Your First Visit

Our greatest goal is to give you the healthy, straight, beautiful smile that you've always wanted. 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 rewarding as possible. Our practice utilizes the latest technology, offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.

Every smile starts with an initial consultation

Your initial consultation will give you the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs. During your initial consultation, Dr. Godwin will listen carefully to your concerns and will examine your teeth and jaw to determine your orthodontic needs. There are four essential questions that he will cover during the initial examination:

  • Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
  • What must be done to correct the problem?
  • How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • How much will the treatment cost?

Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have, and we will provide all of the information that you need to determine which treatment is right for you. Please contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation.

Getting Started - Diagnostic Records

Your next step to a healthy smile is the preparation of diagnostic records. Records consist of impressions for study models of the teeth, digital photographs of the face and mouth, and x-rays of the head, teeth and jaws. This diagnostic information enables Dr. Godwin to carefully review the nature of your orthodontic concerns and develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your special needs.

In order to minimize your time away from school and work, these records can usually be obtained the same day as your first visit. We use digital radiography to create our images. Digital radiography minimizes your exposure to radiation. In addition, this state-of-the-art tool produces the images instantaneously, allowing us to serve you and your general dentist efficiently and effectively.

Your Customized Treatment Plan

To ensure that you have a complete understanding of the recommended course of treatment, a consultation will be held prior to the placement of orthodontic appliances (braces). During this visit, we will:

  • Explain the nature and extent of the orthodontic concern and review a plan of treatment developed to address your specific needs;
  • Show you the types of orthodontic appliances available and review the estimated length of treatment;
  • Discuss the fee for treatment and insurance coverage, if applicable, and work with you to customize a payment plan that fits your budget.

It is desirable to have all concerned persons present at this visit so that we can address any questions you may have pertaining to the treatment.

What happens after the treatment consultation?

You're one step closer to achieving the smile you've always wanted! After your treatment consultation, our staff will work with you to guide you through your treatment plan. From scheduling your appointments to caring for you new orthodontic appliances, we’re here to make sure that your orthodontic experience is the best it can be.

What's the next step if my child is not ready to begin orthodontic treatment?

Since we recommend that all children be screened for orthodontic treatment by age seven, some young patients may not be ready for braces. In those cases, Dr. Godwin recommends a "wait and see" approach to orthodontic care. Your child will be placed in our Kids Club Program and will be monitored periodically to review growth and development. This allows us to choose the optimal time to begin treatment and provides a greater opportunity for an effective treatment outcome.

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.