Welcome to Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics! We’re excited to get you started on your way towards a more confident smile. If you’re unfamiliar with the orthodontic process, you may be feeling a little nervous about what’s ahead. This is completely normal! The unknown can be scary sometimes, but our team is here to help you feel comfortable and confident in our care. That begins with your very first visit to our Richmond office!
This is one of the most important appointments you’ll have with us, as it gives us the chance to get to know each other, discuss the concerns you have with your smile, and create a plan to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. We work hard to make this visit a rewarding experience. With that in mind, let’s look at what you can expect from your complimentary consultation!
Your orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders
When you arrive for your first visit, you’ll be greeted warmly by our front desk team and given a brief tour of the office. We find that this helps patients feel more comfortable with their surroundings. You’ll be introduced to some of our talented team before we take a few digital photographs of your teeth in their present state. We may collect some X-rays of your mouth at this time as well. These images give us a good look at what’s happening beneath the surface of the gums, including the position and growth of the bones and joints and any teeth that are still below the gum line.
Once this is complete, it’s time to meet your doctor! Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders will look at your dental records and images before performing an oral examination. Don’t worry—this will be brief and painless! You may be asked some questions during this exam, like if your jaws make any noise when you open and close your mouth or if you’ve been having any problems chewing or swallowing. With this information, your doctor will be able to make a proper diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you. This will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
We never want you to feel as though you’re being rushed through your appointments, especially during your first visit! You should expect to spend about an hour with us during your consultation. This gives us plenty of time to address your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and walk you through the treatment process. This will include conversations about:
- any oral issues that need to be addressed
- whether treatment is necessary now, or if it would be better to delay it until the appropriate growth, tooth eruption, or other factors have occurred
- the treatment options we have available to correct the problem
- if any permanent teeth need to be removed before treatment begins
- how long treatment is likely to take
- the investment required for your new smile
- the payment options available to you
- any insurance benefits that may apply to your treatment
Over the years, we have found that in-depth planning and personalized treatment plans yield better results and higher patient satisfaction. After your doctor has gone over all your treatment options and you’ve decided on a plan that meets your needs, we’ll take a look at the total investment needed for your new smile.
Investing in a healthier smile
There’s no “one size fits all” fee for treatment since every smile is different and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment costs will vary from case to case, with a variety of factors influencing the total. There’s no need to worry about hidden costs, though—we’ll ensure you understand everything your treatment plan includes before we begin!
We believe everyone should be able to afford the orthodontic care they need. Our office is pleased to offer a variety of financial options to help our patients reach their smile goals! We accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience. We also work with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that offers low- and no-interest payment plans for qualifying patients, and Lending Club.
Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics accepts most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage, and will be happy to answer any questions you have about claims and coverage.
The next steps in your orthodontic journey
Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders may recommend beginning treatment right away or waiting until a later time. This is dependent on the developmental stage of your teeth and jaws. If waiting is suggested, we’ll usually advise you to return for periodic checkups until your doctor determines it’s time for treatment to begin. If immediate treatment is recommended during your consultation, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your new orthodontic appliance.
Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments every 6-10 weeks throughout your orthodontic journey. During these visits, your doctor will check that things are progressing as they should be. They will also adjust your appliance if necessary. If you’re wearing braces, the wire and elastics may be changed at this time as well.
These visits are an essential part of your treatment plan, so it’s important that you don’t skip them. While we do our best to make sure appointments are scheduled for a day and time that’s convenient for you, we know that things can come up where you’re running late or can’t make your appointment. If this occurs, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment plan on track.
Discover your best smile at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics
You only get one smile. Don’t trust it to anything less than an expert! Our doctors have many years of combined experience creating beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in the Richmond community. When you choose our practice, you’ll receive world-class care in a welcoming environment. If you’re in the Richmond area and ready to learn more about the benefits of orthodontics, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation! Our expert team is standing by to help you take the first step toward discovering your best smile.