What to Expect

Before Your First Visit

Before coming to our office for your first appointment, please take time to completely fill out our patient information form. Our form is available on this website and is included in the patient information packet sent to you. Completing this information in advance will save time for you and will allow us to begin your first visit immediately after your arrival.

As a courtesy, we can contact your insurance company prior to your first visit to determine your orthodontic benefits. The questions we’ll attempt to answer include the following:

• Whether you have orthodontic coverage
• What your benefits are
• Whether a pre-treatment estimate is required
• Whether your insurance company makes payments automatically

Please let us know if you’d like us to do this for you.

Your First Visit

Upon your arrival, our receptionists will greet you, get you checked in and notify our Patient Coordinators that you have arrived. You will then be escorted to a consultation room to meet with Dr. Ingraham.

Your initial exam and consultation is complimentary (no charge) and will take approximately one hour.

Our objective with this first discussion and exam is to determine your or your child’s long-term orthodontic needs. At this point, we’ll be able to tell you ...

• If treatment is needed now
• If treatment is needed, but should be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors are reconciled
• If treatment is not needed at all

We know that every patient’s needs and expectations for orthodontics are different. That’s why your treatment will be individualized and personalized to meet your own requirements. From the initial exam until your final appointment, we’ll honor your individuality and your unique needs. 

We also know that orthodontic treatment goes best when the patient understands and is an active partner in his or her treatment plan. We use verbal messages with powerful visuals to educate you about orthodontics, your choices and your options.

During your first visit, we will...

• Take digital photographs of your teeth and face.
• Determine:
• Whether orthodontic treatment can help you.
• The best time to begin treatment.
• The treatment options that are available to you.
• The costs of various options.
• The length of time your treatment will take.
• Present a written and verbal explanation of your orthodontic problems and your options for treatment. Dr. Ingraham will discuss the various types of treatment, such as SureSmile, Invisalign and the Damon System.
• Discuss your insurance benefits and present the payment plans available to you.
• Schedule diagnostic records, such as X-rays, that will be used to establish your personalized treatment plan.

Dr. Ingraham and our Treatment Coordinators will take the time necessary to discuss treatment, cost of treatment and financing options available to you. We aren’t satisfied until all your questions have been answered!

If you are a minor, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at this initial appointment. Patients and parents of patients may schedule a conference with Dr. Ingraham at any time during treatment.

If you choose, we may even begin treatment at this first appointment!