TOP 10 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR ORTHODONTIST I N T R O D U C T O R Y L E T T E R F R O M D R. W H I T E 0
INTRODUCTORY LETTER FROM DR. WHITE Dear Friend, If you are researching orthodontists and different types of braces for yourself, your children, or a loved one, you are in the right place. Just like every mouth is different, orthodontic practices are different. In your search for finding the right orthodontist for you, you will most likely find similar treatment options, even named the same or by the same I want you to be educated about manufacturer. That being said, not all treatment is the same. your options and feel extremely At White Orthodontics, our mission is to serve others. Our vision is changing lives, advancing the profession, and supporting our community. There is no better reward of seeing how happy our patients are after we help transform their smile. To help support our mission and to help you choose the right orthodontist, even if it is not us, I put this report together, The Top 10 Things You Must Know before Choosing Your Orthodontist. Sincerely, P.S. When you are ready, I urge you to schedule your White initial exam, complimentary consultation, digital 3D digital x-rays ($250 value), and more by calling 804-715-1674 or go to SmileRichmond.com. If you are scheduling an exam for your child, you may be wondering, at what age you should you schedule the first exam? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening by the age of 7 in order to rule out possible problems that will be much harder to correct in later years. While many parents are surprised at 7 being too early, we agree that the earlier the exam, the better, because we will have more options and can even give pre-orthodontic guidance. comfortable with your orthodontist and choice of treatment. After reading this report, you can also browse our website, SmileRichmond.com or simply stop in our West End location to learn more about us. I N T R O D U C T O R Y L E T T E R F R O M D R. W H I T E If you are scheduling an exam for you or if your child is older than 7, that is okay too. We have helped over 10,000 people from all different ages throughout the Richmond area transform their smiles. Again, when you are ready to learn more about your options with us, we are here for you. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introductory Letter from Dr. White... 1 Number 1: Are They A Specialist?... 3 Number 2: Are They Trained To Treat TMJ Disorders?... 4 Number 3: Do They Treat Adults?... 5 Number 4: Do They Provide The First Visit Free Of Charge?... 6 Number 5: Do They Offer Guarantees? If So, What Are They?... 7 Number 6: Are They Using The Latest Technology & Treatment Options Available?... 8 Number 7: Does Their Quoted Fee Include Retainers?... 9 Number 8: Do They Charge For Emergency Appointments?... 10 Number 9: Do They Make You Feel Special And Comfortable?... 11 Number 10: Do They Have A Great Reputation?... 12 I N T R O D U C T O R Y L E T T E R FRO M D R. W H I T E Bonus Number 11: Are They Flexible With Payment Options?... 13 Closing Letter from Dr. White... 14 2
NUMBER 1: ARE THEY A SPECIALIST? Orthodontists are specially trained dentists who take on several extra years of training in order to straighten teeth, usually by affixing braces to the patient s teeth. You might say we specialize in smiles. Orthodontists also perform dentofacial orthopedics. This is a fancy way to describe how we normalize the alignment of a patient s jaw bones with growth modification in order to improve any imbalance in their face. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Look for the seal of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Only orthodontic specialists can belong to the AAO. Dr. White doesn t just treat orthodontic problems for children and adults; he also teaches dentists at the National Children s Hospital in Washington, DC to become orthodontists. In fact, Dr. White shares his knowledge and lectures to many orthodontists throughout the country. By teaching and interacting with other orthodontists, he stays on the cutting edge with the best treatment options for his patients. Dr. White is at the forefront of the latest and greatest technologies and techniques. Another sign of a great specialist is they can show you a before and after of a similar case that they have previously helped. We know all mouths are different, but in the thousands of lives and smiles we have transformed, we can show you a similar case to your specific mouth. Actual Patient N U M B E R 1 : A R E T H E Y A S P E C I A L I S T? 3
NUMBER 2: ARE THEY TRAINED TO TREAT TMJ DISORDERS? Over 85% of people, young and old, suffer from a TMJ or Jaw joint disorder. Symptoms may range from jaw clicking or popping and headaches to jaw locking, ringing in the ears, vertigo and neck aches. The majority of these people have a malocclusion (or bad bite) that places undue stress on the jaw joints, jaw muscles, and the teeth and their supporting structures such as the gums and bone, creating an imbalance. Most jaw joint problems develop over time; many of the early signs and symptoms can be overlooked by an untrained dentist or orthodontist. Most orthodontists focus primarily on aligning the teeth and improving the smile. Some even talk about correcting the bite but have had minimal training and do very little to actually correct the bite properly. Dr. White has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of jaw joint disorders from the prestigious Roth Williams Institute for Functional Occlusion in San Francisco, California. He has helped thousands of people who suffered from TMJ achieve a beautiful smile, more importantly, a healthy, "pain free" bite. In fact, many of Dr. White's patients are referred to him because of their TMJ problems. Fortunately, Dr. White has incorporated the same principles and techniques that uses to help TMJ patients for his routine orthodontic patients to help them avoid a future full of expensive, painful and sometimes debilitating jaw joint disorders. If you or someone you know is suffering from a jaw joint disorder or may have TMJ, please contact our office for a complimentary TMJ screening and bite evaluation. Actual Patient At White Orthodontics, we have been providing TMJ solutions for many years. N U M B E R 2 : A R E T H E Y T R A I N E D T O T R E A T T M J D I S O R D E R S? 4
NUMBER 3: DO THEY TREAT ADULTS? Orthodontics is not just for kids! It is important that your orthodontist can treat patients of all ages. The physiology that allows us to move teeth is the same for adults as it is for teens. In fact, 30% of orthodontic patients we see at White Orthodontics are adults. Many adults are finding out how a healthy and attractive smile is important to their health and the way they feel about themselves. Studies have shown that people with an attractive smile are more successful and even live longer than people with an unattractive smile. Others choose to avoid a lifetime of crooked teeth for health concerns or problems with their bite that can lead to premature tooth wear, gum recession, or TMJ problems. With today s discreet treatment options such as hidden braces or Invisalign, adults are able to get a beautiful smile without wearing metal braces. N U M B E R 3 : D O T H E Y T R E A T A D U L T S? Actual Patients 5
NUMBER 4: DO THEY PROVIDE THE FIRST VISIT FREE OF CHARGE? Most orthodontists offer free examinations for new patients so that you and your family can get expert advice about treatment needs, options, and timing before making this important investment. During your first exam and consultation be sure your questions are being answered, concerns addressed, and you are being educated about all of your treatment options. Today s orthodontists use digital X-rays during the initial exam. At White orthodontics we include a digital 3D scan which is much more detailed than a 2D X-ray, giving us a significantly more detailed view of the teeth and jaws, allowing Dr. White better accuracy in treatment planning. There are some orthodontists who won t give you a treatment fee until you ve paid for orthodontic records. At White Orthodontics, should treatment be necessary, we will give you an exact fee and find a payment plan that will fit your budget prior to starting any treatment. We believe you shouldn t have to pay to find out how much your braces will cost. Call 804.715.1674 to schedule your initial exam, complimentary consultation, and 3D digital x- r a y s ($250 V a l u e ). Actual Patient N U M B E R 4 : D O T H E Y P R O V I D E T H E F I R S T V I S I T F R E E O F C H A R G E? 6
NUMBER 5: DO THEY OFFER GUARANTEES? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY? No matter which orthodontist you choose, orthodontic treatment can be a sizeable investment. That being said, wouldn t you want to ensure not only that your orthodontic treatment will be done "right," but your orthodontist is going to stand behind their treatment? Of course! At White Orthodontics, we wouldn t have it any other way. In fact, after completing comprehensive orthodontics with us, you'll never pay for braces again, even if you didn't wear your retainer! Now.who does that? D u r i n g y o u r f i r s t e x a m a n d i n i t i a l consultation, a s k f o r m o r e d e t a i l s on both of our g u a r a n t e e s. Actual Patients N U M B E R 5 : D O T H E Y O F F E R G U A R A N T E E S? I F S O, W H A T A R E T H E Y? 7
NUMBER 6: ARE THEY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY & TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE? Orthodontics today differs a great deal from years past. Computer-designed braces and wires dramatically increase the precision with which we move teeth and shorten treatment time. Tie-free braces systems have made treatment far more efficient and comfortable. Clear braces offer a cosmetically pleasing alternative, while Invisalign offers patients an entirely brace-free option. Did you know that Invisalign also has a special treatment system just for teens? At White Orthodontics, we can even place braces behind your teeth to make the entire treatment a well-kept secret! At White Orthodontics, we are constantly staying up- to- d a t e w i t h technology and treatment options. In fact, Dr. White was the first orthodontist in Virginia to combine 3D imaging with the amazing precision of Suresmile robotics. We also eliminated those "yucky" impressions or molds of your teeth utilizing digital scanning and 3D printing patients love the ease and comfort of our "no mess" system! Ultimately, when you consider Dr. White's advanced training and our state-of-the-art technology, you can be assured that you're getting the very best treatment available when you choose White Orthodontics. Actual Patient N U M B E R 6 : A R E T H E Y U S I N G T H E L A T E S T T E C H N O L O G Y & T R E A T M E N T O P T I O N S A V A I L A B L E? 8
NUMBER 7: DOES THEIR QUOTED FEE INCLUDE RETAINERS? Each orthodontic office has its own fee schedules, and doctors often charge differently for procedures or their time. At White Orthodontics our fee is "all inclusive" with no "hidden charges" for all of our services. Many orthodontists take an "ala carte" approach to their fee, giving a price for braces, then adding "extras" such as diagnostic records, brace repairs, and retainers and retainer adjustment charges to their basic fee. All orthodontists should offer you a contract that clearly spells out the expenses for your child s treatment before it begins. Throughout the orthodontic industry, it is common to find out about retainer fees and other charges after you start treatment. Since you are reading this report, you can ask your orthodontist about what retainers cost and also if there are any other hidden fees. An important part to achieving a stra i g h t s m i l e i s k e e p i n g i t t h a t w a y. At White Orthodontics, our "signature" is a custom made permanent retainer to help keep the lower front teeth straight for life. We also provide our patients with a clear top and bottom retainers to maintain their beautiful smiles. N U M B E R 7 : D O E S T H E I R Q U O T E D F E E I N C L U D E R E T A I N E R S? Actual Patient 9
NUMBER 8: DO THEY CHARGE FOR EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS? Some minor discomfort may occur with braces. Orthodontists typically provide adjustments for poking wires and loose appliances free of charge. At White Orthodontics, we do provide these types of adjustments free of charge, but you should definitely ask about adjustments and potential costs with your orthodontist before you start treatment. Keep in mind; if your braces are broken or damaged due to non-compliance with dietary restrictions, you are delaying your treatment unnecessarily. With White Orthodontics, if you do your best to avoid breaking your braces, follow the simple dietary guidelines which we will share with you, you will achieve an amazing smile and finish your treatment on time! At White Orthodontics we use the latest bonding techniques to ensure that your braces are secured tightly to your teeth. At White Orthodontics, there are no additional costs for emergency treatment. N U M B E R 8 : D O T H E Y C H A R G E F O R E M E R G E N C Y A P P O I N T M E N T S? Actual Patients 10
NUMBER 9: DO THEY MAKE YOU FEEL SPECIAL AND COMFORTABLE? Regardless if you are reading this report for your own treatment or for your child s treatment, when you meet with your orthodontist, you should definitely feel comfortable. At White Orthodontics, we strive to make you as comfortable as possible before, during, and after treatment. You are special and we want you to feel special every time you see us. Particularly important if you are reading this report for the treatment of your child, we also ensure your child feels special every time they visit. The majority of our team, including Dr. White, have children of their own. Since our team is so involved with children and young adults, we can empathize, relate to them, make them feel comfortable, and extra special. Our Smile Rewards program is a positive reward system designed to help kids and young adults have fun and keep them engaged in their treatment. N U M B E R 9 : D O T H E Y M A K E Y O U F E E L S P E C I A L A N D C O M F O R T A B L E? Actual Patients 11
NUMBER 10: DO THEY HAVE A GREAT REPUTATION? With the Internet today, it is extremely easy to pull up ratings and reviews from patients. Simply go to Google and search for orthodontist reviews and ratings with your town. At the time of this report, you will see we are 5-star rated on Google. Additionally, look on the website for video testimonials from actual patients. Visit SmileRichmond.com to view some videos from actual patients. You can also ask the orthodontist for references. N U M B E R 1 0 : D O T H E Y H A V E A G R E A T R E P U T A T I O N? Dr. White attended the prestigious Roth/Williams Center for Functional Occlusion in San Francisco where he received advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and complex orthodontic cases. His commitment to continuing education and to orthodontic excellence has earned him the reputation as one of the top orthodontists in Virginia. 12
BONUS NUMBER 11: ARE THEY FLEXIBLE WITH PAYMENT OPTIONS? We realize this report is supposed to be the Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Choosing Your Orthodontist, but we couldn t leave out some payment tips to look for when choosing an orthodontist. Once you are comfortable and you know specifically which orthodontist you want to treat you or your child, the next question typically is, How much is this going to cost and how am I going to pay for this? At White Orthodontics, we will help you understand different payment options from maximizing the most insurance benefits to flex spending accounts to even interest-free payment plans. During the initial exam and complimentary consultation (a $250 value), we will answer all of your questions, including those about our typical cost of braces and the variety of payment options available. At White O r t h o d o n t i c s, you have options! B O N U S N U M B E R 1 1 : A R E T H E Y F L E X I B L E W I T H P A Y M E N T O P T I O N S? Actual Patients 13
CLOSING LETTER FROM DR. WHITE Dear Friend, I hope this report has helped you learn more about orthodontics in general and potentially show you how White Orthodontics can help you or your child. To accomplish our mission of serving others, we would be honored and grateful to meet and learn more about how we can potentially help transform you or your child s smile. For your White Smile Assessment, complimentary consultation and x - rays ($2 5 0 v a l u e ), t h e r e i s a b s o l u t e l y no obligation. We simply want to answer your questions, address your concerns, and have you experience the White Orthodontics difference to see if you could see yourself choosing us for your treatment. In fact, you or your child may not need or even be ready for treatment. We will share with you our expert recommendations based on our years of experience, advanced diagnostics, and thorough analysis. C L O S I N G L E T T E R F R O M D R. W H I T E If we are not the right fit for you, we'd be happy to help you find someone who be a better fit. While our resounding reviews and professional accreditations may seem impressive 14
We take the most pride in transforming smiles and changing lives every day. We love giving back to our local community by teaching orthodontists at colleges for no fees, providing no-cost treatment and braces to patients through the Smiles Change Lives program and other local organizations, donating to youth sports and other youth activities, donating surgeries for kids with cleft palate, and helping our Greater Richmond community in any way we can. I certainly recommend you do your research, but ultimately, you have to trust and feel comfortable with the orthodontist and the type of treatment you decide on. Obviously, there may be other things you should know before choosing your orthodontist. In fact, I am sure I could have easily doubled the length of this report. We are always here to answer your questions. Sincerely, P.S. When you are ready to schedule your White Orthodontics initial exam and complimentary consultation with 3D digital scan ($250 value), simply call 804.715.1647 or go to www.smilerichmond.com. Remember, we do offer extended hours before and after school. C L O S I N G L E T T E R F R O M D R. W H I T E 15