First Visit

Thank you for visiting the web site of Dr. Rael Bernstein. Our site provides important information about our practice that will help you become familiar with orthodontics. Our office is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. We will make every effort to ensure that your first visit with us is a comfortable and informative experience.

Orthodontic problems require specialized care. Patients who have dental and facial irregularities should see an orthodontist. Our specific qualifications in the design, application and control of corrective appliances will bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment for optimal facial balance.

The practice of Dr. Bernstein has the specialized equipment, facility and staff to properly address today's most demanding orthodontic needs in a warm and caring environment. We are conveniently located in Santa Rosa at 2245 Montgomery Dr, and Windsor, located at 8741 Brooks Road South Suite 200. Dr. Bernstein can be reached at (707) 575-0600. Our fax number is (707) 575-5375.

Our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of treatment using state of the art braces and appliances with a caring, comfortable and enjoyable experience. We are happy that you are visiting our web site. Please feel free to e-mail or call us with any questions. Thank you for stopping by!

Mission Statement

• To provide each patient with a unique orthodontic experience by guiding them in a caring, compassionate and warm atmosphere.
• To make orthodontics fun, affordable and convenient.
• To provide the highest possible quality, technology and service through continuing education, communication, efficient scheduling and on-time treatment completion.
• To achieve improved oral health, self esteem and a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
• Create raving and confident referrals.

Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and digital diagnostic photographs which aid the discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child. You will also receive information regarding the timing and length of treatment as well as cost breakdown and payment options.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

• Any x-rays (if applicable)
• A list of medications you are presently taking
• If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
• Completed online or printed patient registration forms.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at (707) 575-0600. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. There is a $125.00 charge for appointments missed without prior notice. If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering machine and we will return your call in the morning. Once you become a patient our automatic appointment confirmation system will call or email you a  reminder of your upcoming appointment. You can also access your appointments by logging into ISIS with your password.

Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled to start treatment as long as there is no outstanding dental treatment needed. Before placing braces, orthodontic records are required in order to confirmed the proposed treatment plan discussed during the exam. These consist of digital study models, and digital orthodontic x-rays. For your convenience, all records are taken at our office thus eliminating the need to go to an outside laboratory. We use the very latest digital x-ray equipment that greatly reduced radiation exposure levels. (picture of digital X-ray machine)

Successive Visits

Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Using the latest in self ligating braces we are able to cut down the number of visits to our office during your treatment. This results in less missed school and more convenient treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 8-12 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, eat nutritiously and practice good oral hygiene. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly.

Retention

Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected! We offer fixed and removable retainers as well as clear invisible retainers.

Length of Treatment

Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation and the degree of movement possible. Rest assured that, the shortest most gentle treatment protocols are used for your treatment thanks to the advanced  brace and wire technology used in our office.  (pictures of before and after Damon cases with length of Tx and no. of visits)

Dental Care

Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease.

Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement.

Please contact our office if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. You or your child may or may not be ready for treatment. Therefore, a consultation will allow us to better understand your needs.