Your First Appointment

At your first visit to Dr. Shpuntoff 's office, you will be greeted by our friendly staff. Your first visit will be approximately 45 minutes long. The necessary Medical History Forms are available for download to allow you to fill out the forms in the privacy of your own home, which can help expedite meeting the doctor. You will have the opportunity to meet the doctor and have a one-on-one thorough discussion regarding orthodontics and get a feel for what is involved with treatment. Dr. Shpuntoff is a very patient and compassionate doctor, and he thoroughly understands that many patients may be scared, nervous, anxious or even skeptical about having any form of orthodontic treatment. Any questions, concerns or reservations that you may have can be addressed with the doctor. Dr. Shpuntoff may recommend having diagnostic records taken at this time. However, he understands that for many, orthodontic treatment can be a very big step and a follow up appointment can be made whenever you are ready.

Diagnostic records, or a “Work-up” as our office calls it, consist of digital photographs, two types of digital x-rays, and impressions, also known as plaster study models of the teeth. The digital photographs allow the doctor to see your teeth alignment and bite in greater detail. The two types of digital x-rays taken are the Panorex x-ray and the Cephlometric x-ray.

As the name suggests, a Panoramic x-ray makes a complete half circle from ear to ear to produce a complete two dimensional representation of all your teeth to give an overall picture of your teeth and jaw bones.

Panoramic x-rays are especially effective in the following areas:

• Fractures of the teeth and/or jaws can be seen when it is difficult to open your mouth
• Viewing development, position, and eruption of primary teeth so we can see all your child’s baby teeth and permanent teeth  at one time
• Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw hinge) dysfunction
• Viewing impacted wisdom teeth
• Detecting presence of bone or gum diseases
• Surveying the sinus region
• Examining trauma patients
• Obtaining baseline data for long term dental health
• Diagnostic data for referring dentist to use
• Evaluation for full or partial removable dentures, dental implants, or braces.
• Alternative for those who cannot tolerate other types of films, gaggers.
• New patients to help screen for diseases beyond just the teeth.
• Genetic abnormalities.