Here at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we believe that making the decision to pursue orthodontic treatment is a big deal! While new journeys are always exciting, they may also leave you feeling a little nervous even if it’s something you’re anticipating. This is particularly true if you’re not sure what to expect throughout the orthodontic process. We want you to feel confident when you come into our office, from your first visit to your last!
Your first visit is one of the most important you’ll have with us, since this is our chance to meet and get to know each other! At this appointment, we’ll go over any concerns you have about your oral health and your smile goals. To ensure you have a positive and stress-free experience, we’ve created this guide to help you know what you can expect from your first orthodontic visit. Keep reading below to learn more about your complimentary consultation with the doctors at Smith & Heymann!
Welcome to Smith & Heymann Orthodontics!
When you first enter our Durham, Mebane, Roxboro, or Chapel Hill locations, you’ll be warmly welcomed and shown around by one of our helpful team members. After making sure you’re comfortable, we’ll go over your medical and dental history before taking a few digital photographs for our records. We may also take some x-rays or scans if we feel they’re necessary to determine your specific orthodontic needs.
Once we’ve finished collecting your information and scans, you’ll meet one-on-one with one of our expert orthodontists. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth and ask any relevant questions, such as if you’ve had difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or opening and closing your mouth. All of this information combined gives our team an all-encompassing picture of what your individualized treatment plan should consist of. Your doctor will be able to make any diagnosis and give you an accurate course of treatment for you and your unique smile.
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we never want you to feel like we’re rushing you through your appointments, especially the first one! This will likely be the longest visit of your orthodontic journey. Most consultations will take around an hour, since we take the time to discuss your diagnosis, the orthodontic process itself, and answer any questions or concerns you may have up to this point. You can expect us to cover topics such as:
- any oral issues you are experiencing
- if treatment is needed immediately or if waiting is recommended
- what treatment options are available to correct the problem
- an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
- the total investment required for treatment
- any payment or financing options we have available to you
The team at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics takes pride in creating individualized treatment plans that are based on each patient’s unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. By customizing our approach in this way, we’re able to consistently produce beautiful results that last!
Investing in a healthier smile
Once we’ve discussed all of your orthodontic options and you’ve decided on a treatment plan that meets your needs, we’ll take a look at the complete investment required for your new smile. Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, the total costs will vary from person to person, but you’ll never need to worry about hidden fees here at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics! Our team will take the time to make sure you understand every aspect of your treatment plan and related costs before the active phase of your treatment ever begins.
We believe that everyone should have access to the high-quality orthodontic care they deserve. This is why we offer multiple treatment options and convenient payment plans. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, our team will be happy to review your policy information in order to help you receive the maximum benefits. We’ll even help you file your claims!
Taking the next steps in your orthodontic journey
Once you’ve completed your exam and decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, you’ll be able to start your smile transformation that very same day. We value your time and want to make the most of your orthodontic journey, so we strive to make the most of every visit! You can expect to come in for a check-up every 4-8 weeks or so. During these appointments, your doctor will assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your wires and bands.
Regardless of the treatment you choose, these visits are a critical part of the orthodontic process so do your best not to miss them. We’ll always do our best to schedule your appointments for a day and time that fits your schedule, but we understand that there will be days when you’re running late or can’t make your appointment for some reason. If this happens, don’t worry, just give us a call to let us know and we’ll reschedule your visit for another day. This will help us keep your treatment plan progressing according to the plan set in place by your doctor!
Improve your oral health with Smith & Heymann Orthodontics!
You only get one smile and we believe you should only trust an expert to give you the care you deserve! The orthodontists and Smith & Heymann Orthodontics are trained to give you the professional care and attention to detail your smile needs. Our team provides every patient with a warm welcome and rewarding experience from the first visit to the last. You’ll never receive one-size-fits-all treatment here – we give every patient individualized care for their unique smile!
If you’re ready to get started on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, contact Smith & Heymann Orthodontics today and schedule your free consultation!
