Becoming a Patient

Step 1: Your Consultation Appointment

Your first orthodontic appointment is a complementary consultation. Beltway Orthodontics offers free in-person and virtual consultations for everyone.

All patients seeking treatment will be required to have an in-person consult prior to starting treatment so that financial info can be discussed and diagnostic information evaluated. An in-person consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your unique treatment goals with Dr. Moody, as well as tour our state-of-the-art office. If you are unable to visit our office for an in-person consult in the near future, a virtual consultation is a great way to get the conversation started while you are on the go.

During this first orthodontic appointment, Dr. Moody will review your medical & dental histories, evaluate photos & radiographs of your teeth, then examine your bite & jaws to determine what method of treatment is best. After this evaluation, Dr. Moody will recommend a treatment type, explain the treatment plan, and provide an estimated treatment length. Our treatment coordinator will then discuss financial info, insurance options, and flexible payment plans. Once the treatment terms are agreed upon, you are ready to start. If desired, you can start your treatment the same day.

We request that all patients seeking to begin treatment be up-to-date with their visits to their general dentist prior to this first orthodontic appointment.

Step 2: Orthodontic Records

After your consult, the next step is typically a 30 minute records appointment. At this appointment, any missing or inadequate photos and radiographs are updated. Additionally, a 3D scan of your teeth and bite are acquired using our digital scanner. This digital copy of your teeth will be used both as a record of how your teeth were before treatment, and as a template for fabrication of any appliances you may need during treatment. Alternatively, if you are being treated with Invisalign, your 3D scan is also used for planning and fabrication of the series of aligners to be used to straighten your teeth.

After your 3D scan is uploaded, spacers are placed around teeth that will require molar bands during treatment. If spacers are not necessary, braces will be placed the same day as your records appointment. If spacers are required, you will return 1-2 weeks following your records for the placement of your molar bands along with your braces.

Step 3: Bonding of Braces

Brackets and bands are then placed on the appropriate teeth. To do so, first the teeth are conditioned and rinsed. Then each bracket is positioned in the appropriate spot on each tooth. Lastly, each tooth is tied to the archwires to begin tooth movement.

Afterwards, diet and oral hygiene instructions are provided. You will return every 4-6 weeks to have your braces adjusted.

Step 3: Clear Aligner Delivery

Once your clear aligners are received, you will return to get your first set. Additionally, at this appointment attachments will be placed on select teeth to allow the aligners to grip your teeth more effectively.

Afterwards, instructions for aligner changes and oral hygiene instructions are provided. You will return every 4-6 weeks to received another set of aligners.

Get Started With Us

An in-person consult will give you an opportunity to discuss your treatment goals with Dr. Moody, as well as tour our state-of-the-art office. At your consult, Dr. Moody will review your medical and dental histories and examine your teeth. He will then recommend a treatment type, explain the treatment plan, and provide an estimated treatment length. During the visit we will also review all financial info, insurance coverages, and provide flexible payment plans. If desired, most patients can start treatment the same day.