We’re excited to help you take the first steps in your smile journey. As exciting as it can be to embark on this new adventure, you may also be feeling a little nervous about what’s ahead. The unknown can be scary sometimes, and if you’re unfamiliar with orthodontics, you might not know what to expect from the treatment process. Improving your oral health with braces or clear aligners is a big decision, and we want you to feel 100% confident in our care. That begins with your first visit to our Dothan office! This is one of the most important appointments you’ll have with us, and we work hard to make it a rewarding experience for you from start to finish. With that in mind, let’s look at what you can expect from your complimentary consultation!
Your orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Katie Lewis
When you arrive for your first visit, you’ll be greeted warmly by our front desk team. We’ll give you a short tour of the office to help you feel comfortable with your surroundings, then take a few digital photographs and X-rays of your teeth in their present state. These pictures allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface of the gums, including the position and growth of the bones and joints and any teeth that are still below the gum line.
Once this is complete, it’s time to meet Dr. Katie! She’ll look at your dental records and images, then perform an oral examination. She may ask some questions during this procedure, like if your jaws make any noise when you open and close your mouth or if you’ve been having any problems chewing or swallowing. With this information, Dr. Katie will be able to make a proper diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan for you. She’ll discuss this with you in detail during your consultation, covering some or all of the following topics:
- any oral issues that need to be addressed
- whether treatment is necessary now, or if it would be better to delay it until the appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred
- the treatment options we have available to correct the problem
- if any permanent teeth need to be removed before treatment begins
- how long treatment is likely to take
- the investment required for your new smile
- the payment options available to you
- any insurance benefits that may apply to your treatment
Our practice knows that in-depth planning and customized treatment plans lead to better results and higher patient satisfaction. After Dr. Katie has gone over all your treatment options and you’ve decided on a plan that fits your specific needs, we’ll take a look at the total investment needed for your new smile. Every smile is different and every patient responds to treatment in their own way, so treatment costs will vary from case to case. There’s no need to worry about hidden costs, though—we’ll ensure you understand everything your treatment plan includes before we begin!
We believe everyone should be able to afford high-quality orthodontic care. We offer our patients affordable payment plans to fit every budget, all of which are interest-free and have low monthly payment options. We also have the pleasure of working with 20+ insurance companies and accept any insurance that offers orthodontic benefits. Not sure if your insurance plan covers orthodontics? We’ll be happy to verify it for you during your consultation!
You should expect to spend about an hour with us on your first visit. This gives us plenty of time to collect the images we need, perform an examination, walk you through the treatment process, and answer any questions you have.
The next steps in your orthodontic journey
Once Dr. Katie has reviewed your diagnostic records and had a look at your smile, she may recommend beginning treatment right away or waiting until a later time. This is dependent on the developmental stage of your teeth and jaws. If waiting is suggested, we’ll usually advise you to return for periodic check ups until Dr. Katie determines it’s time for treatment to begin. If she recommends immediate treatment, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your new orthodontic appliance.
Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments every 6-12 weeks throughout your orthodontic journey. During these visits, Dr. Katie will check that things are progressing as they should be. She will also adjust your appliance if necessary. If you’re wearing braces, she may change your wire and elastics at this time.
These visits are an essential part of your treatment plan, so it’s important that you don’t skip them. While we do our best to make sure appointments are scheduled for a day and time that’s convenient for you, we know that things can come up where you’re running late or can’t make your appointment. If this occurs, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment plan on track.
Find your best smile with Dr. Katie Lewis
Did you know that your smile is the first thing most people notice about you? It’s also the feature they’re most likely to remember. That’s why it’s so important to trust your teeth to an expert orthodontist like Dr. Katie Lewis! Our expert team will design a personalized smile for you that stands out for all the right reasons.
If you’re in the Dothan area and ready to learn more about the benefits of orthodontics, we’d love to meet you. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Katie and take the first step towards a happier, healthier smile!