Orthodontic treatment is one of the most important investments you can make for your smile and overall health. Choosing treatment with Hidden Smiles Orthodontics can be exciting, but you may also find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed, too. This is especially true if you don’t know much about orthodontics, and aren’t sure what to expect from the process ahead. Our team values the trust you’ve placed in us, and we want you to feel confident in your decision. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-quality orthodontic care that begins with your very first visit! Let’s look at what you can expect from this initial consultation.
Your first visit with Hidden Smiles Orthodontics
Your first visit to our Huntington office is one of the most important appointments you’ll have. This is our chance to get to know each other a bit and explore orthodontic options for you after your exam, so we do our best to make it a positive and stress-free experience. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted warmly and given a quick tour of our office to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed with your surroundings. We’ll then get your medical and dental history before proceeding with the diagnostic records and exam.
We use this initial appointment to determine if there any orthodontic issues present that require treatment. Part of this process involves taking photographs of your teeth in their present state. We may also choose to take a panoramic x-ray during this visit. These images allow us to see what’s happening underneath the gums, giving us the chance to check the position and growth of bones and joints, and any teeth that are still below the gum line.
Once we have the images we need, you’ll receive a comprehensive smile, bite, and TMJ assessment from Dr. Parikh. She will look in your mouth and examine your teeth and jaws. She may also ask questions, such as whether the jaws make noise when you open or close your mouth, or if there are any noticeable problems when you chew or swallow.
Whether you plan to begin treatment now or later, this appointment is the best time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. To ensure you fully understand the orthodontic process, our team will go over the following topics with you once your exam is complete:
- any oral issues you’re experiencing
- if treatment is needed immediately
- what treatment options are available to correct the problem
- the esthetic and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment
- if any teeth will need to be removed
- 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
Hidden Smiles Orthodontics will always take your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals into account when creating a treatment plan for you. This customized care allows us to consistently produce superior results and a rewarding orthodontic experience for our patients.
Investing in your smile
Your free consultation with us will include a breakdown of all applicable treatment fees, which we will help you understand before beginning any treatment. We believe that finances should never be an obstacle to a beautiful, healthy smile! That’s why our office offers a wide range of payment options, including flexible payment plans, cash, checks, and credit cards. As a family-friendly practice, we’re also proud to extend a generous discount for family members who start treatment together.
Orthodontic insurance benefits can differ greatly from your normal dental insurance. We will go over your policy with you to make sure you’re maximizing any benefits! We are participating providers with the following insurance companies:
- Cigna PPO and DMO
- Delta PPO
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Metlife PPO
- Aetna PPO
- Guardian PPO
- Healthplex (not all plans)
- DDS, Inc.
- CSEA
- SCMEBF
We work with all PPO plans whether we participate or not (for example PBA, EDP, etc.) but be aware that patients will be held responsible for any charges that insurance fails to pay.
Taking the next step towards a straight smile
Once your initial consultation is complete, we will set up a records appointment for you. During this visit, Dr. Parikh will gather the information about your bite she needs to determine a diagnosis and decide on the appropriate way to treat your smile. This appointment will last approximately 45 minutes and can be scheduled to immediately follow the initial consultation if time permits.
After this visit, we will have collected the following diagnostic records:
- Digital Impressions – digital images of your upper and lower teeth
- Photographs of your teeth and face
- Lateral Ceph – A profile image to evaluate jaw and tooth position
- Panoramic Film – An image to evaluate tooth development and root position
- Hand/Wrist Film – An image of your hand to evaluate growth potential in children
- Periodontal (Gum) Examination for adults to evaluate the bone around the teeth.
Absolutely no part of the records visit will be uncomfortable, and only records that are necessary for an accurate and complete diagnosis will be taken. Once Dr. Parikh has gone over each aspect of your customized treatment plan, we can set you up to receive your orthodontic appliance!
After your appliance is placed or fitted, you can expect follow-up appointments with us every 4-8 weeks or so. The exact timing will depend on your specific treatment plan. During these visits, Dr. Parikh monitors how your teeth are moving, check that treatment is on track, and adjust your appliance if necessary. These visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so we encourage you to cancel or reschedule only if it’s necessary and that you let us know as soon as possible if you need to do so. We’ll be happy to reschedule your appointment for another day that’s more convenient for you.
You should continue to visit your family dentist for regular check-ups during orthodontic treatment. If extra dental care is needed at any point, we’ll be happy to coordinate with him or her to make sure you’re receiving the best care possible.
Find your hidden smile with Hidden Smiles Orthodontics
Are you looking for an orthodontic practice that produces beautiful results in a safe, relaxing, and stress-free environment? Hidden Smiles Orthodontics could be just what you’re looking for! Click here to schedule a FREE consultation or visit our Virtual Smile Assessment tool here.