Your First Orthodontic Visit With Us
No referral is required for your new patient examination. We want you to feel empowered to explore your orthodontic options, even if you’re unsure whether orthodontic treatment is proper for you or if it’s the best time to begin.
What to Expect During Your Initial Visit
We’re excited to welcome you to our office! Upon arrival at Mountain View Orthodontics, please check in with our friendly receptionist to get started.
First, our records specialist will take x-rays and photos of you which Dr. Sebastian will discuss with you during the consultation.
Next you will meet with our treatment coordinator and Dr. Sebastian in our quiet, private exam suite. Here, Dr. Sebastian will perform a comprehensive orthodontic examination to assess your needs. This important visit, lasting approximately one hour, will give you the opportunity to learn about you situation, potential treatment options and ask any questions. We’ll cover all aspects of your treatment in detail to ensure you and your family feel informed and comfortable.
Key Questions Addressed During the Initial Exam:
Is there an orthodontic problem present?
If so, what type of treatment is recommended?
- When should treatment begin?
What appliances are recommended and are there alternative options?
How long will treatment take?
What will be the cost of treatment?
What are your payment options?
What Happens Next?
If treatment is recommended at the initial exam, we will schedule an appointment to complete your diagnostic records. To save you an additional trip and time permitting, your records may be taken during the first visit.
What Are Diagnostic Records?
Diagnostic records are a set of orthodontic records that capture your current situation and allow Dr. Sebastian to analyze your smile, tooth and jaw alignment, bite, and airway. They typically consist of
Digital study models of your teeth
- Extra- and intra-oral photos
Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays and measurements
Sometimes advanced three-dimensional imaging will be required for a detailed work up. For your convenience our office is equipped with a state-of-the-art CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) unit.
If you wish to get your treatment started as soon as possible, please let us know when scheduling your initial exam so we can reserve time for diagnostic records during the same visit.
What We’ll Need From You
To ensure a smooth first visit, please provide the following information in advance:
X-ray Information: Please inform us if a panoramic radiograph was taken within the past 12 months. We can request a copy from your general or pediatric dentist if available. If needed, we will take a panoramic radiograph during your visit.
Insurance Information: If you have orthodontic insurance, providing this information beforehand allows us to clarify your benefits and offer an accurate estimate of your financial commitment at the initial consultation. If you haven’t provided the information in advance, please bring your insurance card to the first visit.
Understanding Treatment Costs
The cost of orthodontic care is based on the complexity of the orthodontic problem and the chosen treatment option. During the initial visit, our treatment coordinator will explain fees and payment options if treatment is needed. We offer various payment plans and accept most insurance plans to help make orthodontic care in our state-of-the-art practice accessible for everyone.
What Does Your Investment Cover?
Orthodontic records: X-rays, iTero scan, digital study models, and a cephalometric analysis to guide your treatment plan.
- Custom treatment plan: After a thorough work-up and diagnosis done by Dr. Sebastian personally, he will develop a custom treatment plan just for you. At Mountain View Orthodontics we understand that no two patients are the same, so we do not use a cookie-cutter approach to treatment plans.
Active treatment fees: This covers both early and comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign, including all appliances, office visits, and in-office procedures. Note that replacement fees may apply for lost or damaged appliances.
Final retainers: One set of retainers is included at the end of treatment.
What’s Not Covered in Your Investment?
Services performed at outside dental offices
Treatment adjustments for TMJ issues or injuries: A fee adjustment may be necessary if accidents or injuries lead to complications requiring additional orthodontics or surgery.
Insurance and Benefits
We accept the assignment of benefits for most insurance plans to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If we do not accept your plan, we’ll happily file claims for you to be reimbursed directly. Please notify us if there are any changes to your policy before full payment is made so we can adjust your contract accordingly.
Office Hours and Appointment Guidelines
We value your time and aim to stay on schedule for every appointment. To ensure efficiency, we kindly ask patients to arrive promptly. This helps us minimize delays and provide the best care for all our patients. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
While most questions are answered during the initial examination, occasionally, a second consultation may be necessary to discuss additional aspects of your treatment plan. If multiple treatment options are available, our doctor will conduct a thorough analysis to recommend the best course of action. This detailed planning ensures superior orthodontic results and higher patient satisfaction.
Change your smile and take the first step by scheduling your complimentary consultation today!