Patients of all ages can benefit from orthodontics, and taking that first step towards improved health and a straighter smile can be really exciting! It can also be a little overwhelming, particularly in the beginning, when you may not know what to expect from your first orthodontic visit.
At Champlain Orthodontics, your trust in our practice is important to us, and want you to feel fully confident in the care we provide. That begins from the moment you walk through our door for your first visit with our Williston or St. Albans office! This is one of the most important appointments you’ll have, and we do our best to make it as rewarding and stress-free as possible.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from your first orthodontic visit and from the next steps in your orthodontic journey!
Your first visit with Brilliant Smiles Orthodontics
A big part of your initial visit with us is determining what orthodontic treatment is necessary to correct any issues we find, and whether that treatment should begin immediately.
After a warm welcome, we will introduce you to some of our talented team and show you around the office so you feel more comfortable with your surroundings. We’ll then take regular photographs of your teeth in their present state, followed by a series of x-ray images to see what’s happening beneath the gums. We’ll be looking at the position and growth of the bones and joints, along with the teeth that are still below the gum line.
In some cases, we may also take an impression, or mold, of your teeth. This lets us make an exact replica of the bite, which helps us understand exactly what the problem is and how best to treat it. This involves biting down on a soft putty-like material for a few moments. We’ll use that impression to create a mold in our lab.
At this point, Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton will look at the records and images available, then perform a careful oral examination. Besides looking in your mouth, we may ask questions about problems with chewing, swallowing, or opening and closing the mouth. When taken together, this information allows us to make a proper diagnosis. It also means we can create and finalize a customized treatment plan at this first visit!
Following the exam, we’ll let you know if treatment is recommended. This may begin right away, or at a later time, depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws. Whether you’re starting treatment now or later, this is the best time to discuss the process, and address any questions or concerns you may have. You can expect us to touch on:
- any oral issues you’re experiencing
- if treatment is needed immediately
- what treatment options are available to correct the problem
- if any permanent teeth will need to be removed first
- an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
- the total investment required for treatment
- any payment or financing options we have available to you
To create a successful treatment plan for you, we’ll look at your specific needs, your lifestyle, and your goals. This approach allows us to consistently produce superior results that will give you a smile worth sharing!
Your investment in a healthier, straighter smile
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton, we’ll walk you through the investment needed for your new smile. It’s important to note that because every patient has their own unique needs and will respond to treatment in their own way, the total treatment costs will vary from case to case. Your personalized treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered.
At Champlain Orthodontics, we believe everyone should have access to the orthodontic treatment they need. We’re committed to providing high-quality care for patients in our community by offering affordable treatment options that work with every budget. We have a wide variety of payment options to meet your needs, including cash, checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.
If you have insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, you’ll receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Since many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is distinct from regular dental insurance, our team is happy to review your insurance to help you maximize your benefits. Once treatment has started, we can file your claims for you.
Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit for you or your child. If, during the course of treatment, your benefits change, the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.
What comes next
Once your consultation is complete, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your new orthodontic appliance. You can expect follow-up appointments with us every 6-8 weeks or so, depending on the type of treatment. During these visits, we’ll adjust your appliance if necessary and check that everything is progressing according to plan.
These visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so it’s important that you don’t skip them. We understand that sometimes life has other plans, though! While we do our best to make sure appointments are scheduled for a day and time that’s convenient for you, if for some reason you’re running late or can’t make your appointment, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to accommodate you by rescheduling your appointment for another day to keep your treatment on track.
At Champlain Orthodontics, we give you something to smile about
When you choose Champlain Orthodontics, you’re putting your smile in good hands! Our talented team has years of experience in straightening smiles by combining personalized care with advanced technology. Our innovative techniques allow us to deliver the best results in the shortest amount of time possible, and we’ll only recommend the most necessary and efficient treatment for you.
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself or your family, and it should only be trusted to experienced orthodontists like Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton. If you’re interested in learning more about how orthodontics can benefit you, get in touch today to schedule your first visit. We’re here to give you the smile you deserve!