Whether you are visiting McDonald Orthodontics on your own or were referred by a family dentist, our friendly team will ensure that you feel well cared for and welcome. Your no-cost, in-depth orthodontic consultation will allow Dr. John to thoroughly evaluate your teeth and jaws. He’ll then talk with you about your expectations for treatment outcome, as well as any concerns you have. You’ll learn about the important functional issues braces will correct, as well as the cosmetic benefits. This visit is a great time for you to ask questions, whether they’re about the cost of braces, Dr. John’s experience, or how long your treatment may last.

For more than 50 years, families have trusted McDonald Orthodontics to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues. Dr. John offers traditional and tooth-colored braces for kids and adults, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. If you’re planning a first visit to our office, this overview will help you prepare for your complimentary orthodontic consultation.

What happens during an orthodontic consultation?

The purpose of an orthodontic consultation is for you to get to know Dr. John and for him to perform an examination, and then propose a suitable treatment. When you arrive at our Salem or Kaizer ortho practice, expect a warm welcome. Children and teenagers often benefit from a tour of our state-of-the-art dental office. Dr. John or a member of our team will be glad to give you a tour.

Dr. John is known for his friendly personality. He’s a self-proclaimed orthodontics nerd, so ask as many questions as you like. It will make his day to answer them!

During your consultation, Dr. John will explain his recommendations so that you can make an informed decision about your (or your child’s) orthodontic treatment. One benefit of working with Dr. John is that his many years of professional experience take the guesswork out of orthodontics. He will explain why certain treatments may work better for you than others, and what you can expect in terms of a treatment timeline. We also offer in-house, no-interest financing for qualified applicants, and we accept CareCredit, as well as insurance and flex spending accounts.

Once you are comfortable with the general plan and every question you have has been answered, we’ll schedule your first visit, and you will be one step closer to a great smile.

At your first appointment following the consultation, We will take X-rays and photos of your teeth. Dr. John will review his previous exam and revisit the position and health of your teeth, jaws, and gum tissue. Based on information from the exam and images, he will propose a detailed treatment plan that’s as short as possible, while producing the optimal functional and cosmetic results.

Do I need to prepare for my visit?

At McDonald Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to be informed about their treatments. In the weeks and days leading up to your appointment with Dr. John, we recommend that you write down all of your questions, concerns, and even possible myths you’ve heard about getting braces. This step will help you feel more comfortable and confident at the initial orthodontic consultation. And though it’s cliche, there really is no such thing as a bad question. Here are a few examples of common questions we hear, to help you get started:

• What dental problems do I need treatment for?
• How long will my treatment last?
• Will the cosmetic results last a lifetime?
• Will any part of my treatment hurt?
• Are there dietary restrictions associated with my treatment?
• How often will I need to visit McDonald Orthodontics?
• What are my treatment alternatives?
• What are the benefits of undergoing treatment now and not later?

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation Today

Undergoing orthodontic treatment is a major decision, and your relationship with the orthodontist you choose could extend far beyond the next 12-24 months, especially if you have children (or more children) who may need braces. To make that choice a little easier, we are happy to extend a no-fee orthodontic consultation. We feel confident that after your questions are answered, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward a brighter smile. To schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. John, call (503) 585-5400 (for Salem or Kaizer). Everyone at McDonald Orthodontics can’t wait to meet you!