Dr. Jodi hentscher-johnson speaks with a young patient during her first orthodontic visit.
Starting your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile is an exciting milestone—and at Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics in Columbia and Waterloo, IL, we’re here to make your first orthodontic visit as smooth and welcoming as possible. Whether you’re bringing your child in for their first check-up or taking the first step as an adult, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous. Our goal is to make every patient feel comfortable, informed and excited about the smile transformation ahead during their first orthodontic visit.
Getting Started: New Patient Forms
Before your first orthodontic visit, we ask that all new patients complete their paperwork. These forms provide us with important background information about your medical history and help our team prepare insurance and other details. By completing these forms in advance, we can focus our time together on what truly matters—your smile!
You can access the new patient forms for both children and adults directly on our website. If you have any questions while filling out the forms, our friendly office staff is always happy to assist. Completing these forms before your first orthodontic visit ensures a seamless, stress-free experience.
Check-In and Office Tour
When you arrive at our office for your first orthodontic visit, the first step is check-in. From there, we’ll give you a tour of our welcoming facility and introduce you to our team. Meeting the staff and seeing our office firsthand helps patients feel at ease and gives you a sense of the comfortable environment we’ve created for your orthodontic care.
Comprehensive Exam
After your tour, the next step during your first orthodontic visit is a thorough comprehensive exam. This includes:
- Digital X-rays to assess teeth, jaw and bone structure
- Impressions to create accurate models of your smile
- A consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little, where they will evaluate your unique smile needs
The exam provides a detailed picture of your oral health and ensures that we recommend the best treatment options for you or your child. This step is essential to making your first orthodontic visit productive and informative.
Treatment Planning
Once the exam is complete, you’ll meet with our Treatment Coordinator to review the recommendations from Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little. During this discussion, you’ll explore:
- The orthodontic appliances available, such as braces or clear aligners
- The estimated timeline for treatment
- How to care for your appliances during treatment
This part of your first orthodontic visit ensures that you understand your treatment plan, have all your questions answered and feel confident about the next steps in your smile journey.
Financing and Payment Options
We understand that orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your or your child’s long-term health and confidence. During your first orthodontic visit, our Treatment Coordinator will walk you through all financing and payment options, helping you choose the plan that works best for your family. From insurance preparation to flexible payment plans, we make it easy to start your smile journey without stress or uncertainty.
Scheduling Your Next Appointment
After your consultation and treatment plan are in place, our team will schedule your next appointment and officially begin your orthodontic treatment journey. Whether you’re starting with braces, clear aligners, or another appliance, your first orthodontic visit lays the foundation for a smooth and successful treatment experience.
A Welcoming, Stress-Free Experience
At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics in Columbia and Waterloo, IL, we’re passionate about making every patient feel comfortable and supported. From your initial check-in to the consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little, we prioritize personalized care and a friendly environment. We want every patient to feel excited about their journey toward a confident, healthy smile, starting with their first orthodontic visit.
Saving Time Before Your First Appointment
Your first orthodontic visit is the foundation of your smile transformation. By completing new patient forms ahead of time, exploring our office, receiving a comprehensive exam and discussing treatment and financing options, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your next steps and a plan tailored to your unique needs.
Request Your Complimentary Consultation in Columbia or Waterloo, IL Today
We are thrilled to welcome you to our orthodontic family and guide you through this important first step. If you have any questions before your first orthodontic visit, don’t hesitate to request your complimentary consultation online—our team is always ready to help.
At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, your smile is our top priority, and your first orthodontic visit is just the beginning of an exciting, life-changing journey.