Seeing an orthodontist might seem a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things you can expect during a visit to your orthodontist’s office and some factors to consider before scheduling your appointment.
First Visit: The Initial Consultation
Your very first appointment at our office is referred to as your “initial consultation.” At this consultation we want to gather as much information as possible about you and your concerns, whether the appointment is for you or your child. We will ask about information concerning your or your child’s smile, facial aesthetics, and bite.
At this consultation Dr. Broess wants to hear your concerns and he will examine your facial aesthetics, smile, and your teeth. Our assistants will take regular photos of your bite and smile and if necessary, take x-rays. These records are all free of charge and necessary to come to a treatment plan for you or your child. After Dr. Broess examined all of the records and gathered information, he will discuss the possible treatment options for you.
Appointments for Children and Teens
The right time to start orthodontics varies for each patient. In general, children should receive their first orthodontic exam by seven years of age. At this age Dr. Broess will conduct an assessment of your child’s dental and orthopedic development to determine if there is any need for early treatment or that we can wait and continue to monitor your child’s further development.
Appointments for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. If you are an adult you can still get the smile you always wanted or address oral health needs. Over 1.5 million adults receive orthodontic care every year based on data from 2016, and that number is only rising. If you have been putting off seeing an orthodontist we invite you to make an appointment and see if treatment is right for you.
Types of Treatments
When you hear “orthodontist” the image of metal braces may come to mind. Metal braces are a commonly known and time-tested option for orthodontic treatment, but not the only option. At Braces for a Great Smile we offer a variety of options: metal braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, Invisalign®, and clear aligners. Each treatment has pros and cons and things to consider for individual needs. We will discuss which treatment option is best for you at your initial consultation. To read more about these options visit our Orthodontic Treatment page on our website.
How Long Will Treatment Take
One thing that most people are concerned about when scheduling orthodontics appointments is how long the process will take. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all process and length of the treatment process depends on each patients’ needs. On average, it takes about 9 to 18 months to complete an orthodontic treatment, though it can take shorter or longer.
Individual appointments can also vary in time based on needs. Tightening braces are a common appointment as it is required every six weeks and will take about 15-20 minutes each.
Payments
Payments are another part of the orthodontic treatment process that varies for each patient. Generally speaking, the cost of treatment depends on the severity of your bite. The treatment coordinator at our office will discuss with you all the fees and payment options available to you before treatment begins.
At Braces for a Great Smile we have several payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. Read more about our payment plans and fees here.
If you have insurance, we will determine the coverage you have available. Generally, your insurance will only pay a certain amount for orthodontic treatment. For the balance, we can help you with our various payment plans.
We work hard to make your orthodontic treatment as easy as possible for you.
We hope that this post has answered some of the pressing questions you may have about scheduling your first or next appointment at Braces for a Great Smile. You can make an appointment on our website or contact us with any questions you still have.
