What to Expect

Welcome to Our Office!!

Dr. Swelstad and his friendly staff would like to welcome you to our office! We are always excited about meeting new patients and making your experience enjoyable. We would like to share with you what to expect as you begin your orthodontic journey.

Before your first appointment, we will mail you a Welcome Letter and Packet with information to complete and to bring to your first appointment. If you have orthodontic insurance, please bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you a better estimate of your costs.

Your first appointment will be an Initial Examination. This visit will consist of a thorough examination performed by Dr. Swelstad with a discussion of potential treatment needs, timing and options. A digital x-ray and photographs may be taken, if deemed necessary to assist with our evaluation of your needs. There is NO CHARGE for the initial exam.

During the initial examination, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of most orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask LOTS of questions as well!

What are the problems? Can these problems be corrected with orthodontic treatment?
What treatment procedures are available to correct the problems?
Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
How long will treatment take?
How much will it cost?
What are my payment options?

Your initial exam visit is very important and provides us with valuable insights into your orthodontic needs, and allows us the opportunity to answer many of your questions. Since this informational visit is FREE, you really have nothing to lose by simply coming in to see if you or your loved one might benefit from orthodontic treatment! If orthodontic treatment is indicated, Dr. Swelstad may recommend additional orthodontic records to allow a more-detailed and careful analysis of your specific orthodontic needs.

Customized Care

Since every person's needs are unique, Dr. Swelstad devotes great effort into developing the most appropriate treatment plan customized for your unique situation. We feel it is important to analyze each patient's specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results, quicker results and higher patient satisfaction. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, we can often take the necessary diagnostic records at your initial exam visit. The orthodontic records may include additional X-rays, photos and molds of your teeth for developing the best treatment plan.

We understand that many patients "need a little time" to absorb all of this information, and to "talk it over" at home before beginning treatment. Actually, we encourage this - as educated and motivated patients always acheive the best results. Unlike some offices, we will never pressure you or begin any treatment without your full knowledge, understanding and commitment to achieving the best results possible. In these cases, we recommend a detailed Consultation appointment to answer all questions and review treatment recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity to bring a spouse or relative who may have questions. There is NO CHARGE for the consultation.

We insist that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take, BEFORE any treatment is started.

Everyone at Swelstad Orthodontics loves what we do! We look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to explain how orthodontic treatment may benefit you and your family!