What to Expect During Your First Orthodontic Consultation

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Are you ready to start your journey to a straighter smile, but unsure which orthodontic treatment would work best for you? With an initial consultation, you can get the answers you need before making such a major decision. This first appointment sets the foundation for your treatment plan, addressing your unique dental needs and aesthetic goals. Understanding what happens during this consultation can help ease any anxiety and prepare you for the important information you’ll receive about your orthodontic options.

At Floss & Co., we believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health. Dr. Murphy and Dr. Silva take a personalized approach to each consultation, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in the treatment plan recommended for you. We welcome patients of all ages and demographics and spend extra time getting to know you, making our practice a truly inclusive environment for everyone seeking orthodontic care.

What Happens During Your First Orthodontic Visit

Before you jump into braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment, we begin with a consultation. This appointment gives our team the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. You can also ask questions and learn more about your options and financing. 

When you see our trusted professionals at Floss & Co., you can expect the following steps during your first orthodontic consultation:

Medical and Dental History Review

We begin with a thorough review of your medical and dental history, which helps us understand any underlying conditions that may affect your orthodontic treatment. Information like your previous dental procedures or treatments, current medications, health conditions, family oral health history, personal concerns, lifestyle, habits, and preferences provides valuable insight that helps us customize your treatment approach and avoid potential complications. 

Comprehensive Examination

After reviewing your history, we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaws. This involves checking how your teeth align when you bite down, identifying issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, and assessing tooth spacing, crowding, and alignment. We also evaluate your jaw joints (TMJ) for proper function and examine your facial proportions as they relate to your teeth.

One of the unique aspects of our approach at Floss & Co. is our focus on airway expansion benefits. During your examination, we’ll assess how your orthodontic needs relate to your breathing patterns, which can significantly impact your overall health, sleep, and quality of life.

Diagnostic Records

To get a complete picture of your orthodontic needs, we may take several diagnostic records during your first visit. These typically include digital photographs of your face and teeth, digital X-rays, and digital scanning. These give us a visual of your teeth, roots, and bone structure, and analyze your case in detail to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses all your orthodontic needs. Moreover, our advanced technology ensures accurate diagnostics while minimizing discomfort.

Treatment Recommendations and Financial Discussion

After completing the examination and reviewing your diagnostic records, we will discuss treatment recommendations suitable for your specific case, which may include traditional braces, clear aligners, or other appliances. This includes the estimated timeline, outcomes, and how the treatment will improve your smile’s appearance and function.

We’ll also discuss the financial aspects of your orthodontic treatment based on your options and insurance coverage. Our caring professionals don’t want finances to get in the way of you achieving your dream smile, so we offer flexible payment plans to make these solutions more accessible. We break down every cost of your treatment based on your budget so you never feel blindsided by unexpected fees and can make the best decision for your future.

Schedule Your Consultation for Orthodontic Treatment at Floss & Co. Today

The first step toward achieving your dream smile is scheduling an orthodontic consultation. At Floss & Co., our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional care in a welcoming environment. We take pride in our gentle, patient-centered approach, which focuses on airway health while creating beautiful smiles.
Our practice features modern technology and techniques that ensure efficient, effective treatment with minimal discomfort. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, we’re here to answer all your questions and address any concerns. To schedule your initial consultation, call us at (773) 586-5522 or complete our contact form.