Your First Visit

When you choose orthodontic treatment with Windy City Orthodontics, it’s one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your smile. Beyond cosmetic appearances, there are a number of benefits to having straight teeth and proper jaw alignment, including a reduced risk for cavities and improved oral health. However, there are many people out there in need of orthodontic care who are hesitant to schedule a consultation simply because they aren’t sure what to expect!

While we understand how overwhelming the unknown can be, it’s important that you feel comfortable enough with a practice to seek out the services you need. That’s one reason why we’re dedicated to providing personalized service that begins the moment you get in touch with us! Keep reading below to understand more about how the orthodontic process works and what you can expect from your first visit with Windy City Orthodontics.

Your first visit with us

We believe first impressions are a big deal, so we do our best to make your initial visit with us an exciting and stress-free experience. You’ll be greeted warmly when you arrive, and we’ll show you around the office to help you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Once we’ve gotten some information on your medical and dental history, we can proceed to the diagnostic records and examination.

Your initial appointment with us is important because we will use this time to determine if there are any orthodontic issues present that require treatment. One part of this process will involve taking photographs of your teeth in their present state. We also normally take a panoramic x-ray during this visit, as well. This images allow our doctor to see beneath the surface of the gums in order to check the position and growth of the bones and joints there. It also lets him take a look at any teeth that are still below the gum line.

Once we have all the images we need, Dr. Pakravan will review them with one of our treatment coordinators. He may also perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws, and may also ask a few questions, such as whether your jaws make any noise when you open or close your mouth, or if there are any obvious problems when you chew or swallow.  

We want all of our patients to feel confident in every step of the treatment process. After your exam, we will sit down with you and discuss the following topics. 

  • Any oral issues you’re experiencing
  • If treatment is needed immediately
  • What treatment options are available to correct the problem
  • The benefits of orthodontic treatment
  • An estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
  • The total investment required for treatment
  • Any payment or financing options we have available to you

This appointment is also the best time to go over any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll never rush you and will always make sure you feel heard and understood! By listening to your concerns and taking your unique needs into account, we can create a customized treatment plan that will produce superior results and a rewarding orthodontic experience for you. 

Your investment in a healthier, straighter smile

Every smile is different, and every patient will respond to treatment in their own way. For this reason, the total cost of orthodontic treatment will always be variable. During your consultation, our team will break down all the applicable treatment fees, and ensure you understand them before beginning any treatment with Windy City Orthodontics. 

We believe everyone should have a confident smile they love, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the orthodontic care you need, whenever you need it. That’s why our office offers a wide range of payment options, including affordable payment plans and most major credit cards. We also work with many insurance providers, and are happy to help you with your claims and paperwork to ensure you’re maximizing your coverage.

Your First Visit

Taking the next step in your orthodontic journey

Once your initial consultation is complete, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to come back and have your new orthodontic appliance placed or fitted. Following this, you’ll see us every 4-8 weeks for follow-up visits where Dr. Pakravan will monitor the movement of your teeth, adjust your appliance if necessary, and check that treatment is progressing according to plan.

These regular visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so we encourage you to cancel or reschedule only if it’s absolutely necessary. However, life is unpredictable and we know that this will sometimes be unavoidable! If that’s the case, we ask that you simply let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment on track. 

During orthodontic treatment, you should continue to have regular check-ups with your family dentist every six months or so. If you need extra dental care at any point, we can work with him or her to make sure that you’re receiving the best possible care across the board.  

Discover your best smile with Windy City Orthodontics

At Windy City Orthodontics, Dr. Darren Pakravan is proud to provide individualized care combined with cutting-edge technology and expert technique. Throughout your orthodontic journey, our team will explain each step and update you as things change. It’s our mission to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages across Chicago, and that begins with your first visit! 

If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment to improve your smile, Windy City Orthodontics would love to hear from you. We offer beautiful, long-lasting results in a clean, modern, and relaxing environment. Take the first step towards your best smile today by getting in touch to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pakravan!