Did you know that every smile transformation begins with an orthodontic consultation? This is one of the most important appointments you’ll have with us here at Orthodontic Associates, and we only charge $25 for an evaluation by our board-certified orthodontic specialist! There’s a lot to love about our Tampa-area practices, from our affordable consultations and expert team to hi-tech treatment and incredible results. But our biggest claim to fame is the world-class care we offer our patients, something that begins with your first visit. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this appointment (and what comes next!)
Your orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Miller
Whether you choose our Bradenton, New Port Richey, or St. Petersburg location, you’ll be warmly greeted when you walk through the door. After signing in, we’ll introduce you to some of our talented team and give you a brief office tour. We’ll then go over your medical and dental history before having your exam with Dr Miller. We may also do a series of X-rays at this time if necessary. These give Dr. Miller valuable information about your erupted and unerupted teeth, facial features, and jaw relationship.
Once we’ve collected the information we need, you’ll be introduced to Dr. Miller. He’ll perform a brief but thorough oral examination and may ask some questions about the concerns you have with your smile. The findings of this exam make up part of what’s known as your diagnostic records. Dr. Miller will use these to make your initial diagnosis and create a treatment plan just for you.
We want to be sure you understand each aspect of your diagnosis and treatment plan, so this initial appointment will last a bit longer than subsequent ones. You can expect to spend about an hour with our team, which gives us plenty of time to perform your oral exam, answer any questions you have, and discuss several important topics. These generally include:
- whether treatment is needed now or if it should be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred
- the types of treatment that are suitable for your orthodontic case
- if any teeth need to be removed
- an estimate of how long your treatment will last
- the total investment required for your new smile
- the payment and insurance options available to you
No two smiles are the same, which is why Dr. Miller takes a customized approach to every patient. That means building a treatment plan around your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This leads to a more rewarding smile journey for you and highly personalized results you’ll love!
Investing in your best smile
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Miller, you’ll meet with our financial coordinator to discuss the investment needed for your new smile. Every case is different, and the total fee will be based on several factors, such as the severity of your case, the expected treatment time, and the materials required. Our policy is to provide an exact fee quote at your consultation. This fee includes our entire orthodontic program, consisting of diagnostic records, treatment plan, orthodontic appliances, retainers, and follow-up visits.
We believe everyone should have access to high-quality orthodontic care, and our office will work with you to determine the best payment plan for your needs and budget. We offer a range of payment options. If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, we’re happy to help you with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork. We do ask that you call with your insurance information before your first visit so we can check the benefit before you come in for your exam.
The next step in your smile journey
Once your consultation is complete, it’s time to get your smile journey started! We’ll schedule an appointment for you to have your new orthodontic appliance placed, which will take about an hour. During this visit, team members will be on hand to answer any questions you have and demonstrate how to care for your teeth and appliance during the treatment process.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled depending on your particular needs, although most patients will be seen every 5-10 weeks or so. If your specific situation requires more frequent monitoring, we’ll schedule appointments for you accordingly. During these visits, Dr. Miller will assess your progress and make sure things are proceeding as they should be. If you’re wearing braces, he’ll make any necessary adjustments and may choose to change the wire out at this time as well.
These visits are a key element to successful treatment. While we do our best to schedule them for a day and time that’s convenient for you, we know things can come up unexpectedly. If you can’t make your appointment or will be running late for any reason, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can get you rescheduled. This helps us keep your treatment plan on track and also allows our office to continue running smoothly.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted at Orthodontic Associates
As the top Tampa-area orthodontic practice, our expert team is proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages. But that’s not all! Treatment with Dr. Miller will also give you a more attractive profile, improve your oral hygiene, and position your teeth and jaws to promote long-term health. If you haven’t already scheduled your first visit, get in touch today to schedule your $25 consultation with Dr. Miller at one of our three conveniently located offices!