Going to the orthodontist for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking. However, it’s an important step towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Garlington and his team will make sure you have a positive experience and understand everything about your treatment. It is our goal for all our Long Beach patients to have a safe and comfortable visit at Garlington Orthodontics. For more information on Garlington Orthodontics and patient services, please visit For patients.
The Warm Welcome
When you first arrive at Dr. Garlington’s office, our friendly reception staff will greet you. If you haven’t already done so online, they will ask you to fill out some forms. These will include your medical and dental history. You must provide accurate information so Dr. Garlington can better understand your needs. After the paperwork, you’ll be invited to sit in the waiting area, designed to be comfortable and relaxing. If you are anxious for any reason, please speak to a member of our staff.
Meeting Dr. Garlington
Soon, a dental assistant will call you back to the examination area, where you’ll meet Dr. Garlington. He’s known for his kind demeanor and expertise in orthodontics, so you’re in good hands. Dr. Garlington will introduce himself and explain what will happen during your visit. He will ask about your reasons for coming in, any concerns you have, and what you hope to achieve with orthodontic treatment.
The Exam
Dr. Garlington will then perform a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and mouth. This is a crucial step in determining what kind of treatment you might need. During the exam, he will look for issues like crowding, gaps, bite problems (such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite), and other dental irregularities. He might use a small mirror and a special tool to check each tooth and the alignment of your jaws.
To get a complete picture of your mouth, Dr. Garlington may take X-rays. These images help him see the position of your teeth and roots, as well as the condition of your jawbone. X-rays are quick and painless. You just need to stay still for a few moments while we take the images.
In some cases, Dr. Garlington might also take digital impressions of your teeth. This involves sitting for another imaging similar to an X-ray. These scans help in planning your treatment by providing a 3D model of your mouth. We can also use these to make custom appliances like braces or retainers.
Discussing Treatment Options in Long Beach, CA
After the exam, X-rays, and impressions, Dr. Garlington will have a good understanding of your orthodontic needs. He will sit down with you and explain his findings in a clear and easy-to-understand way. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have. Dr. Garlington will discuss the different treatment options available to you. Once you make a decision, he will explain each step in detail so that you know exactly what to expect. Dr. Garlington will also talk about the costs involved and any payment plans or insurance options that might be available.
If you decide to proceed with the treatment, we will schedule the next steps. This could include fitting for aligners, additional imaging, or other procedures. Dr. Garlington and his team will make sure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way. They will also give you tips on how to care for your teeth and any appliances you might use.