First Visit

Your first visit to our orthodontic office is an exciting time!  It is a chance for us to get acquainted, and for you to learn about your malocclusion and the treatments available for you.  It  all starts with the initial consultation.

For your first visit you should plan to spend at least 1 hour with us.  That is to ensure that no one has to rush, and we have enough time to gather information we need and answer any questions you may have.  You will meet one of our patient coordinators, who will take some information from you and give you a tour of the office. Then it's time for some diagnostic work and a clinical exam.

Also it would be best if all the decision makers for the treatment be present at this visit so everybody can have a chance to understand the proposed treatment and ask any questions they may have.

Let's Make a Plan

A big part of our job today is to determine your main concern about your teeth and/or face, what treatment is necessary and whether we should begin now, or wait until a later time.  

Our procedure starts by taking a set of regular photographs of the face and teeth. We then perform an initial clinical examination and depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaw, treatment may or may not be recommended at this time.

In the case of a younger child, they may be placed in our Growth Guidance program and will be advised to return for regular periodic check-ups until it is time to begin.  If treatment has been indicated now, our Orthodontist will discuss possible treatment options and will answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment. Our Treatment Coordinator will also provide you with the estimated treatment fees and our affordable payment plan options.

When you decide to proceed with treatment, the next step is additional orthodontic records to assist our Orthodontist in making a complete and accurate diagnosis.  These include X-rays and 3D models that allow us to see what’s going on beneath the gums, the position and growth of bones and jaw joints. We are happy to schedule this appointment for you at a later date or for your convenience, this appointment may also be completed at your initial exam, time permitting. 

Whether you are 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 different 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 is it 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?

• Will I need retainers after treatment?

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 your complimentary consultation!