Your smile and your self-confidence go hand-in-hand. The health benefits of enhancing your smile are much more than skin-deep. You deserve an orthodontist and team that strive to change lives. Join Dr. Anne Marie Payne at Lake Norman Orthodontics for your first appointment. 

Do you ever wonder what happens at your first orthodontic appointment? Children, teenagers, and adults alike can be anxious before a first orthodontic consultation. Read more about the benefits by following this link.

Please remember that your first appointment is the first step on the path to achieving a beautiful smile! We want you to feel at ease every step of the way. Read below to learn more about what to expect on your first visit with your orthodontist in Cornelius.

Arriving at the Clinic

On your first visit to our orthodontic practice, we look forward to meeting you. During this time, we will greet you, help you get acquainted with our office, and teach you more about orthodontics. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. 

Your first visit includes an initial examination and discussion of your potential treatment options. This important visit will allow the orthodontist to determine if this is the right time to begin treatment. An orthodontic consultation can take anywhere between 30-60 minutes long. 

The Consultation

During your consultation, we address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to come with your questions and concerns as well. Read more about orthodontics here.

• Are there any conditions that orthodontics can’t address?
• Am I ready for treatment now, or should treatment be delayed?
• What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
• How long will treatment take?
• How much will it cost?
• What are my payment options?

After we have evaluated your records, we will consult and explain all aspects of your orthodontic treatment in detail. Dr. Payne will talk to you about any concerns regarding the look and function of your teeth. At this time, it is best to let her know of any dental problems you (or your child) have experienced.

For some patients, your orthodontist in Cornelius will recommend waiting to do treatment later. This can be because your child’s teeth are growing in correctly at the moment and do not need orthodontic treatment. Please remember that it’s never too early to have your child’s teeth and jaw examined. An experienced orthodontist can determine if your child will likely have any issues as a teenager or adult.

What Happens After the Consultation?  

After the first consultation, we provide the following: 

• complete clinical diagnosis
• a written summary of the findings
• detailed treatment plan 
• goals to aim for
• estimated fees 

Dr. Payne may request records of the teeth, including scans and x-rays. It’s common for the orthodontist to see oral problems from these records, which modifies the treatment plan. That is why Dr. Payne can only confirm a definitive plan once these have been reviewed.  

Your Next Appointment: The Treatment Plan

Once Dr. Payne has all the information and a treatment plan ready, we’ll organize another appointment to present all the information to you. The presentation includes all the options for orthodontics suitable for your particular case. 

Some people may only need braces on a single arch. Others may need full braces or prefer lingual braces or clear aligners. The final decision is up to you to choose which type of orthodontics you would like.

Some younger patients aren’t ready for braces just yet. On the other hand, Dr. Payne may recommend a two-phase treatment while the patient is young and doesn’t have all their adult teeth. Suppose Dr. Payne believes teeth overcrowding is a problem or maybe a problem in the future. In that case, she may recommend an expander plate before braces while their jaw is still growing. 

Please Visit Your Orthodontist in Cornelius, North Carolina

If you are interested in learning more about orthodontics in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, or Mooresville, call Lake Norman Orthodontics at (704)-896-8452. Your comfort and care are our priority, and a massive change in your smile is in your near future.