First Orthodontic Visit at Brace Connection
Your first visit to our orthodontic office is an exciting time with Dr. Vahid Babaeian! It’s a chance for us to get acquainted, and for you to learn about the treatments and services we offer.
When you walk in the door, you may notice that our office looks similar to your regular dentist’s office; what we do here, however, is a little different. It all starts with the initial consultation.
How Long Does the First Visit Take and What Happens?
You should plan to spend at least an hour with us the first time. That’s to ensure that no one has to rush, and that you get plenty of time to ask any questions you may have.
You will:
Meet one of our receptionists or patient coordinators, who will take some information from you and bring you through the office.
Undergo some diagnostic work and an exam.
How Do We Create Your Personalized Orthodontic Plan?
A big part of our job today is to determine what treatment is necessary to correct any problems we may find — and whether we should begin now, or wait until a later time.
Our procedure starts by:
Taking a set of regular photographs of the teeth in their present state.
Taking a series of radiographic (X-ray) images to see what’s going on underneath the gums — the position and growth of bones and joints, and the teeth that are still below the gum line.
In a majority of cases, we will:
Take digital impressions using our iTero scanner, which provides a 3D digital image of the bite.
Use this image to create a before-and-after simulation of your proposed treatment results.
What Happens During the Examination?
After that, it’s time for the exam. We will:
Look at the records and images, and perform a careful examination.
Ask questions, such as whether the jaws make noise when the mouth is opening or closing, or if there are any problems chewing or swallowing.
Taken together, this information will allow us to make a proper diagnosis and finalize our treatment plan at the first visit.
When Will We Discuss Your Treatment Options?
Following the exam, we may tell you that things are just fine, or we may recommend treatment.
Treatment might:
Begin right away or at a later time, depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws.
Require a periodic checkup until we determine that it’s the best time to start.
How Are Orthodontic Treatment Fees Determined?
Orthodontic treatment fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, the type of treatment recommended, and the expected treatment duration. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed breakdown of your estimated costs, discuss available payment plans, and review any insurance coverage that may apply.
What Questions Should You Ask at Your First Visit?
Whether you’re 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 to take?
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, contact us for a consultation!