Your First Orthodontic Visit

Welcome to Hall & Koppel Hot Springs Orthodontics! You deserve a smile that lets your personality shine, and we’re so excited to help you take the first steps towards making that happen. Choosing to improve your oral health with orthodontic treatment is an important decision. We appreciate your trust in us and work hard to provide every patient with a stress-free experience, but if you’re not sure what to expect, it can be a little overwhelming. It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if you aren’t familiar with the orthodontic process. We want you to feel confident in our care from the moment you get in touch, so let’s talk about what you can expect from your first orthodontic visit with us!

What happens during an orthodontic evaluation? 

We’ve designed our Hot Springs office to be fun and enjoyable so our patients feel at home immediately. When you arrive, you’ll be warmly greeted by one of our talented team members, then given a brief tour. We find that patients are able to relax more easily when they feel comfortable with their surroundings! 

Next, we’ll sit down and go over your medical and dental history. After you talk us through your concerns, we’ll take a few digital photographs and x-rays of your mouth. This allows us to get a good look at your teeth, jaw, and what’s going on beneath the surface of the gums. We’ll use these images to give us a better idea of your specific orthodontic needs. 

Then it’s time to meet your doctor! You’ll be introduced to Dr. Hall or Dr. Koppel and given a thorough oral examination. The results of this exam along, with your dental history and the images we collect from your diagnostic records, contain all the information our doctors need to make an initial diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you and your smile!

It’s important to us that you understand each aspect of your diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Your initial visit with us will usually last about an hour, which gives us plenty of time we need to perform the exam and discuss your diagnosis. We’ll also be able to answer any questions you have and go over a number of topics, including:

  • if treatment is needed immediately or if waiting is recommended
  • what treatment options we have available to you
  • an estimate of how long we expect treatment to take
  • the total investment required for your new smile
  • our payment or financing options
  • how we handle dental insurance claims and what providers we accept

Every smile is unique and deserves to be treated as such. That’s why our practice is committed to providing every patient with personalized care! With this approach, we’re able to consistently produce exceptional results that our patients love.

Investing in a straighter smile

Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, we’ll outline the total investment needed for your new smile. Because every case is different, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how much treatment will cost. The total will depend on your specific needs and the treatment plan that’s been designed for you. Don’t worry, though! We hate hidden fees as much as you do, and will always ensure you understand everything included in your treatment plan before moving forward. 

At Hall & Koppel Hot Springs Orthodontics, we believe every patient should have access to affordable treatment and high-quality orthodontic care. We offer flexible payment plans to fit every budget, and accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. If your dental insurance covers a portion of your orthodontic treatment, we’ll be happy to help you with your claims and paperwork.

What happens after this initial visit?

Once your consultation is complete, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to come in and have your new appliance fitted or placed. This will also take about an hour. During this time our team will be on hand to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible! 

Depending on the type of appliance you have and your treatment plan, we’ll want to see you for follow-up visits every 4-8 weeks or so. During these check-ups, one of our doctors will assess your progress and observe your teeth to make sure they’re moving the way we want them to. If you’re wearing braces, they’ll make any necessary adjustments and may change the wire at this time as well. 

These visits are an essential part of your treatment plan, so we do our best to schedule them for a day and time that’s convenient for you. We do understand, however, that things outside your control sometimes happen! If you can’t make your appointment or think you’ll be running late, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule you for another day. This helps keep our office running smoothly and your treatment on track.

Find your best smile at Hall & Koppel Hot Springs Orthodontics

Improving your oral health can transform your smile and your life. You’re a full partner in this orthodontic journey, and our team will always be happy to provide you with progress updates and answers to your questions. You can also count on us if you just need a few words of encouragement and a reminder that this process is worth it! 

Dr. Hall and Dr. Koppel are skilled, experienced, and gentle orthodontists. Our team works closely with each patient to design a personalized treatment plan that focuses on lasting oral health and a beautiful smile. We’ve served the Hot Springs area since 1967, and our doctors and staff have 250 years of combined orthodontic experience! Our team works hard to stay on top of advances in orthodontic technology and techniques. Our patient-centered care ensures you’ll receive the best treatment for your smile and exceptional results you’ll want to share with everyone around you!

If you haven’t already scheduled your first visit, there’s no time like the present! Get in touch with us today to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hall or Dr. Koppel. You won’t find any sales pitches or pressure here: just a clear path to the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!