Donnelly Orthodontics

You and the Orthodontist

Our Team Philosophy for Optimum Dental Care - Growth and development frequently play a major role in the success of orthodontic treatment.

For this reason, Dr. Donnelly communicates closely with each patient's primary care dentist, as well as his or her physician or pediatrician. A complete diagnosis and treatment plan is filed with the primary dental and medical offices, and updates are forwarded throughout a patient's care.

Your First Orthodontic Visit is to conduct an initial examination or screening. Our office offers a complimentary exam to all patients. In most cases digital images will be taken at the first visit.

Dr. Donnelly and the entire staff take pride in offering the latest orthodontic technologies. With the use of video imaging, we have the ability to "morph" your existing smile, into your smile of the future.

Depending upon Dr. Donnelly's findings at the examination appointment, a custom plan for treatment is developed that could begin with any one of the following stages for comprehensive orthodontic care:

Observation of Growth and Development - A monitoring phase for children who may not be "dentally" ready for the start of treatment, although some orthodontic problems are evident.

This observation stage proves most beneficial as Dr. Donnelly is able to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least time and expense. Observation appointments are offered to patients at no cost.
Interceptive Guidance or Early Interceptive Phase Treatment - Because 75% of a child's growth occurs before the age of 10, early orthodontic treatment is often beneficial in directing moldable, growing bones to produce a greatly improved profile and a healthy, properly functioning mouth.

Waiting until the teenage years to correct the imbalances of facial bones can result in a less than ideal profile, can often require the removal of teeth, and can begin TMJ or jaw joint difficulties.
Full Phase Treatment - When only one timeframe for treatment or one course for orthodontic appliances is indicated. Dr. Donnelly is able to predict the exact plan and timeframe for this type of phase, based on the fact that all of the permanent teeth are either erupted, or the eruption time is predictable. A comprehensive full phase of orthodontic treatment means that with patient cooperation, the orthodontist does not predict the need for any additional treatment, once the problem is corrected.