Your First Visit
Dr. Richards and our team want to help you reach your goals with the treatment that is optimal for your smile. During an initial orthodontic exam, our orthodontist will discuss your goals with you and perform a comprehensive exam to determine your eligibility for our various services and find the right solution for your individual needs.
Your first visit to our office is very important in establishing your orthodontic baseline. Your initial exam will include a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, bite, oral musculature, and any skeletal irregularities. We will also perform a thorough radiographic analysis with panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, as well as a photographic analysis. We want to help you achieve your goals for your smile and look forward to giving you the personalized, high-quality service you deserve.
We are always happy to answer your questions and help you schedule your appointments with Dr. Richards. Contact us today to request your initial orthodontic consultation in Salt Lake City or Riverton, Utah!
Patient Forms
To save you some time at your consultation, please fill out your new patient forms prior to visiting our office. If you have any questions, please let us know!
- New Patient Health History – Adult
- New Patient Health History – Child
- New Patient Health History – Adult (Spanish)
- New Patient Health History – Child (Spanish)
Financial Info
The cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. Our team will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each payment option so that you can make the best choice for you and your child’s smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, and you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.
Dr. Richards offers several financial options to help you and your family receive quality orthodontic treatment. We also offer affordable payment plans in-office and through a third-party financing group, CareCredit. For more information, please ask our team about getting started with CareCredit.
For your convenience, we also accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards for out-of-pocket payments.
Our practice accepts most insurances. If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our office team is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork.
Orthodontics FAQ
Orthodontics is the field of dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training following dental school in managing tooth movement and guiding facial development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted and any developing problems will be easy to diagnose and treat.
No! While the majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teenagers, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you can receive treatment.
There are many types of orthodontic treatment available today, and we offer some of the most advanced treatment options in orthodontics. The three most common types of treatment are self-ligating metal braces, clear self-ligating braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. During your consultation, Dr. Richards will help you determine which option is right for you. To learn more or request your initial consultation, please contact our office!
Yes! Clear ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign make it simple for your teeth to be properly but discreetly aligned. We understand that braces can impact a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. Our team wants you to feel and look your best during and after your orthodontic treatment, so call us today to see if discreet straightening techniques are right for you!
If you experience an orthodontic emergency, such as a broken or lost appliance, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled soon, please call us immediately to let us know that you need an appliance repaired. We will also be able to provide you with any needed instructions on what to do until you can come to see Dr. Richards.
Orthodontic emergencies may include:
- Loose brackets
- Loose bands
- Poking wires
- Wire irritations
- Lost separators
- Pain caused by braces or other orthodontic appliances
Orthodontic treatment times vary greatly depending on the patient. With advanced technology, orthodontic treatment is now faster, more comfortable, and more effective than in years past, making it a great time to straighten your smile. During your consultation, our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits all of your orthodontic needs and will provide you with an estimate of how long your treatment will take to complete.
Yes. In fact, some types of orthodontic treatment are designed specifically to treat jaw problems. This type of treatment plan focuses on controlling and guiding bone and facial growth to achieve a balanced jaw and facial structure that promotes better oral health and function. Some common problems related to improper jaw growth include:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Upper front teeth protrusion
- Unmatched dental midlines
We will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that will resolve your jaw problems and help you enjoy a healthier and more attractive smile.
