Support Center

Early evaluation provides a timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity to give the most effective treatment. Also, this allows the orthodontist to monitor tooth eruption and growth. By following this development, treatment can begin at the most ideal time.

The term interceptive treatment means to stop or prevent early on before making a situation much worse. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatments are: Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth Reducing the risk to protruding front teeth Preserving space for unerupted teeth Eliminating habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting Reducing the need for tooth removal Reducing treatment time with braces

Orthodontics is not just for improving the look of the smile; orthodontic treatment corrects bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, and feel about your smile.

Malocclusions that are untreated can result in a variety of problems. Teeth that are crowded create more difficulty in proper brushing and flossing which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that protrude are more prone to accidental chipping and crossbite can result in abnormal wear of the teeth. Open bite can result in tongue thrusting habits and speech impediment. Orthodontics does more than create a pretty smile, it creates a more functional bite for a healthier you.

Braces are not just for kids. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if the patient has healthy gums and bone structure. There are a variety of treatment methods that are designed for different age groups, including adults. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is also very important. The new techniques we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you a choice of several options. Your options may include: Metal braces, clear braces, smart clip braces (self-legating), or clear aligners (originator). During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible option for treatment of your case. A significant percentage of our patients are adults and thus it is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment.

When we remove your braces, we begin the most important phase of your treatment, the retention stage. Your final orthodontic result depends on your wearing of retainers. Therefore, we recommended lifetime retention, using a system that gradually reduces the time you need to wear retainers.

No. You can come straight in our office and set an appointment at any time.

We find it a joy and a pleasure to meet new patients during their first visit to our office. Your initial appointment will begin with completion of a registration form containing medical/dental history. Filling out this form should take about 10 minutes. The patients will then be escorted into our dental examination room by one of our orthodontic assistants. The doctor will then enter the room and perform an extensive examination evaluating the number of teeth, alignment of teeth, the bite, the lips, cheeks, and tongue. This exam should take about 5 minutes. The parent will then be brought into the exam room and in understandable terms the orthodontic needs of the patient will be discussed. The parent will actually be shown these needs by looking in the patients mouth with doctor, all possible treatment options and how our office functions will be discussed. This portion of the initial examination should take about 15 minutes. If the patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment, you will have the option of taking diagnostic records following this exam or scheduling a future records appointment. These diagnostic records will take approximately 30 minutes. The records will include X-Rays, photos, and impressions for study models that are necessary for formulating the proper treatment plan.

Dr. Carley has been practicing orthodontics for 40+ years. He was raised in the town of Crescent City in Central Illinois. In 1974 he graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelors Degree. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1978 and received his Orthodontic Certificate from the University of Illinois in 1980. He and his wife, Linda, moved to Pontiac in October 1980, and at that time he opened his practice. Dr. Carley and Linda have 7 children. The 5 older children are all in the health field, including a son and his wife, who are dentists in Pontiac. Dr. Carley is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, Illinois State Dental Society, and McLean County Dental Society. He is also a member of the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce, Pontiac Elks Club, and serves on the Pontiac Christian School Board.

We request 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule.

We are conveniently located in Pontiac, Illinois. Our address is 1405 W. Reynolds Street, which is Route 116 West.

If an emergency occurs, such as a broken wire, loose bracket, band, or tissue irritation during office hours please contact the office. If the emergency occurs when we are out of the office please leave a message with your name and number. We will return your call as soon as we are back in the office and advise you of how to handle the situation.

All orthodontic case fees are presented to you with a payment plan. Our office will help you receive your maximum orthodontic insurance benefit. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is separate from your regular dental insurance. Insurance policies vary but we will review and submit your insurance to determine an estimated benefit. Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit. During the course of treatment, if your benefit changes or is terminated, the responsible party is financially responsible for all fees.

Thank you for taking the time to refer patients to our office. Your dentist can refer patients to our office, but we also take referrals from you, your family, and your friends. We appreciate the confidence you show in us when you refer someone to our office.

We can often answer this question after the FREE initial exam. After taking the records, an evening consultation (1 hour in length) will be scheduled to discuss treatment options, treatment objectives, length of treatment, number of appointments, and patient cooperation, total case fee, payment plan, and insurance coverage. All appliances being used will be there for visual inspection including the type of braces and retainers. Any and all questions will be answered at this consultation appointment. We intend to have patients and parents be totally educated and leave this consultation with a complete understanding of orthodontic treatment for the specific case.