Taking the first step toward orthodontic care can be scary. Serrano Orthodontics is here to explain how our office helps patients understand their dental complications and create a treatment plan to help resolve them. Our team prioritizes listening to your needs and desires when creating your treatment plan so you can be delighted with the results!
Discussing Your Individual Goals
In crafting your treatment plan, our team prioritizes listening to the goals you want to accomplish during your time with us. We recognize each patient has a different lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, so we do our best to incorporate those into your care. Considering the average length of treatment can be up to three years long, we want you to feel comfortable.
For example, some aesthetic preferences may include how comfortable patients are with their appliance being apparent or if they are looking for something more subtle. Similarly, choosing fixed versus removable appliances can change their everyday experience and how much compliance is required to ensure treatment stays on schedule.
Budget and Cost
Another consideration in creating your unique plan of care is the cost of appliances and your family’s budget. During your free consultation, Drs. Andrew and Paul Serrano will go through a complete cost breakdown so you understand each element that will go into your treatment, eliminating any surprises later on. This includes how long care will last, what appliance you choose, the current condition of your teeth, and more.
We are committed to staying transparent with our patients and ensuring they understand the financials behind treatment so there are no surprises later on. To keep care as accessible as possible for our community, our team will additionally discuss our flexible payment plans and how your dental insurance is incorporated.
Your Orthodontic Evaluation
With the above factors in mind, Drs. Andrew and Paul Serrano take some diagnostic records during your free consultation appointment to learn more about the current condition of your teeth and how we can best help you reach your goals.
Our team will start with digital photographs of your teeth. These photographs also help display the amazing before and after at the end of treatment so you can see how much your hard work has paid off! Following this, a digital impression is taken with the advanced iTero scanner. We use the latest technology to ensure our patients receive comfortably fitted appliances and undergo efficient treatment.
X-rays are the last diagnostic taken of your teeth to better understand their development and how everything connects below the surface. If your dentist has taken a recent one in the past six months, please bring it in with you.
Discussing Your Treatment Plan
Once we have finished evaluating your teeth, Drs. Andrew or Paul Serrano will join you in a private consultation room to discuss which conditions should be addressed, if treatment is needed immediately, the costs you can expect, our flexible payment plans, what appliance our team recommends and much more. We encourage you to ask as many questions as necessary so you can feel confident in beginning care with us and completely understand each step of the process.
Available Treatment Options
Serrano Orthodontics proudly provides our patients with options for working on their teeth. As mentioned, we understand that different lifestyles and aesthetic preferences affect which appliance patients prefer, so let us discuss your choices!
Clarity Clear Braces
Perfect for those interested in a natural look, Clarity clear braces comfortably fit your teeth and blend in with your smile thanks to the white brackets. We use ceramic LightForce Cloud brackets, each custom-crafted with 3D printing technology, making treatment as efficient as possible. This appliance allows for fewer office visits and a shorter time in care.
Thanks to their stain-free technology, you won’t need to worry about a cup of coffee or a glass of wine discoloring them. Clarity braces use the same reliable technology as modern metal braces, so you can count on them to resolve orthodontic issues.
Invisalign
With Invisalign clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth without brackets and wires! Available for both teens and adults, this treatment remains nearly invisible on your teeth, so no one will be able to tell you are undergoing treatment. They utilize a series of clear acrylic trays that are switched out every two weeks. Each set of trays is designed with 3D technology to slowly shift your teeth in the right direction over time.
Your trays must be worn at least 22 hours a day in order to keep your treatment plan on schedule. Invisalign is a removable appliance, so you can take the trays out during mealtime and enjoy no food restrictions throughout your care!
Metal Braces
Traditional braces have been around for a long time yet remain popular due to their reliability and strength. Serrano Orthodontics uses Victory Series Low Profile brackets made of high-grade stainless steel. They provide our patients with a smooth, comfortable design, so you don’t have to worry about friction against your gums, cheeks, and lips, creating awkward sores.
Metal braces shift your teeth with the help of brackets, wires, elastics, and other components to place constant pressure in specific areas and shift your teeth in the right direction. You can count on them to fix any orthodontic issue, no matter how severe.
Your Perfect Smile Starts Here!
So much goes into beginning your orthodontic journey and ensuring that your needs are met. We hope this short guide has given you a better idea of where we start. We provide expert care at our practices in Phoenix and Chandler and encourage new patients to come for a free consultation to learn more about improving their smile. Schedule yours today!