10 Important Things to Expect at the First Visit for Braces
You’ve made an appointment for your first braces consultation. Congratulations! Now, what comes next? Do you know what happens at your first orthodontist appointment? What does an orthodontist do during the first meeting?
Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics wants you to feel at ease and well-informed before and after your first orthodontist appointment. Braces are a big decision, and you should feel comfortable about it.
Here are a few things to expect (and to ask) during your first orthodontist consultation.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Has your dentist told you it’s time to see an orthodontist? What does an orthodontist do for you or your child?
An orthodontist is trained as a dentist, but they extend their training to become specialized in the science of moving teeth and realigning jaws. Teeth must move precisely to avoid causing damage, so you should consult an orthodontist for braces or clear aligners.
How Do I Know When to See an Orthodontist?
Do you know when to see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children consult with an orthodontist by age 7. All baby teeth are in by this age, and the primary teeth are starting to erupt.
An orthodontist can examine your child’s teeth and determine whether they will need orthodontic treatment or whether their teeth and jaws are developing typically.
First Visit With an Orthodontist
What happens during your first visit with an orthodontist? The first visit can be exciting, and several things will happen during your visit.
You’ll get a chance to meet your orthodontist and their team. You’ll get an opportunity to tour the office and get an idea of what orthodontic treatment has in store for you.
This also allows your orthodontist to get to know you and your child. We want you to feel like you are part of the family by the end of the visit.
People often have many questions about their first visit for braces. Here are some of the most common questions.
Will I Get an Examination?
Will you get an examination on your first visit? The answer is yes. We’ll ask you about your dental history and work with you to get records from your dentist regarding your oral health. Then, we’ll examine your teeth and jaws to determine your orthodontic issues.
Will I Get Dental X-rays?
Dental x-rays and digital imaging are part of your first examination. We use these images to see how your teeth look, the health of your jaws, and whether they are aligned properly.
Dental X-rays and imaging can also detect unseen problems, such as permanent teeth that aren’t set to erupt properly, tooth roots that may have problems, or teeth that are about to erupt but lack the proper space to do so.
Will I Get Braces on My First Visit?
No, you likely will not get braces on your first visit. Barring some very special circumstances, we don’t put braces on until at least the second visit, though it could be longer.
We may need to prepare your teeth or jaws before braces. For example, those with crowded teeth may need a palate expander to widen the jaw and make more room for the teeth. You may need a tongue crib to reposition the tongue and stop bad habits like tongue thrust or thumbsucking.
We also need time to fine-tune the treatment plan we presented during your first visit. We will do all we can to prepare your mouth for braces treatment to ensure the best treatment success possible.
How Will I Pay for Braces?
At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we don’t want finances to stand in the way of a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we provide several options to pay for braces, and we will discuss those options with you during your first visit to the orthodontist.
Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics offers zero-interest, in-house financing for braces or clear aligners treatment. Do you have dental insurance? We will work with you to see whether your dental policy will pay for braces and how much it will pay.
We also offer low down payments to make getting started with braces easier. If you need lower costs, we can offer extended payment plans beyond your treatment times.
We will do all we can to help make your braces treatment affordable. We want you to have a healthy smile!
Will I Meet Dr. Hentscher-Johnson?
As part of your first visit, you will meet Dr. Jodi Hentscher-Johnson and Dr. Taylor Little, the orthodontists at Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics. You’ll also meet members of our amazing team, from our orthodontics assistants to our office manager, who will work with you during subsequent visits.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable with every visit, and what better way to do that than to be greeted by a familiar, smiling face each time!
How Often Will I Visit the Orthodontist?
We will determine how often you visit the orthodontist as we create your detailed treatment plan. On average, patients see the orthodontist about every six weeks. That may be different with specialized treatment or dental conditions needing close monitoring, such as gum disease or medical issues.
How Long Will the First Visit Last?
The first visit usually takes about an hour. By the end, we hope you all smile as you prepare for your new smile with us!
How to Get Orthodontic Treatment in Columbia, IL
The first visit to the orthodontist can be exciting and intimidating, but at Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we want it to be fun and comfortable.
If you’re ready for that first visit for braces treatment in Columbia, IL, schedule an appointment with us. We can’t wait to meet you!
