Your first visit to an orthodontist can be an exciting and promising experience, especially if you’ve been looking forward to improving your smile for some time. At Pawtucket Orthodontics in Pawtucket and Lincoln, Dr. Laprade is always happy to welcome potential new patients and help them on their journey to a beautiful smile .
Goals:
The purpose of your first orthodontic visit is to learn about the doctor, staff, office, treatments, and your oral health recommendations. Dr. Laprade takes pride in getting to know each patient and determining which treatments might be best for your needs. Your first appointment gives you the chance to ask all the questions you have so we can be sure to meet all you goals and expectations for that great smile.
Examination:
You can expect a complete exam of your mouth during your first visit. The goal is to see the alignment of your teeth and jaws and whether they are in the correct positions. Experts recommend that the first examination be done on patients by age 7, to get a view of the child’s current oral health and make predictions about it as the child grows. Sometimes early intervention is helpful in getting on track so that future orthodontic work is diminished. No matter your age at the initial office visit, the examination will allow Dr. Laprade to look for signs that treatment can help you.
Diagnostic tests:
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, the next step is often diagnostic tests like X-rays, photos, digital dental scans, or impressions. These images provide views of what’s happening beneath the gum line, such as developing teeth, jawbone condition, and more. Dr. Laprade gets a complete picture of your oral health to help create a treatment plan customized to your indivual needs..
Treatment options:
Next it’s time to let you know if you have issues that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. If so, treatment might be recommended immediately or delayed based on the developmental stage of your teeth and jaws. All of your treatment options will be presented and you’ll be able to have a full understanding of them before deciding how to proceed.
Questions:
Dr. Laprade encourages you to ask questions so you can be confident in your orthodontic care. Here are some common questions you might consider asking at your first visit:
- When should treatment begin?
- What procedures might be necessary?
- Do I need any tooth extractions?
- How long will treatment take?
- What will the cost be and what are the payment options?
- What are the office policies that I should expect during my treatment?
Once Dr. Laprade has addressed all your concerns, you can take some time to decide how to proceed. Feel free to call back with any more questions. We will work together in helping you reach your goal of a beautiful smile.
