For many people, trips to the dentist cause a lot of anxiety. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that the thought of an initial visit to an orthodontist can make folks even more uncomfortable. While it’s understandable to be anxious when anticipating a trip to the orthodontist, a lot of that fear and uneasiness can be dispelled by understanding exactly what to expect at your consultation. If you’re wondering whether or not you could benefit from orthodontics, contact Bietsch Orthodontics in Prosper today to schedule a free initial orthodontics consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn what you can expect for your first trip to an orthodontist.
Staff Introductions And Facility Tour
The first thing many orthodontists will do is take you on a tour of his or her office and introduce you to the staff. The purpose of this may be two-fold; it’s important that you feel at ease during your appointment and it helps for you to know where things like the bathroom and toothbrushing area are. If you choose to pursue care with the orthodontist’s office for yourself or your child, this initial introduction and familiarization with the facility can go a long way in ensuring you feel comfortable coming to your appointments.
Comprehensive Exam And Diagnosis
The most important part of any initial orthodontics consultation is the exam. After all, the goal of this first appointment is to determine if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment and, if so, where to begin. Your orthodontist should provide a full, comprehensive exam to provide a sound foundation for the recommended treatment plan. The exam should include x-rays and pictures of your facial profile, teeth, and mouth. X-rays may or may not be digital, although most orthodontists are taking advantage of the digital equipment at their disposal. Impressions of your teeth may also be taken.
Once the exam is complete, your orthodontist will review all the photos, x-rays, and notes to render an orthodontic diagnosis. He or she may determine that you have an underbite, overbite, or a crossbite. He or she should share the diagnostic findings with you, explain the diagnosis, as well as review the benefits you can expect if you proceed with orthodontic care.
Treatment Plan, Estimate, And Financial Agreement
Your orthodontist is an expert in his or her field and will be able to make recommendations on what treatment will best suit your needs. He or she will draw up an orthodontics treatment plan and review it with you. At this time, the orthodontist may review the various types of braces you’re eligible for and what kind of orthodontic appliances may be best for you. Likewise, if it is necessary for you to have teeth pulled in order to best-accommodate orthodontic care, your orthodontist will probably discuss that, too, and may work to partner with a dentist or oral surgeon to get the extractions scheduled.
Along with the review of the recommended plan of care, your orthodontist should also provide an estimate as to how long you’ll require orthodontics and the anticipated cost of care. They will likely check your insurance coverage and eligibility to determine the specifics of payment, payment amounts, and if you have any financial responsibility in the cost of orthodontics.
While each orthodontist runs their practice differently, you should be able to expect most, if not all, of these things to take place during your consultation. This initial appointment will likely last anywhere from one to two hours. When you contact Bietsch Orthodontics to schedule your initial consultation, our friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the appointment, as well as briefly explain what you can anticipate. We are excited to be part of the Prosper community and can’t wait to work with you and your family to create a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!
Contact us today at 972-934-6222.