Your First Visit
We know that choosing an orthodontist is a big decision, and we’re honored you’re considering Okuda Orthodontics for your smile journey. Whether you’re coming in for yourself or your child, your first visit is all about getting to know you, understanding your goals, and giving you the information you need to make confident decisions about your care.
From the moment you walk into our Henderson office, you’ll feel the difference. Our friendly team will welcome you like family, and Dr. Okuda will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan tailored to your smile.
What Happens During Your Consultation?
Your first visit is complimentary and designed to be comfortable, informative, and pressure-free. Here’s what you can expect:
Warm Welcome & Office Tour
We’ll greet you and show you around so you can feel right at home. We’re proud of our modern, family-friendly space and want you to feel completely comfortable from the start.
Digital Imaging & Smile Evaluation
We’ll take a few digital photos and a quick 3D scan of your teeth using state-of-the-art technology, no messy impressions needed! This helps us get a clear picture of your bite and overall oral health.
Meet with Dr. Okuda
Dr. Okuda will review your images, perform a thorough exam, and discuss any orthodontic concerns. He’ll walk you through your options and answer all of your questions, whether you’re exploring braces, Invisalign, or early treatment for your child.
Customized Treatment Plan
If treatment is recommended, we’ll go over a clear, personalized plan, including expected timelines, costs, and next steps. Our goal is to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable moving forward.
Flexible Financing & Scheduling
Our team will review insurance coverage and explain payment options. We offer flexible financing and low monthly payments to make treatment fit your budget. Ready to start? We can often begin treatment the same day!
We’re With You Every Step of the Way
At Okuda Orthodontics, we’re not just about straightening teeth — we’re about building relationships and creating confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Your first visit is the beginning of that journey, and we’re here to make it exciting, informative, and totally stress-free.
Ready to get started? Request your free consultation today — we can’t wait to meet you!
As soon as you enter our warm, welcoming practice, you’ll be greeted with a smile from Cortney at our front desk. We don’t believe in wait times but if you get here early, you can relax and unwind in our comfortable reception area, watch a movie or let the kids read a book. When it’s time to get started, Kelly, our Treatment Coordinator, will greet you and take you back.
We’ll kick things off with a 3D scan using our i-CAT™ Imaging System, which gives us a three-dimensional view of your teeth and skull, unlike the 2D views most practices rely on. Terry will also snap some photos of your face, teeth and smile. When that’s complete, you’ll head back out to the reception area for a few minutes.
Once all of your images are uploaded to the computer in our exam room, you’ll be brought back to meet with Dr. Okuda. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join their kids in the exam room. The doctor will do a full examination and based on the exam and your diagnostic records, they’ll develop an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Okuda will go over their findings with you and your parents (if you’re not a grown-up). They’ll present you with your treatment options, explain every step of the process and answer any questions you may have. Once you decide to proceed with treatment, we’ll also go over the logistics like the cost of treatment and insurance. By the end of your consultation, you’ll feel fully informed and excited to get started on your new smile!
Financial Info
At Okuda Orthodontics, we don’t think anything should keep you from having a healthy, beautiful smile. We strive to ensure treatment will work for your budget and needs. While the cost of treatment will depend on your individual case, we’re always transparent about our fees and go over them up front so there are no surprises.
Financing
We offer flexible payment options, including payment plans. However, if you’d rather pay your treatment in full at the start, we offer a discount. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa and MasterCard.
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans. Our specially trained staff can help you determine your insurance coverage and maximize your benefits. We’ll also be more than happy to assist you in filing insurance claims.
Braces Emergencies
Keep in mind, a true braces emergency is rare, and while there can be minor mishaps and mild discomfort, you should never feel actual braces pain. If you do have an issue or something is wrong, contact us immediately. The good news is, many issues with braces can be handled at home, at least temporarily.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you comfortable until you can get in for a visit:
Loose or Broken Brackets
If your braces bracket is still attached to the wire, you can leave it there. Slide it back to its correct position and cover it with a piece of orthodontic relief wax. If a bracket in the back of your mouth breaks and your wire comes out completely, carefully wrap the bracket in a tissue and remove it from your mouth. You can gently push the wire out of the way with a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a new pencil and cover it in wax if it’s poking you. Call our office and we’ll get you in for a
General Tenderness
When you first get braces on and after appointments, there might be some general tenderness of your teeth and mouth. You can make a saltwater rinse by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture around your mouth and then spit it out, repeating as often as needed. Or, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever (what you would normally take for a headache). Tenderness usually subsides within a few days and things will be back on track.
Irritation
It’s common for the brackets and wires to irritate your lips and cheeks at the start of your treatment. Your mouth will acclimate and toughen up. In the meantime, you can use a saltwater rinse as often as needed. You can also place orthodontic relief wax over the parts of your braces that are bothering you. Break off a small piece of wax, warm it up between your fingers and place it on your braces.
Poking Wire
If a piece of your braces wire is poking you in the cheek and it’s causing you discomfort, carefully move it against the nearest tooth and out of the way using a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a new pencil. Then, use a piece of gauze or a tissue to dry it off before covering it with orthodontic relief wax. Call us and, if necessary, we’ll schedule you for an appointment.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t panic if your teeth feel slightly loose during braces treatment. This is totally normal. After all, they’re on the move! Once your teeth are in their ideal positions and we remove your braces, your teeth will lock in place.
