Your First Visit
Patient Registration Forms
You may access the following new patient forms to assist us with your care. Patients will need to print the forms out and bring them in to the appointment. The forms can also be emailed to frontdesk@mysmileteam.com. Patients will need to include dental insurance card with the form submission.
If you are a new patient you may contact our front desk team at (912) 354-3474 and/or email at FrontDesk@DrWatersBraces.com
What to Expect at Your Initial Appointment With Us
Be prepared to be greeted with our signature smiles from our front desk who will be there to show you around our office and get signed in for your first appointment with us. We have provided you with the option to print out your new patient paperwork and email that information back to us at frontdesk@mysmileteam.com. If you are unable to email that back to us, you are more than welcome to bring that information to your appointment with you. Our front desk will review the information you submitted to ensure accuracy and detailed oriented care right from the start! If you have had a panoramic x-ray taken within the last 6 months you are welcome to bring that to your first appointment, otherwise we are technologically equipped to take the panoramic x-ray in our Savannah office. If you have a dental insurance card, you can also email a copy of that to us with your New Patient Paperwork.
Your initial appointment will consist of a very thorough examination by Dr. Waters and a discussion of potential treatment options. We have reserved a complimentary 1-hour appointment for you to spend with our treatment coordinator and Dr. Waters so that we are able to guide your through this initial process and to instill your confidence in us. During the initial examination for each patient we will address:
- Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
- Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
- What treatment procedures will be used for correction?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will it cost?
- What are my payment options?
While we often can answer these general questions about treatment at your initial examination, we will be able to address more specific areas once diagnostic records are taken and able to be carefully analyzed by Dr. Waters. We feel it is important to review each patient’s specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.
We believe that superior orthododontic care begins with open communication. We commit to speaking candidly with you about your diagnosis and recommendations, any alternative treatments, and any possible symptoms present that may require further treatment. Working together, we can achieve a true partnership, with one common goal- helping to achieve a beautiful, confident smile!
Appointments are an important part of your treatment, as time has been reserved specifically for you to talk with the doctor and receive treatment. Please arrive on time for your appointments. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you might be asked to reschedule your appointment. We strive to respect your time and eliminate a wait in our office. Arriving on time allows us to give the proper care to each and every patient. We do request at least 24-hour notice if you are unable to make it to your reserved appointment. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment, and we appreciate your cooperation.
- Is the doctor an AAO Member?
- How long has the Doctor been in practice?
- Did the dr. graduate from a recognized post-dental graduate program, specialist in orthodontics?
- What are your office hours & schedule?
- What is the length of treatment?
- What is the cost & financial payment plan options? (forms of payment accepted, financing)
- Are there hidden fees? All-inclusive fees? What does the fee include exactly? (include emergency visits)
- What are the Insurance plans accepted & filing procedure?
- Are there treatment options (alternative solutions)
- Is one treatment better than the other for kids/adults?
- Reputation within the community/ with area DDS & specialists?
- Will the doctor be treating? me/ my child
- Will the Dr. be seeing me at every visit? Will it be the same Dr.?
- Are the clinical team members certified, x-rays etc.?
- How will treatment affect my lifestyle?
- Dental care that I will still be responsible for, cleanings, etc.?
- How often do we need to visit the office?
- What classifies as an emergency?
- How are after hour needs met?
- What is the transfer out procedure- finances?
- Will extractions be necessary?
- What are your sterilization procedures?
- What steps do you take to protect my personal information?
- What kind of discomfort is involved?
- Will treatment change my facial structure?
- Will my teeth stain/discolor around the brackets that are glued on the teeth?
- Does an adult need to be present for each appointment?
- Am I allowed to come back to the treatment area with my child?
- What are my retainer options?