Dr. Geoffrey Newton attended the University of Toronto where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. He then went on to McGill University Montreal Canada to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Saint Louis University for his Master of Science – Orthodontic Specialty.

Dr. Newton enjoys life at home with his lovely bride Kathy, their son, Matthew, and daughter, Alexandra.

Dr. Newton enjoys squash, tennis, snorkeling, scuba diving, boardsailing and golf. He collects orchids, enjoys maintaining reef aquariums, and is somewhat of an amateur herpetologist (the study of amphibians and reptiles). Beyond this, extra time is either spent cooking or eating well!

YOUR FIRST VISIT

Orthodontics is non-invasive and so, is well received from most patients. Fear or apprehension is seldom an issue, but we eliminate any potential problem by fully explaining every step of the way to our patients.

At your first visit, you will be greeted at the front desk and will fill out our health history form. To assist with your paperwork, please remember to bring your insurance card with you. Next, the patient will proceed with diagnostic records, consisting of photos of your teeth and smile and digital panorex and cephalometric radiographs with the treatment coordinator.

This appointment completes the data gathering process and allows for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. The diagnosis and treatment plan are then reviewed at a subsequent consultation appointment. At the consultation, we then work together to decide what the best treatment is for you. Dr. Rahimi or Dr. Newton will then perform an examination, and discuss your teeth, bite, and related problems and related problems. We will discuss treatment options and demonstrate applicable appliances if needed, while answering any questions that may arise.

If treatment is necessary, we will explain our fee plan, discuss insurance options and answer any questions. You will leave the office with an initial examination summary, clinical findings (what we found), treatment options, how long treatment will take, what the next steps are and payment options.

TWO PHASE ORTHODONTICS

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for un-erupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. They are flexible, compliant and their growth potential is still at a maximum. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and aesthetic occlusion.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

SO, YOU ARE GETTING BRACES!  HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

FIRST DAYS IN BRACES

The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially, but takes 24-hours to completely cure. You can eat anytime after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods that may be harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

WILL BRACES CAUSE DISCOMFORT?

Initially the braces feel like they “stick out”. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have “toughened”, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of dental wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be “tender” and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness during the first eight hours, dissipating within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Before leaving the office, there are routine steps which we ask you complete prior to leaving. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit:

• Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.
  Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.
• Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1-2 weeks after an appointment before scheduling your next office visit complicates the scheduling process, since appointments are programmed 6-8 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.

INVISALIGN.  THE MOST COMFORTABLE OPTION

FIRST DAYS IN BRACES

Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Invisalign is made to fit your lifestyle:

• Clear, virtually invisible aligners
• Removable, will not get in the way of your activities
• Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss
• Graduate to a new set of aligners about every two weeks
• Easy to monitor your progress with regular appointments
• Effective for a wide range of smiles. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. Our doctors will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, including: Overly crowded teeth, Widely spaced teeth, Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.

Please allow the following time for each appointment type:

• Records, if not part of the Initial Examination – 30 minutes
• Clinical Consultation – 30 minutes
• Initial Bonding – 2 to 2½ hours
• Adjustment Appointments – 30 minutes