Your First Visit
It’s an exciting day! Your first visit starts with the initial consultation, which is a 60-minute visit and includes a thorough examination.
We will discuss treatment options, approximate time frame for treatment, and financial arrangements. We want you to have a clear understanding of what to expect and all the options available to you.
During the initial exam for each patient, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.
- Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
- Is treatment needed now or should it be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred?
- What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
- Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- Approximately how long will treatment take?
- How does Invisalign® work, and am I a candidate?
Although we can often answer these general questions about treatment during the initial examination, we will address specific areas after careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyze each patient’s specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.
We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment we also reserve time during the initial exam for diagnostic records. However, life is busy and if it is more convenient to schedule a separate records appointment we can accommodate that too.
These records are necessary for developing the appropriate treatment plan. At the time of this visit, we will also take X-rays, a bite registration, an upper and lower impression, and usually place spacers (no spacers for Invisalign patients) to prepare the teeth for treatment.
If you have a current (within six months) panoramic X-ray, please bring it with you, as well as your insurance information. This will help us give you the most accurate information at your visit.
We look forward to building a relationship with you and your family during your treatment at our office and can’t wait to see your new smile!
