We love new patients! At Mortenson Orthodontics, we make getting braces fun and easy.
For kids, that means making our new patients feel comfortable and at ease in our office, and being very clear and open with them about what to expect at each visit.
For adults, it means answering all questions and reducing stress by taking care of orthodontics insurance procedures.
Check out the following pages to see how we can make your orthodontic experience a smooth one.
What to Expect
- Orthodontic Consultation
At the initial visit, Dr. Mortenson and his staff get to know the patient and family members, orienting them to our office and acquainting them to our practice philosophy. Dr. Mortenson then performs a thorough examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed. General questions regarding the fee and our payment options are discussed during the first appointment.
- Initial Records
Diagnostic records are an important step in orthodontic treatment. These records include photographs, x-rays and models of the teeth. The information gathered from these records aids Dr. Mortenson as he works to determine an appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Dr. Mortenson then prepares a treatment plan specifically designed to address the patient’s orthodontic needs and requests.
- Case Presentation
This appointment provides an opportunity for the patient and members of their family to meet with Dr. Mortenson and discuss the proposed treatment plan. During this appointment, we finalize the financial agreement if it has not already been done. This can be a separate appointment or included in the Initial Placement of Appliance visit.
- Initial Placement of Appliance(s)
This first appointment of active treatment usually requires one to two hours for placement of the appliance(s) and/or braces with time to review instructions for the care and cleaning of the appliance(s). Due to the length of this appointment, Dr. Mortenson and his staff generally schedule this appointment in the morning or early afternoon.
- Active Treatment
This phase of treatment includes monthly adjustment visits (for patients in Comprehensive Treatment) and appliance adjustment visits (for patients in Phase I Treatment). These visits usually occur every three to six weeks and are approximately 20 minutes long. Periodic progress reports and records will be taken throughout the active period of treatment to ensure a high standard of quality and adherence to the patient’s individualized treatment plan.
- Removal of Appliance
The removal of orthodontic appliances usually takes about one hour. Instructions for retention appliances will be given at this appointment.
- Retention Treatment
Patients will return to our office one month after the retention appliance has been delivered. After that appointment, visits will typically take place every three to six months for up to a year. During the retention appointments, the retainer is examined, adjusted and corrected to ensure proper function. It is important that the patient follow Dr. Mortenson’s instructions on wearing the retention appliance in order to prevent relapse.
Before & After – See some great “Before and After” pictures from our patients.
Office Tour – Here you will find some great pictures of our offices.
Hear From Some Patients – Read what some of our patients have experienced.
New Patient Paperwork – Click to download our new patient forms.