Congratulations on taking the first step toward a beautiful smile! Scheduling your first orthodontic appointment is an exciting start to your straight smile journey, and we’re so excited to have you join the Rio Grande Orthodontics family. You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering what to expect at your first orthodontic visit – just keep reading to find out more!
#1: Say Hello to Our Orthodontic Team!
At Rio Grande Orthodontics, you’re not just a number. You matter! From the moment you walk through the door at one of our smile centers, you’ll feel so comfortable with the team. We’ll welcome you when you come in and show you around the office to give you the full new member experience. Our Rio Grande Orthodontics team is genuine, friendly, and highly skilled. We’ll work hard to make your appointments fun, informative, and easy. You’ll love how dedicated we are to making you smile!
#2: Complete Your Intake Forms
While you wait to go back for your initial exam, we’ll give you a few intake forms to fill out. Make sure you come to your appointment with your health and insurance information on hand so you can complete the paperwork without a hitch.
In addition, be sure to bring:
- Any additional X-rays from your dentist that are necessary for your pending dental work
- A list of medications you’re currently taking
- Any questions you may have about treatment
After you’ve filled out your paperwork and handed it back to our receptionist, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy our comfortable waiting room while we get everything set up for you to meet your treatment coordinator and doctor.
Optional: Fill Out Your Forms Online!
Whether you’re a busy student or a working parent, your time is valuable. If you want your first visit to run more quickly, you can fill out your forms ahead of time. Just check out the forms page on our website for easy access to the paperwork you need!
#3: Checking Out Your Smile
When we call you back to the exam room, you’ll get the opportunity to meet your treatment coordinator, who will be your one-on-one guide through every step of your orthodontic treatment process. Your TC is there to answer any questions you have, so it’s a good idea to bring questions with you on the day of your first exam.
Next, we’ll conduct your initial exam. Our friendly records clinician will greet you and conduct a series of X-rays. Then we’ll pass those images along to your orthodontist for review and treatment recommendation.
#4: Discovering the Right Treatment for You
After your initial exam, you’ll meet with Dr. Gardiner, Dr. Bunker, Dr. Vest, Dr. Klinger, or Dr. Kellam to go over your treatment options. . By this point, they’ve already reviewed your dental images and are ready to discuss your unique treatment plan so you can make the best-informed decision for you. At Rio Grande Orthodontics, we offer three treatment options so that you can choose the best one for you and your lifestyle.
Invisalign: This treatment option uses a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift your smile in line over time. Rather than using the bulky brackets and wires of traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth almost invisibly, so you can enjoy the perks of a beautiful grin even while undergoing treatment. Invisalign is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and treatment can take as little as six months to complete.
Metal Braces: Metal braces are our most popular treatment method, and they’re probably the first method that comes to mind when you think about traditional orthodontics. Metal braces are a heavy-duty method for fixing moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Traditional braces straighten your smile over 12-36 months using a system of brackets and wires.
Clear Braces: Like metal braces, this treatment option uses a system of brackets and wires to straighten your teeth and works well for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Instead of metal braces, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, so your treatment is less visible.
Each treatment plan from Rio Grande Orthodontics is tailor-made just for you, so you can feel confident that you’ll reach your smile goals in no time.
#5: Choose a Payment Plan
It’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is too expensive. At Rio Grande Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile, so we offer a wide range of payment options to make treatment an affordable reality! We work with most major insurance plans, so you can rest at ease knowing coverage is available.
The cost of braces typically depends on the severity of your orthodontic needs, the type of treatment, and the length of time you’ll spend wearing them. You’ll work one-on-one with our treatment coordinator to find a payment plan that works best for your financial needs.
#6: Get Your Braces!
Once we’ve gotten to know you and your needs, selected a treatment plan, and discussed payment options, we’re ready to get the ball rolling! You’ll work with your treatment coordinator to schedule your next appointment. This is the time to get excited – you’re one step closer to the smile of your dreams!
Smile With Rio Grande Orthodontics
When you visit one of our orthodontic offices in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Edgewood, Santa Fe, Espanola, Taos, Socorro, or Las Vegas, you’re in for a treat. With expert doctors and welcoming team members, you’ll fit right in. If you haven’t scheduled your first appointment, what’s holding you back? Schedule your free consultation at Rio Grande Orthodontics today!