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How To Navigate Your First Professional Orthodontic Appointment

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If you are seeking orthodontic treatment to achieve your smile’s potential, you have come to the right place! Our experienced orthodontists have been helping patients like yourself create the healthy, attractive smiles you have always wanted. Today we are giving you an inside peek at what you can look forward to when you come to us for professional orthodontic treatment. 

Your first orthodontic appointment is an important step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. This visit is designed to evaluate your dental alignment, discuss potential treatments and ensure you feel informed about the process.   

1-How to Prepare Beforehand

Before arriving for your first orthodontic appointment with our office, it is helpful to be prepared. We offer online patient forms where you can fill out your information in advance. Initial paperwork typically asks for basic personal details, dental history, insurance information and any inquire about any orthodontic concerns you may currently have. Completing this vital information beforehand will save time and allow our orthodontist to review your history before your arrival.

It is also beneficial to make a list of any questions you may have about the orthodontic process. Please do not hesitate to ask about the duration of treatment, types of braces or other types of orthodontic appliances like clear aligners, that are available.

2-The Initial Examination

Once you arrive and have checked in, an assistant will take you to the examination room. During this initial exam, they will assess your teeth and jaws. Using advanced technology, they will take digital impressions and molds to get a detailed view of your teeth’s alignment and structure. This digital impression may be used to create a 3D image of your teeth and bite. These advanced technological tools provide us with the crucial information needed to determine what orthodontic treatments are necessary. The examination itself is painless and relatively quick. 

3-Reviewing the Findings

Once the examination is complete, our orthodontist will review the findings with you. They will explain how your teeth align, if there are any bite issues and what specific problems need to be addressed. This part of the consultation allows you to better understand your dental health and how orthodontic care can improve it.

4-Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan

After going over the findings with you, our orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan will include what type of orthodontic appliances will be used, the estimated treatment duration and the expected outcome.

5-Reviewing the Financial Estimate

Once the treatment plan has been established, the next step is reviewing your financial options. Our treatment coordinator will typically explain the cost of the recommended treatment, including any insurance coverage you may have. Payment plans are often available to make treatment more manageable. This discussion helps ensure you are aware of all costs before committing to treatment.

6-Scheduling the Next Appointment

If you decide to move forward with orthodontic treatment, our team will schedule your next appointment. This may be when you receive your braces or aligners, depending on the treatment plan. It is important to note that orthodontic treatment requires multiple follow-up visits to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments on your journey to a straighter smile and optimally aligned bite.

7-Follow-Up Visits

Throughout your orthodontic journey, you will have follow-up appointments, usually every four to six weeks. These visits allow our orthodontist to check your progress, tighten braces if needed or provide a new set of clear aligners. Regular follow-ups are essential for ensuring that your treatment stays on track and that you achieve the desired results in the anticipated timeframe.

We Are the Orthodontist Near You

If you are considering an orthodontic evaluation to determine if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile, please contact Shirck Orthodontics to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated orthodontists. Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina are here to help you with all your orthodontic needs and are pleased to offer convenient locations in Powell, Newark,Westerville, or New Albany and Pataskala, Ohio. We welcome you to call today and set out on your orthodontic journey!