Patient Resources

Your First Visit

Welcome to Artemis Smiles Orthodontics, where we are committed to providing you with a comfortable, informative, and fun experience from the moment you step through our doors. Understanding that your first visit is the foundation of your orthodontic journey, we strive to make it as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Your first visit is primarily focused on understanding your orthodontic needs and goals. It will begin with a detailed consultation with one of our experienced treatment coordinators and Dr. Bennie. During this time, we encourage you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Our goal is to listen carefully to your needs and provide clear, comprehensive answers.

During the consultation, we will conduct a thorough orthodontic examination. This includes 3D imaging and scans to gain a complete understanding of your oral structure, jaw alignment, and teeth positioning. These advanced diagnostic tools help us accurately assess your orthodontic needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

After evaluating your oral health and orthodontic needs, our orthodontist will discuss the findings with you in detail. We’ll explain if treatment is needed, what options are available (including braces, InBrace, Invisalign, or other appliances), and what you can expect during the treatment process.

Based on your unique case, we will create a customized treatment plan tailored to achieve your desired results. This plan will outline the estimated length of treatment, the steps involved, and any preparatory work that might be needed before starting. We’ll also provide you with an overview of the costs and discuss payment options and insurance coverage to ensure your treatment is as affordable as possible.

At Artemis Smiles, we believe that your first visit is the start of an exciting journey toward achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Our compassionate and skilled team is dedicated to making your orthodontic experience positive and rewarding. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Financial Info

At Artemis Smiles, we believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining the beautiful smile you deserve. We are committed to providing flexible payment options and making the process as straightforward as possible.

To accommodate your needs, we accept a variety of payment methods including cash, most major credit cards, and payment plans with flexible financing and low downpayment options.

We will also be happy to file any necessary forms and claims on your behalf to ensure you maximize your insurance benefits.

We are dedicated to making orthodontic treatment accessible and affordable. Our team is always available to discuss payment plans and financing options that can be tailored to fit your budget. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide you with all the cost information upfront, so there are no surprises along the way.

At Artemis Smiles, we’re not just about creating beautiful smiles; we’re also committed to ensuring that the journey to achieve that smile is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, including when it comes to finances. If you have any questions or would like more information about our financial policies and options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help you navigate the financial aspects of your orthodontic treatment, so you can focus on achieving the smile of your dreams.

Emergency Care

At Artemis Smiles, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing discomfort and concern. Whether you encounter a minor issue or a rare major emergency, our dedicated team is prepared to provide the care and guidance you need to address the situation promptly and effectively.

For any emergency, please text our practice with photos, if possible, so we can get back to you with an accurate response as quickly as possible. Someone will be available on-call to answer your questions.

In the Event of a major emergency

Real orthodontic (or dental) emergencies are few and far between but can include situations such as:

• Injury or trauma to the teeth, mouth, or facial area
• Swelling or infection of the gums, face, or mouth
• Intense, uncontrollable pain in these areas

In such scenarios, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention — if necessary, visiting an emergency room might be the most appropriate action. Typically though, your first point of contact should be your regular dentist. Your dentist is well-equipped with the expertise to manage a variety of dental issues, possessing the diagnostic capabilities, anesthetic options, and treatment solutions you require. For instance, if you encounter a broken tooth, your dentist can address the immediate issue and plan for the tooth’s repair. Subsequently, your orthodontic treatment plan can be modified accordingly. Similarly, extreme pain or swelling might indicate an underlying infection or disease, which would be best addressed by a dentist or a specialist like a periodontist.

Common, Minor Issues

At Artemis Smiles, we understand that minor emergencies can be a part of the orthodontic journey. While these situations are typically not severe, they can cause discomfort or concern. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring your treatment process is as smooth and comfortable as possible, providing guidance and solutions for any issues that may arise. Here’s an overview of common minor emergencies and how to manage them until you can visit our office:

• Discomfort from Braces Adjustments — It’s normal to experience some discomfort after having your braces adjusted. This sensation usually subsides within a few days. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help alleviate any soreness.
• Loose or Broken Brackets — Brackets may become loose or detach from a tooth. If this happens, please contact us to schedule a repair. To minimize discomfort, you can cover the loose bracket with orthodontic wax. If the bracket completely comes off, bring it with you to your next appointment.
• Misplaced or Poking Wires — Wires can shift and begin poking the inside of your mouth or become misplaced. To temporarily resolve this, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back into place or apply orthodontic wax over the area to reduce irritation. Avoid cutting the wire, as this could inadvertently lead to swallowing or inhaling the small piece.
• Lost Elastics or Bands — If an elastic band or the bands around your brackets come off, try to reattach them using sterile tweezers, if you’ve been instructed on how to do so. If you’re unable to reattach the band or if it’s lost, make sure to inform us so we can replace it and adjust your treatment as necessary.
• Minor Irritation and Ulcers — Orthodontic appliances can sometimes cause irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue, leading to the formation of ulcers. Rinsing with a saline solution or applying topical anesthetics can provide relief. Additionally, placing orthodontic wax on the areas of the appliance causing irritation can prevent further discomfort.
• Removable Appliance Issues — If you’re using a removable appliance and it becomes bent or broken, stop wearing it immediately to avoid further damage or discomfort. Contact us to assess whether the appliance needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Tips For Managing Minor Emergencies

• Always have orthodontic wax on hand for covering protruding wires or brackets.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent issues related to plaque buildup and gum irritation.
• Keep a small dental care kit with you, including orthodontic wax, sterile tweezers, and a small mirror, for managing minor issues when away from home.

Remember, most minor emergencies are easily managed with simple at-home remedies and do not disrupt the overall progress of your treatment. However, it’s important to inform us of any issues at your earliest convenience so we can provide professional advice and schedule an appointment if necessary.