only, as the doctors and staff are performing all their behind the scenes activities to make patient time as effective and efficient as possible. A doctor is always on call nights, weekends and holidays for emergencies.

We understand that you have many constraints on your time and try to schedule all appointments at times that work best with your schedule. However, please note that some appointments - especially longer appointments (placing new appliances, removing braces, etc.) – are only scheduled earlier in the day so the doctors can dedicate lots of one-on-one time with you. Most of your appointments will last about 15 minutes.

How long do I have to wait before I start treatment?

At your first appointment, the doctor will tell you whether or not treatment is recommended and determine the best time to begin for the best results. If you are ready for treatment, we can make an appointment to get started immediately. Sometimes the doctor will recommend waiting to begin treatment if they feel it will make the overall treatment time shorter or if other dental procedures need to be completed first. In still other cases, the doctor will recommend a waiting period, especially if a child has not lost all his or her baby teeth. The doctors always strive to obtain the best possible result in the shortest time possible.

What is “early treatment” or Phase I treatment?

Drs. Pappas and Tapley sometimes recommend early treatment (Phase I) for children who still have primary teeth. For more information about the different types of treatment, please visit our Treatment Options page.