We love meeting new patients and we look forward to having you as a part of our orthodontic family. At your first visit, you’ll be greeted by one of our New Patient Consultants who will help you get acquainted with our office and our terrific team. We also want to get to know you and understand your goals and your concerns regarding orthodontic treatment. Because we value your time, we have combined several appointments into the initial visit.
Your Complimentary Consultation Includes:
Diagnostic Records
Digital imaging: We will use computerized digital photographs of your face, teeth and smile to demonstrate the orthodontic problems
iCAT CT Scan: The iCAT cone beam scan provides 3-D imaging of the jaws and teeth which is far superior to traditional 2-D imaging. Dr. White is the first orthodontist in Richmond to incorporate this incredible technology into his practice. The Cone Beam scan will help Dr. White identify any skeletal imbalances or TMJ (Jaw Joint) dysfunction.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. White will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if an orthodontic problem exists. If treatment is necessary, we will discuss the type of treatment required, any treatment alternatives, the length of treatment and the cost. We will answer any questions that you may have and design a payment plan that fits your budget. If you have orthodontic insurance, we are happy to accept assignment of the benefits to help reduce your costs.
Getting Started
We can begin treatment at the initial visit by making impressions (molds) of the teeth. The impressions are needed to make plaster models of the teeth. The models are then placed on instrument called an articulator to analyze the bite and can help detect any potential jaw joint problems. Mounted diagnostic models are an essential step to TMJ- centered Orthodontics.
We also use the plaster models to make orthodontic appliances such as expanders and to make customized trays for a highly advanced brace placement technique known as Indirect Bonding which will apply your braces faster, more accurately and more comfortably than with conventional orthodontics.
Flexible Financing
For the convenience of our patients, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, as well as offer in-house payment plans allowing you to extend your payment over a period of months. We also offer third party financing through Springstone Patient Financing. With zero down and low monthly payments, Springstone has made orthodontic treatment even more affordable.
As a courtesy to patients who pay in full at the onset of treatment, we offer a fee discount.
While we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary financial difficulties, treatment may be discontinued in cases of serious delinquency.
More Than Just a Smile
Today, orthodontic treatment should be more than just straightening teeth. We understand that not all orthodontic treatment is the same – and orthodontists have different levels of training and expertise. Making the commitment to wear braces and choosing the right orthodontist are important decisions; you should understand the doctor's goals for your orthodontic treatment.
Dr. White is committed to achieving the following results for each patient:
1) Correcting your chief complaint
Whether it’s crowding, spacing, crooked teeth, unattractive smile or an uncomfortable bite, Dr. White will discuss your concerns and design a personalized treatment plan.
2) Maximizing facial esthetics
We treat the whole face – not just the teeth! We want to establish facial balance and make positive changes to our patients lip contours and other facial structures. In the past, traditional orthodontic treatment has focused primarily on fitting the teeth together without considering the resulting changes to the patient's profile.
3) Providing a stable result
Our primary goal is to establish a stable result where there is even contact of all teeth with the jaw joints seated in their sockets. This can be difficult at times…but necessary to achieve the many benefits of harmonizing the fit of the teeth with the proper jaw joint position:
- Maximum chewing efficiency
- Healthy jaw joints
- Comfortable jaw muscles
- Enhanced long-term stability of the teeth and gums