Office Tour | Smiles by Sutherland | Orthodontist Puyallup WA

Office Tour

Welcome
We believe that straight teeth are important for better self-esteem and overall general health. We are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic care to those who desire the best for themselves. We keep up with the newest techniques while keeping in mind our patients' individual needs and goals. We desire to provide for your orthodontic needs both thoroughly and efficiently.

When you arrive you will note that the waiting area has a little something for everyone. Our magazine rack is stocked with current periodicals and family-oriented reading materials. Coffee or tea is provided for those who want to take a few moments to relax.

Visitors too young to be considered for orthodontic treatment enjoy a "my-size" table where Legos, puzzles and coloring books abound. Hand-held electronic games are available to keep the hands and minds busy while waiting for siblings or parents to finish their visit. The Wiis are major attractions. Kids and adults have been observed waiting in line to get their turn. Others don't want to stop once their game is in progress. It sure helps the time fly when you're having fun.

First Visit
We are always excited about meeting our new patients during their first visit to our office. Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important initial visit will last one hour. We will evaluate your orthodontic needs and if no recent panoramic x-rays are available from your dentist, will take a low radiation digital x-ray to more accurately evaluate your orthodontic condition. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, we do our best to reserve time following the exam for diagnostic records. The records include digital x-rays, photos and impressions for study models and if the situation warrants, impressions for your initial appliance. The records are necessary for developing a comprehensive treatment plan. This additional appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.

During the initial examination for each patient, we will address the following questions and encourage you to ask other questions as well.

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 to correct the problem?
Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
How long will treatment take?
How much will it cost?
What are my payment options?

Records
Our office is equipped with an in-house lab, where x-rays, plaster study models and digital facial and dental photos are taken. When possible, we will offer you the choice to have diagnostic records taken as an extension of your initial visit, thus saving you an extra visit to the office. Diagnostic records are necessary to confirm the custom treatment plan recommended for you by Dr. Sutherland, and are helpful in tracking the progress of treatment.

Your Orthodontic Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (expanders, bionators, headgear or braces, etc.) usually takes from 30 minutes to two hours. You will then be seen at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 10-30 minutes.

Dr. Sutherland's orthodontic assistants average between 4 to 23 years in his practice. Not only do they excel in technical experience, they understand the needs of each patient and handle them with individualized care.