Life is a series of “firsts” – our first steps, first word, the first time we pedal a bike without mom or dad holding on to the back, the first time we drive a car, the list goes on and on! Although these are all exciting milestones, some of them can leave us feeling a little nervous and apprehensive, too. The unknown can be a scary prospect, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. Here at Thurman Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment is a big decision. Choosing to take that first step towards a healthier smile may feel overwhelming, even though it’s something you’re looking forward to.
Your first orthodontic visit is one of the most important, and we want to help you look forward to this initial appointment with excitement! One way we can do that is by helping you understand exactly what you can expect from your first visit to our Bakersfield office. Our team views this as a chance to “wow” you by welcoming you into our fun, friendly atmosphere as we meet and get to know each other. Let’s take a look at what else will happen during your very first orthodontic appointment with Dr. Thurman.
The first steps towards a new smile
Your first visit with Dr. Thurman is always complimentary. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted warmly, and our treatment coordinator will give you a special tour of the office. Following this, our team will take a series of diagnostic photos and x-rays, and Dr. Thurman will complete a thorough examination. The information that comes from reviewing your dental and medical records, your exam, and the photos and x-rays taken will be used by Dr. Thurman to make a proper diagnosis. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, he will discuss this with you at the time, answer any questions you may have, and then suggest the best treatment options for your particular case.
We know your time is important and we’re often available to begin your treatment on the day of your exam! To help us provide you with the best experience, we’d love it if you would take some time to complete our new patient and health history forms before your first appointment.
Your customized treatment plan
Besides diagnostics and an exam by Dr. Thurman, our team will also walk you through what you can expect at different stages of the treatment process. This can include:
- the ways we believe orthodontic treatment will benefit you
- how long we expect your treatment to take
- how much your treatment is likely to cost
- our available payment plans and financing options
Once you’ve discussed treatment options and decided on a customized plan with Dr. Thurman, we’ll go over the total investment in your new smile. Because every patient we treat comes with their own specific needs, treatment costs will vary on a case-by-case basis, and this will be laid out in detail before any treatment ever begins. Thurman Orthodontics has built an outstanding reputation on not only providing patients in the Bakersfield area with amazing smiles but doing so in a cost-conscious way! We offer no down payments, affordable payment plans, and low monthly payments. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, and our fully customizable financial plans reflect that. Simply let us know what works for your budget, and we’ll find a plan to fit it.
Dr. Thurman is also a Denti-Cal provider, proudly accepts Kern Families and Medi-cal, and accepts all PPO insurance plans. This includes:
Aetna • Alliance • Ameritas • Assurant • Anthem • Blue Cross/Blue Shield • Cigna • CCPOA • Delta • GEHA • Guardian • Health Comp • Humana • MetLife • Operating Engineers • Premier Access • Principal • TRICARE • United Concordia • United Healthcare • all FSAs and more.
Our team will be happy to file and manage your insurance claims for you and answer any questions you have. We love creating beautiful smiles that last forever, and we’ll make it as easy as possible for you to receive the orthodontic care you need!
The next step on your path to a healthier smile
Once your initial exam is complete, Dr. Thurman will discuss with you whether there is an option to begin your treatment that same day if you desire. If not, you’ll schedule an appointment to officially begin your orthodontic journey. Depending on your customized treatment plan, this will typically be the day you get your braces put on or receive your first aligner. This appointment usually takes about an hour, and our team will be available to answer all of your questions and address any concerns. You’ll also receive your own orthodontic care kit to help make the transition easier for you. Our team is here to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible with your orthodontic experience!
The four pillars of smile success with Thurman Orthodontics
Here at Thurman Orthodontic, we have four pillars that support our mission of bettering lives and making brighter futures through beautiful, healthy smiles.
Service
We’re known throughout Bakersfield and the surrounding communities for our commitment to customer service! Our staff strive to exceed your expectations in every way possible, and we work hard to keep you smiling from check in to check out. Our patients are truly treated like family, and Dr. Thurman’s “open doctor policy” means he is available before, during, or after all appointments. This means you’ll always be fully informed about and confident in your treatment plan and progress.
Experience
Boring, sterile medical office being run by rude staff and long wait times? No thanks! We know today’s families are busier than ever before, so we always do our best to keep appointments running on time. In fact, our average wait time is less than five minutes! In our Bakersfield office, you’re more than just a chart number. You’ll always be greeted with a friendly hello, and we provide a fun, relaxed atmosphere that has been specially designed to help you enjoy each visit.
Affordability
We believe in creating perfect smiles that don’t break the bank! Everyone should be able to afford the treatment they need to get the smile they deserve, and we’ve designed our payment plans with that in mind. Our adjustable monthly payments will make your perfect smile a reality, and your first appointment is always absolutely free.
Community
Dr. Thurman and his team live by Sir Winston Churchill’s words: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” We do everything we can to make our Bakersfield community, and the world we live in, a better place. Whether we’re serving meals to those in need or walking for a good cause, our team gives back several days a month in many different ways.
If you’re in Bakersfield or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about how orthodontics could benefit you or your family, get in touch with us today to schedule your first complimentary orthodontic visit. This is the perfect time to take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!