If you’ve never been to an orthodontist, you might be a little nervous about your first visit. But, don’t fret! We’ll walk you through every step. Your first visit allows me to get to know you and what your goals are in achieving a beautiful smile. It’s that simple. Well, almost that simple. 🙂
1. Meet our Front Office Staff
We are so happy you’ve chosen to take the time to see if we are a good fit for your orthodontic needs. Our front office will make sure you’re taken care of and get all the information we need on our side. Nothing crazy, just a brief medical and dental history and insurance if applicable. We dare you to try to leave the front desk without returning one of their smiles. Our fantastic Treatment Coordinator will guide you through the process.
2. Diagnostic Records and Imaging
In order for me to provide a thorough exam, we’ll need to take a panoramic x-ray, a cephalometric x-ray, and photos of your teeth. This allows me to see things I can’t see by simply looking at your teeth. I can determine if permanent teeth have formed correctly or are headed in the right direction, or if teeth are properly supported by sufficient bone structure. It’s more common than you’d think for someone to have missing or extra teeth. I can also evaluate jaw growth and position. The scans give me the information I need to confidently prescribe a treatment plan.
3. Meet with me: Jon W. Silcox, DDS, MS, PC
Get to know me, Jon W. Silcox, before your first visit.
After completing dental school, an orthodontic residency (both at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and practicing for 18 years, I can confidently say, “I’ve got you.” But before I start rattling off what I can do for you, I want to know what your concerns are: crowding, spacing issues, a bite that doesn’t fit right, jaw alignment that causes pain? After I get a good idea of what you want out of orthodontic treatment, I’ll share a personalized treatment plan for how we can create your optimal smile.
One thing I am particularly known for is my conservative treatment of younger patients. I see a lot of over-treatment: young kids with palate expanders or braces when it may not be necessary to achieve the best result. Statistically, only about 10-15% of the general population of young kids require Phase 1 treatment before all of the baby teeth are lost. In those 10-15%, addressing the issues early will allow us to get the best result and avoid problems that will only get more severe with time. I follow the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists and ideally like to see children when they are seven years old. By far, the majority of kids I see at this age go to our growth and guidance program, where we monitor growth and tooth eruption every 9-12 months until they are ready for full treatment in their teenage years.
During your first orthodontic appointment, I will carefully evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to find any issues like spacing, crowding, or bite irregularities. Don’t worry, it’s completely painless and free!
5. Personalized Treatment Discussion
Once the evaluation is complete, I will share my findings and discuss treatment if needed. We will talk through potential treatment options, whether it’s traditional braces, clear aligners, or retainers. You’ll also learn about the estimated timeline and expected results. The goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of your available choices and which option fits best.
Maybe you found our practice just by searching for “an orthodontist near me” but regardless, we will treat you like family! We always work with each of our patients to create a personalized treatment plan that fits their unique needs and lifestyle.
6. Financial and Insurance Consultation
As part of your initial consultation, you’ll meet with the treatment coordinator to discuss costs and payment options. She will provide an estimate based on the recommended treatment and review what your insurance may cover. We offer interest-free financing and will work with you to find a comfortable payment plan. This is the time to ask any questions about payment plans or financial assistance programs. Take all the time you need so you can feel confident and informed about your financial options.
7. Scheduling the Next Steps
Before leaving, you’ll book your next appointment, whether that’s for us to place braces, deliver aligners, fit a retainer, or a follow-up appointment as part of our growth and guidance program.. Dr. Silcox may also provide instructions for at-home care, potential next steps, and informational materials. From here on out, your treatment officially begins!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens during the first visit?
You’ll meet the team, provide medical/dental history, and undergo x-rays and photos for a thorough evaluation. - What treatments are available?
Options include traditional braces, Invisalign®, clear ceramic braces, and Incognito® hidden braces. - How much does it cost?
Costs are discussed during your consultation, with flexible, interest-free payment plans available. - What are the next steps?
Schedule your next appointment and receive instructions for at-home care or treatment preparation.
Your Smile Journey Starts At Silcox Orthodontics
Your first orthodontic appointment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. At Silcox Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing personalized and professional treatment for each of our patients. We offer flexible scheduling, state-of-the-art technology, and a comfortable atmosphere to make your orthodontic journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact our office to learn more!
