Your first visit to our orthodontist office is an exciting time! We understand that choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we love welcoming new patients each day. Swan Orthodontics offers an outstanding orthodontic experience that is friendly, fun, and effective.
We know that every smile is unique, so we treat all of our patients according to their individual needs. We want you to be as comfortable as possible while you are on your way to the healthiest smile of your dreams. We have put together this helpful guide to give you insight into your first orthodontic visit with us. Enjoy!
Your initial Exam and Consultation
When you arrive for your first visit, you will be greeted and given a tour of our office. We will ask a few questions about your medical and dental history and collect your insurance information. We will take a panoramic X-ray as well as photos of your face and teeth. But don’t worry, these will be painless! The x-rays are really important because they allow us to view the underlying structures that are critically involved in most orthodontic problems. These include teeth that have yet to breach the gum line and shifting or growing bones and teeth. For younger clients, x-rays are generally even more important because there is so much left to develop.
Dr. Swan will review the photos with you and also examine your teeth and bite. All of this unique information will allow her to determine the best timing and course of treatment because everyone’s teeth are unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontics.
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed treatment as well as view models and animations of the recommended techniques and appliances. We want to give everyone involved enough time to understand the process without the need to rush. Our treatment coordinator will be available to discuss the cost of treatment, including payment options and any available insurance benefits. By the end of the initial examination, it is our goal for the patient and family to understand:
- Whether treatment is indicated or not
- The proposed treatment (or available treatment options)
- The recommended timing of treatment for the most efficient and effective results
- The length and cost of treatment
Patients who decide to proceed with treatment will require complete diagnostic records. This can often be completed at your first visit as well. We will also take a cephalometric X-ray and take impressions of the teeth for plaster models. The process is quite simple; you simply bite down on a bit of soft, putty-like for just a moment. We then quickly remove it and make a mold of the impression you have made. It is really a neat process because you can see your teeth in a way you have never considered before. All of this information is used to formulate a more complete diagnosis and custom treatment plan.
See you soon!
We hope this outline of a first visit to our office was helpful in easing any anxieties you might have had for yourself or your child. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine a child’s teeth by the time he or she is 7 years old, even while baby teeth are still in the mouth. We would love to welcome you or your child to our family! If you have any questions or would like to schedule your first appointment, give us a call! Swan Orthodontics proudly serves patients from Kentwood, Caledonia, Byron Center, and throughout western Michigan. We look forward to meeting you!