Your First Visit to Orthodontics by Bradford

Your first visit to Orthodontics by Bradford is a crucial step toward achieving a healthier, straighter smile. From the moment you arrive, our team is here to make the experience welcoming, informative, and stress-free. Dr. Stephen Bradford or Dr. Colby Bradford will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you leave feeling confident and well-informed.

What Happens During Your Initial Orthodontic Examination?

Your first appointment includes a thorough evaluation of your orthodontic needs. Dr. Stephen Bradford or Dr. Colby Bradford will examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to determine whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.

During this visit, we also review your dental and medical history, discuss any concerns you may have, and begin identifying the best treatment options for your smile with braces or Invisalign. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident moving forward.

To make your first visit even easier, Orthodontics by Bradford offers:

• Complimentary orthodontic consultations
• A welcoming, patient-focused environment
• Clear explanations of findings and next steps
• A personalized treatment plan
• Expected timelines and appliance options

Our goal is to ensure clarity, comfort, and confidence before treatment begins.

We’re here to support you from the moment you walk through our doors and to make your first visit a smooth and stress-free experience.

Will Diagnostic Records Be Taken at the First Visit?

Yes. When scheduling allows, we reserve additional time after your exam to take diagnostic records. These may include:

• Digital X-rays
• Photographs
• Impressions or digital scans

These records allow our orthodontists to develop a precise and personalized treatment plan. Reviewing complete diagnostic records helps ensure accuracy, comfort, and predictable results.

Questions to Address During Your First Visit

At your first visit, we address several key questions to help you understand your orthodontic needs, including:

• Does orthodontic treatment help with this condition?
• Is now the ideal time to begin treatment?
• What types of treatment are appropriate for your case?
• How long is treatment expected to take?

A more detailed plan is finalized after your diagnostic records are reviewed and the best course of treatment is determined.

Do You Believe in Orthodontic Treatment Without Extractions?

At Orthodontics by Bradford, we believe that creating a healthy, beautiful smile does not automatically require removing teeth. Our orthodontists prioritize non-extraction orthodontic treatment whenever possible, focusing on preserving your natural smile and facial balance.

Using advanced diagnostics and modern orthodontic techniques, our orthodontists carefully evaluate jaw development, tooth position, airway health, and overall facial structure before ever recommending extractions. In many cases, space can be created through thoughtful orthodontic planning rather than tooth removal.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Preserving natural teeth whenever clinically appropriate
• Supporting balanced facial aesthetics and long-term oral health
• Creating space through orthodontic techniques instead of extractions
• Individualized treatment planning based on your unique anatomy

While extractions may be necessary in rare or complex cases, our philosophy is to explore all non-extraction options first. During your consultation, we will clearly explain our findings and recommendations so you can make an informed, confident decision about your treatment.

What Should You Bring to Your First Appointment?

Before your first visit, we’ll collect your medical information through emailed and texted forms. Please complete them ahead of time so our team can review everything in advance and make your appointment as smooth and efficient as possible.

To help us evaluate your orthodontic needs as accurately as possible, please bring:

• A panoramic X-ray taken within the last six months, if available
• Any previous orthodontic records, if you are transferring from another practice

Having this information at your first visit allows us to plan efficiently and accurately. We will do our best to obtain any necessary records from your general dentist and/or previous orthodontist(s).

Our doctors and team love meeting our future friends and success stories. For a child’s first visit, we recommend that both parents attend whenever possible, so everyone is on the same page from day one.