Getting Started

Your first visit to our orthodontic office is an exciting time! It’s a chance for us to get acquainted, and for you to learn about the treatments and services we offer. When you walk in the door, you may notice that our office looks similar to your regular dentist’s office; what we do here, however, is a little different. It all starts with the initial consultation.

You should plan to spend at least an hour with us the first time. That’s to ensure no one has to rush, and you get plenty of time to ask any questions you may have. You will meet our patient treatment coordinator, who will take some information from you and bring you through the office. Then it’s time for your exam.

Let’s Make a Plan

A big part of our job today is to determine what treatment is necessary to correct any problems we may find ... and whether we should begin now, or wait until a more ideal time.

We will perform a careful, clinical examination. Besides looking in the mouth, we may also ask questions, such as whether the jaws make noise when the mouth is opening or closing, or if there are any problems chewing or swallowing. Taken together, this information will enable us to make a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Discussing Your Treatment Options

Following the exam, we may tell you that things are just fine, or we may recommend treatment. Treatment might begin right away or at a later time, depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws. Sometimes, we’ll advise you to return for a periodic checkup, until we determine it’s the best time to start.

Whether you’re starting now or later, this is the best time to ask questions about the process. We can talk about available treatment choices, answer general questions about what to expect at the various stages of the process, and discuss any of the following:

• Can orthodontic treatment benefit me (or my child)?
• What general procedures will be used to correct the problem?
• Are any options available (or recommended) for my treatment?
• Should I get treatment now, or would it be better to wait?
• Will tooth extraction be necessary?
• How much does treatment cost? Are payment plans available?
• How long do you expect treatment should take?

When you leave our office, we think you’ll have a better understanding of how we can help you get the best possible smile. So why not take the first step now: Call us for a consultation!