New Patients
Finding an orthodontics office can often be a challenge. Fortunately, Weatherford Orthodontics in Weatherford, Oklahoma can satisfy all your orthodontic needs! The following will provide you with an overview of what to expect from your first visit to our orthodontic office.
Appointment Reminders
It can be easy to forget when you scheduled an orthodontics appointment, but now we’re able to remind you with an Appointment Reminder via email or text message. And if it’s your first visit, we’ll be happy to provide driving directions. Just click on the link below to let us know how you’d like to be contacted. Please print, sign, and bring this with you on your next appointment. We’ll do the rest!
Appointment Reminder Consent Form
Release of Records Form
Download the Release of Records Consent form. Please print, sign, and bring this with you on your next appointment.
Paperwork
You have the option of completing the new patient paperwork prior to your first appointment to ensure an expedient visit. Click the following link to download our new patient forms:
What to Expect at Your First Orthodontics Appointment
A beautiful smile can make you feel more confident about yourself. A proper bite also contributes to improved dental health, which can affect your overall physical health and wellbeing. Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten teeth when a person’s teeth or jaw structure do not fit together properly. These problems are often referred to by orthodontists as malocclusions (or bad bites) and can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and increase the chance of injury to teeth and jaw joints. It can even make you uncomfortable smiling.
We offer free consultations to all Weatherford orthodontics patients and specialize in braces for adults and children. We’re also proud to offer Invisalign® treatment for adults and teens.
Contact Weatherford Orthodontics in Weatherford, Oklahoma at 580-772-2283 for more information on what to expect at your first visit, or continue reading below!
Smile and Relax
Let’s face it; few things are more tedious than the process of scheduling and attending an appointment, dental or otherwise. That’s why we promise to make you comfortable, treat you with the utmost respect, and help you get on with your day. We pride ourselves on being friendly, understanding people who know what you are going through, and we promise to support you every step of the way!
What Happens at My First Visit?
First, you should schedule an orthodontic evaluation (online, over the phone, or in-person). Be sure to set reminders on your phone or even a physical calendar so you don’t miss your appointment! Then, at your initial appointment, we’ll perform a quick oral exam and check for issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems that can affect not only your mouth but your overall health. If your oral health is ready to support orthodontic treatment, we’ll discuss all of your options to improve the alignment of your smile.
Common Problems Our Orthodontic Treatments Address
Below, you will find common oral problems that can be addressed with orthodontics:
- Underbite: Condition where the lower jaw extends out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
- Spacing: Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth or they may only be a cosmetic issue.
- Protrusion: The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by upper front teeth protrusion. It is characterized by the upper front of your teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
- Crowding: Occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
- Crossbite: The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
- Overbite: The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
- Open bite: The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, impacting proper chewing. Open bites may be caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
- Midlines: Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit or match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.
Orthodontic FAQs
When Should my Child see an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends every child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven, unless a specific problem is identified earlier. This is because this is the time when kids are starting to get their first adult molars which establish the back bite. However, it’s never too late to correct a smile as a growing number of our Oklahoma orthodontics patients are adults who are now taking the time to give themselves the smiles they‘ve always wanted.
What are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
- Create facial symmetry by guiding jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Create space for incoming teeth
- Reduce the need for tooth removal
- Reduce treatment time
Don’t forget to bring:
- Dental X-rays from the last six months (we can take X-rays if you don’t have any)
- Your medical and dental history information, including any medications you’re currently prescribed
- Your dental insurance card (if applicable)
- Your parent or guardian (if you’re under 18)
What Happens After the Exam Appointment?
Prior to beginning treatment, diagnostic orthodontic records are gathered at the Records Appointment. Diagnostic records include x-rays, photographs, and impressions of teeth to provide the orthodontist with information to tailor a treatment plan for an individual patient. The following appointment is the Case Presentation, at which time the staff discusses the treatment plan prepared by the orthodontist and the fees, payment options, and insurance benefits associated with treatment.
How Often Will I Have to Come in for Appointments?
There are several appointments needed within a matter of weeks to place the orthodontic appliances. Once the orthodontic appliances are placed, regular adjustment appointments are needed to guide the tooth movement. On average, these appointments are scheduled every six weeks, although treatment may dictate more or less frequent appointments.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic treatment and growth response as well as the level of patient cooperation. Generally, limited orthodontic treatment can range from 6 to 18 months or 18-36 months for comprehensive treatment.
Are you ready to smile? Book your free orthodontic consultation today with Weatherford Orthodontics in Weatherford, Oklahoma at 580-772-2283!