Your First Visit

In-Person Consultations

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized orthodontic care.

During your first visit, you’ll become familiar with our process and procedures. We will discuss your customized treatment options in detail, including the estimated treatment length and associated costs.

Our in-person consultations allow us to thoroughly understand your unique needs and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to you. Your initial visit will typically last between 45 minutes to an hour.

Before your visit: Patient Health Form

Prior to your in-person consultation, we will send you a Patient Health Form. We kindly ask that you fill this out in advance. This form helps us understand your medical history, current health status, and specific concerns you may have. You are also welcome to send us any previous health/dental records and X-rays.

Diagnostics

Leveraging advanced diagnostic tools is essential in providing top-tier airway-centered orthodontic care.

Identify/Assess underlying causes of orthodontic & airway issues
Facilitate early intervention and preventive care
Enhanced ability to monitor progress and outcomes

Undiagnosed airway problems are the most common root cause of jaw problems and orthodontic issues. A compromised or under developed airway can lead to habitual mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep related breathing disorders including sleep apnea. These breathing abnormalities can cause the body to compensate by altering the position of the jaw and tongue, which can result in orthodontic problems such as overbites, underbites, and crowded/crooked teeth.

This is where advanced technologies such as the CBCT machine, digital scanner, and sleep screening tools come into play. They enable us to accurately diagnose airway problems and create customized treatment plans that address the root cause of orthodontic and jaw issues, ultimately improving our patients’ quality of life.

Digital Scans

Initial Photos and Records - iTero Scan

During your visit, we will take initial records and one of our orthodontic assistants will perform an oral examination by taking a digital scan of the patient’s mouth to evaluate the position of the teeth and bite with our 3D scanning software, also known as the iTero intraoral scan. This advanced technology creates a precise 3D model of your teeth and gums using digital imaging. Unlike traditional impressions, the iTero scan is quick, comfortable, and mess-free, allowing us to plan your orthodontic treatment with exceptional accuracy for optimal results.

Is an iTero Scan an X-ray?

No, an iTero scan is not an X-ray. It is a digital scanning process that uses a handheld wand to capture images of your teeth and gums. Unlike X-rays, which use radiation to produce images of the internal structures of your teeth and jaw, the iTero scanner uses optical and laser technology to create a detailed digital model. This makes the iTero scan a safe and comfortable alternative for obtaining detailed dental records.

Example of what an iTero Scan looks like

Dr. Yu Examination

After gathering your initial photos and iTero scan, our team will carefully review all records and address any follow-up questions to gain a complete understanding of your case.

As part of the in person consultation, Dr. Yu will follow with a thorough examination to identify any issues that may not be visible in the scans and photos, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of your oral health.

CBCT X-ray

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we utilize the latest advanced imaging technology to ensure precise and comprehensive diagnostic information.

One of the key X-ray technologies we use is the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan.

What is a CBCT Scan and Its Advantages?

A CBCT scan is a specialized type of X-ray that provides a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaw bones, and airway in a single scan. This advanced imaging technique offers numerous benefits, including:

Detailed Imaging: CBCT scans provide highly detailed images, allowing us to assess the exact position and condition of your teeth and jawbone structures. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Comprehensive View: Unlike traditional X-rays that provide flat, two-dimensional images, CBCT scans give us a 360-degree view of your oral structures. This helps in identifying issues that may not be visible with standard X-rays.
Precision in Treatment: The detailed images from a CBCT scan enable us to plan treatments with greater precision, whether it’s for orthodontic procedures, implant placements, or other dental treatments.
Monitoring Progress: CBCT scans are useful for tracking treatment progress, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed to achieve the best results.
Minimally Invasive: The scan is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it a convenient option for patients.

Radiation Level of a CBCT Scan

We understand that concerns about radiation exposure are common. It’s important to note that while a CBCT scan does involve radiation, the level of exposure is relatively low.

Comparison to Conventional Dental X-rays: A CBCT scan typically has a radiation dose that is similar to, or slightly higher than, a full-mouth series of conventional dental X-rays.
Comparison to Medical CT Scans: The radiation dose from a CBCT scan is significantly lower than that from a conventional medical CT scan, often by a factor of 10 to 100 times less.
Equivalent Exposure: The radiation from a single CBCT scan is roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation you would be exposed to over a period of several days, up to 2 weeks, depending on the specific parameters of the scan. See below for a comparison chart.

Type of Scanner/Source

Radiation Dose (µSv)

Daily Background Radiation

10 per day

Intraoral X-Ray (Bitewing)

5 per image

Panoramic X-Ray

10 to 15

*Scanner at our office: Quick CBCT Scan (commonly used for children)

7 to 30

*Scanner at our office: Dental Full Volume CBCT Scan

50 to 200

Chest X-Ray

100

Mammogram

400

Head CT Scan

1,000 to 2,000

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we use the iCAT FLX CBCT scanner to provide essential 3D imaging with radiation doses that are significantly lower than those of medical CT scans and comparable to multiple regular dental X-rays.

For children, we typically use the quick CBCT scan, which ensures precise diagnosis and effective treatment while prioritizing safety and minimizing radiation exposure.

Treatment Planning

Our goal of the consultation is to optimize treatment for each patient’s unique needs which results in better overall outcomes.

Dr. Yu will discuss the treatment options to you or your guardian, and together, you will design a personalized treatment plan that aligns with you.

Once you’ve chosen a course of treatment, a member of our team will review financing options to maximize your dental benefits and help create a payment plan that suits your needs.

Financial Information

You Are Your Best Investment

Investing in your smile can be life-changing. We understand that the financial aspect is a significant consideration, which is why we strive to make the decision easier for our patients.

Our team will thoroughly discuss the cost of your personalized treatment plan and explore all available payment options with you. This way, you can make an informed choice that best suits your finances and your smile. We will work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget, with no hidden fees.

Our goal is to provide clear and transparent information, ensuring that you feel confident about your treatment journey.

Flexible Payment Options

We offer different types of payment options including:

Interest-Free In-House Financing

Flexible financing is an essential part of personalizing your treatment. Here at Face Focused Orthodontics, we do not believe in involving third parties to dictate financial terms. We are here to take care of your treatment and financial needs.

We offer reasonable monthly payment that fits into your budget and we can adjust this based on your dental insurance coverage.

Pay in Full Discount:

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we offer a discount for patients who choose to pay in full at the start of their treatment. This option not only provides financial savings but also simplifies the payment process, allowing you to focus solely on your orthodontic care.

Orthodontic Insurance:

If you have orthodontics coverage through your insurance and wish to know the extent of your coverage, please reach out to our office and send us your insurance details via Text or Email, and we will be happy to verify for you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Orthodontics FAQ

Do we treat TMJ?

Yes, we treat Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. Our approach includes a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying causes, followed by a customized treatment plan that may involve orthodontics, physical therapy, and other interventions to relieve pain and improve function.

Do we offer reversal extractions?

Yes, we offer reversal extractions, also known as extraction reversals or dental arch expansion. This procedure aims to regain space lost from previous tooth extractions, improving dental alignment and often enhancing airway space for better breathing.

What is the estimated cost for treatment?

The cost of treatment varies depending on the specific needs and complexity of each case. We provide a comprehensive evaluation and a detailed treatment plan, including cost estimates, during the initial consultation. Flexible payment options and financing plans are available to help manage the costs.

What if I only want retainers?

If you only require retainers, we offer a variety of options tailored to your needs. An assessment will determine the best type of retainer for maintaining your dental alignment, whether you need them for nighttime use or full-time wear.

Retainer program available, contact us for more details.

Can I speed up my orthodontics treatment?

Yes, there are several methods to accelerate orthodontic treatment, such as AcceleDent, and other advanced techniques. These options can reduce treatment time by stimulating bone remodeling and tooth movement. During your consultation, we can discuss the best options for expediting your treatment.

Does medical insurance cover TMJ or Sleep Apnea treatment?

Medical insurance may cover treatments related to TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, but coverage varies by plan. We assist patients in understanding their insurance benefits and provide the necessary documentation to help with reimbursement. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.

How do you treat long distance patients?

We accommodate long-distance patients through a combination of in-office visits and remote consultations. Initial comprehensive evaluations and key treatment milestones require in-office visits, while follow-ups and minor adjustments can often be managed virtually. We strive to make treatment as convenient and effective as possible for our long-distance patients.

Does my child needs airway-focused Orthodontics treatment?

Symptoms include mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, frequent waking, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and behavior issues. Observing these signs can suggest an underlying airway issue that needs addressing. Please visit our Children Arch Development page to learn more.

At what age should my child be evaluated for airway issues?

It’s beneficial to have an evaluation as early as possible, ideally around age 7. Early intervention can guide proper jaw development and prevent more severe issues later on. However, evaluations and treatments can be effective at any age. Please visit our Children Arch Development page to learn more.

What treatments are commonly used in airway orthodontics?

Treatments may include palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, functional appliances to encourage proper jaw growth, myofunctional therapy to train proper tongue posture, and orthodontic braces or aligners to correct dental alignment without compromising airway space.

Can airway orthodontics help with sleep apnea?

Yes, airway orthodontics can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea, especially in children. By addressing structural issues in the jaw and airway, it can improve breathing during sleep, reducing or eliminating symptoms of sleep apnea.