What To Expect
at your first appointment
At Dominion Orthodontics, your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile begins with a thorough consultation. Whether you're considering braces, Invisalign, or an expander (RPE), your first visit is an opportunity to discuss your treatment goals and learn about your options.
What Happens at the Consultation:
Initial Examination – We’ll start with a complete oral exam, evaluating the position of your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite. This will help us determine the best course of treatment for your needs.
X-rays and Digital Scans – To get a clear picture of your dental structure, we may take X-rays or perform digital scans of your teeth and jaw.
Customized Treatment Plan – Based on your evaluation, your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you, outlining the expected timeline and what to anticipate throughout your orthodontic care.
Answering Questions – We’ll take the time to answer any questions you have about the treatment process, the appliances, and what results you can expect.
Financial Discussion – Our treatment coordinator will go over the costs of treatment, discuss payment plan options, and review any discounts or special promotions you may qualify for. We’ll also work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and ensure you fully understand what is covered and any out-of-pocket expenses.
Scheduling Your Next Appointment – If you're ready to move forward, we’ll schedule your next appointment to begin treatment.
For Braces: Placing Brackets and Wires
Once you’ve decided to begin treatment with braces, your next appointment will focus on getting the braces in place. Here’s what to expect:
Cleaning and Preparation – We’ll begin by thoroughly cleaning your teeth to ensure the brackets adhere properly.
Placing Brackets – The orthodontist will place small metal or ceramic brackets on each tooth using a special adhesive.
Connecting Wires – Once the brackets are in place, we’ll thread a wire through them and secure it with elastic bands. The wire will begin gently guiding your teeth into alignment.
Reviewing Instructions – After your braces are placed, we’ll provide you with detailed care instructions, including how to brush and floss with braces, which foods to avoid, and what to expect in the days following placement.
Scheduling Adjustments – Your treatment will require regular adjustments, which will be scheduled every 6-8 weeks.
For Invisalign: Placing Attachments and Ensuring Fitment
If you’re moving forward with Invisalign, your next visit will focus on getting your aligners ready and ensuring they fit properly:
Placing Attachments – Some patients may need small attachments placed on certain teeth to help the aligners grip and move them more effectively. These are clear, tooth-colored buttons that will be bonded to the teeth and are easily removable once treatment is complete.
Ensuring Fitment – We’ll give you your first set of aligners and check that they fit properly, ensuring they are comfortable and functional.
Reviewing Instructions – You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners. We recommend wearing them for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Tracking Your Progress – You’ll be given a series of aligners to change out every 1-2 weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are moving as expected.
For an Expander or Fixed Appliance
If your treatment involves a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) or a fixed appliance, your first few appointments will focus on preparation and placement:
Initial Scan – At your first appointment, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted expander or appliance. These scans provide a precise model of your mouth and ensure your appliance is tailored to your unique anatomy.
Spacer Appointment – Before placing the expander, we may insert spacers between your back molars to create room for the appliance. These are small elastic rings that fit between the teeth to gently push them apart over the course of 1-2 weeks.
Expander Fitting Appointment – Once your spacers have done their job, you’ll return for the final fitting of the expander. The appliance will be placed and secured on your upper molars, and we’ll give you instructions on how to activate it (if necessary) and what to expect as your treatment progresses.
Monitoring and Care – We’ll review care instructions for cleaning around the expander and provide guidance on turning the device, if applicable. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to track your progress.
Get Started Today!
Dominion Orthodontics is the top choice for orthodontic care in Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Glen Allen. With over 30 years of experience, advanced technology, and a commitment to personalized, patient-centered care, we ensure comfortable, effective treatment for each unique smile. Schedule a consultation today to see why Dominion Orthodontics is the best choice for your orthodontic journey!
