When you make the decision to improve your oral health and straighten your smile with orthodontics, it can be really exciting! But it’s also a big step, and as such, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially in the beginning. If you don’t know much about the orthodontic process, you may not be sure what to expect in the months ahead.
At Christian Manley Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment, and value the trust you place in our practice. It’s important to us that you feel confident in the care we provide, and that begins with your very first visit to our office in Issaquah or Sammamish!
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from a Manley Smile Assessment, and where we’ll go from there.
Your first visit with Christian Manley Orthodontics
You’ll always be greeted warmly when you visit our office! During your first visit, you’ll be introduced to some of our talented team and receive a quick tour of our office. After reviewing your records, we’ll take some photographs of your teeth, and will also do a series of x-rays in order to see what’s happening beneath the gums. This allows us to check the position and growth of the bones and joints, and any teeth that are still below the gum line.
We may also take a digital 3-D scan of your teeth at this point, in order to make an exact replica of the bite digitally, which will help us understand exactly what the problem is and how best to treat it.
Dr. Manley will look at the records and images available before performing an extensive oral examination. He may ask questions about any problems you’ve had with chewing, swallowing, or opening and closing the mouth. This information allows him to make a proper diagnosis, and to create and finalize a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.
After the exam is complete, Dr. Manley will go over the findings with you and let you know what treatment is recommended, if any. Depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws, it may be best to begin treatment right away, or at a later time. Whether you’re planning to start treatment now or later, this is the best time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
To ensure you fully understand the orthodontic process, our team will cover:
- any oral issues you’re experiencing
- if treatment is needed immediately
- what treatment options are available to correct the problem weather it is traditional braces or Invisalign
- if any teeth will need to be removed
- an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
- the total investment required for treatment
- any payment or financing options we have available to you
The individualized approach we take means we consider your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals when creating a treatment plan for you. This allows us to consistently produce superior results and a rewarding orthodontic experience!
Investing in a straighter, healthier smile
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Manley, we’ll walk you through the investment needed for your new smile. Because each patient has unique needs and will respond to treatment in their own way, the total treatment costs will vary from case to case. When we outline your personalized treatment plan for you, it will include a breakdown of all applicable fees. We will always inform you of all the costs involved before any treatment begins.
At Christian Manley Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to offering high-quality, affordable orthodontic care to patients of all ages in our community. Cost should never be an obstacle to obtaining the treatment you need, so we offer several payment options, including:
- full-payment discounts
- low down payments and flexible monthly payments
- multi-family member discounts
If you have insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, our team will be happy to review your plan and help you maximize your benefits. If your benefits change during the course of treatment, the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.
The next step in your orthodontic journey
Once your Manley Smile Assessment is complete, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your orthodontic appliance! You’ll have follow-up appointments with us every 8-12 weeks or so, although this will depend on the type of treatment. During these visits, Dr. Manley will adjust your appliance if necessary, monitor that movement of the teeth is occurring in a safe and healthy way, and check that everything is progressing according to the treatment plan.
These visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment. While we do our best to schedule appointments for a day and time that’s convenient for you, we know that you may sometimes need to reschedule. If you’re running late or can’t make your appointment for any reason, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to accommodate you by rescheduling your appointment for another day to keep your treatment on track!