Timing is a major factor in orthodontics, including when the right moment is for a visit. If it’s your first time working with an orthodontist, this can be a point of confusion. DiMarzio Orthodontics is here to clear things up for you and let you know when to book your appointment or your child’s first orthodontic appointment.
What to Have Ready
You might be wondering what steps you’ll need to take ahead of your first visit. The good news is, it’s not very different from visiting another medical provider for the first time.
1. Complete Medical and Dental History
- We’ll ask you for detailed information on previous dental treatments, current medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
- You can inform our team about any relevant habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or thumb-sucking in children.
2. Dental Insurance Information
- Bring your dental insurance card or any relevant details about your insurance coverage to help our office team clearly outline your benefits and coverage for potential treatments. They will be able to navigate communication with your insurance company on your behalf to maximize your benefits.
3. Dental Records (if available)
- Bring recent dental X-rays and any referral letters from your dentist. This helps us better understand your dental health history and avoid unnecessary repeat diagnostic imaging.
4. Questions and Concerns
- No matter the age of the patient, it can be helpful to compile a list of questions regarding treatment options, expected outcomes, duration of treatment, cost, and financing options. Asking these questions upfront helps you fully understand and make sure you are comfortable with your orthodontic plan.
5. Schedule Information and Availability
- Our team always works hard to accommodate your schedule, and having it handy to set up follow-up appointments conveniently for you or your family is a wise plan.
The First Appointment
Everyone’s dental health and anatomy are different, but we still follow some general steps for each new patient we welcome to DiMarzio Orthodontics. If there’s any anxiety regarding your initial visit, having a better idea of what to expect might be helpful!
- Warm Welcome & Easy Paperwork: You’ll be greeted warmly by our front-office team, who will assist you with completing any further patient information forms.
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Evaluation: Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak will perform an in-depth exam, checking tooth alignment, bite, jaw structure, and gum health to gain a full picture of your orthodontic needs.
- Interactive Discussion & Tailored Advice: Your consultation is a two-way conversation—we encourage all your questions! Together, we’ll discuss:
- The specific orthodontic issues identified during your evaluation
- Recommended treatment plans tailored for you or your child
- An estimated timeline and expected outcomes for treatment
- Financial aspects, including insurance options and flexible payment arrangements
And if you didn’t already know, we’re pleased to tell you that your first consultation with us is totally free!
Early Intervention for Kids
Our team wants to highlight how invaluable early intervention can be for our pediatric and teen patients. Orthodontics is universal, meaning we treat patients at all stages of life. But any time it can be conducted earlier in life, it can pose significant advantages for long-term oral health.
- Early Problem Identification: Timely evaluations allow Dr. DiMarzio and Dr. Marczak to identify developing orthodontic issues early, almost always preventing more complex treatments in the future.
- Supporting Natural Growth: Since children’s jaws and teeth are actively growing and more malleable, orthodontic treatment during this period tends to guide development at a faster rate than in adults, gently.
- Reducing Future Costs: Early interventions are often simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective, likely eliminating the need for more expensive procedures later on.
- Improved Airway and Sleep Quality: Early orthodontics, including palatal expansion, creates wider airways, reducing snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. Better sleep enhances a child’s overall health, cognitive development, and daytime behavior.
Common Questions
Finally, let’s discuss a few common points of curiosity we hear from our patients ahead of their first appointment:
Q: Do I need a dentist referral to schedule an orthodontic consultation?
No referral is required! You can schedule directly with DiMarzio Orthodontics. However, referrals from your dentist can be great for providing additional context, especially if orthodontic concerns have already been detected.
Q: How soon after my first appointment can I start treatment?
Orthodontic treatment typically begins within a few weeks after your initial visit, allowing us time to carefully review your diagnostic records, plan and manufacture your treatment, and schedule follow-up appointments.
Q: Can I eat normally before my appointment?
Yes. You can and should eat normally before your appointment, as there are typically no dietary restrictions related to your initial orthodontic evaluation with us.
A First Time for Everything
If you’re local to the Quincy area, we hope you’ll consider our incredible practice for your orthodontic treatment plans. Please reach out to us at your convenience to schedule your free consultation!