Your First Visit
FAQs
| Your First Visit
| Office Tour
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Our greatest goal is to give you the healthy, straight, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. We understand that choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure that your orthodontic care is as comfortable, convenient, and rewarding as possible. We'll use the latest technology, offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options, giving you the customized, individual care that you deserve.
Every smile starts with an exam!
Your initial exam will give you the opportunity to meet our team; as well as, learn more about orthodontics, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs. During your exam, Dr. Dougherty will:
- Review your dental and medical history forms
- Take a series of facial and intra-oral photos
- Provide a complete oral exam, to determine if treatment is necessary
- Help you create a customized treatment plan
During your exam, he will explain everything that you will need to know about your orthodontic treatment, so that you can choose what's best for you. Our treatment coordinator will talk to you about payment options and answer any insurance questions you may have. If you'd like to schedule an exam with Dr. Dougherty, please call (818) 986-6223.
What happens after the initial exam?
If you do choose to receive orthodontic treatment, we will schedule your first appointment for orthodontic records. Our staff will take new photos, x-rays and digitally scan your mouth using the latest in state-of-the-art technology. Our Cadent iTero digital scanner will produce a 3D study model of your mouth (no more messy impressions!). Dr. Dougherty will use these records in preparing a treatment plan that is customized for you. We will be scheduling a time for you to meet with Dr. Dougherty for a formal consulation so that he can review these records, present you with treatment plans and options, and discuss risks and benefits of treatment.
Scheduling Appointments
Visiting the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Regular checkups last between 20-40 minutes. Our practice will work with you to make sure that your appointments are scheduled around your busy schedule, so that you will spend less time in the dental chair, and more time enjoying the things you love to do.
Visiting the dentist during orthodontic treatment
It is very important that you continue to visit your family dentist once every six months, even during your orthodontic treatment, for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist to make sure that you are receiving the best care possible.
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CareCredit®
CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.