New Patients

New Patients at Murray Orthodontics

The process of visiting us here at Murray Orthodontics is very straightforward. After contacting us by phone, e-mail, text or the website we will set up a free orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Murray at one of our two locations here in Anchorage. A panoramic film (x-ray of the lower face showing all of the teeth and jaw) is required. You can bring this film with you, give us the name of your general dentist and with your permission we will ask them to e-mail the image to us or we can take one here at the office when you first arrive.

Our Treatment Coordinators will greet you and ask you to fill out a health history and information form if you have not already completed one online. You will then be given a tour of the office and introduced to staff members. After sitting down with the Treatment Coordinator and Dr. Murray, he will spend the time to thoroughly evaluate your teeth, jaw joints, jaw and how they all fit together (occlusion). He will then share with you his findings and together a treatment plan will be designed to address your The Treatment Coordinator will then review insurance coverage if you have it and a financial plan that will make it possible to start treatment when appropriate. You will then have photographs of your teeth and face taken, upper and lower impressions of your teeth, another x-ray (records) and then you will be ready to for braces if Dr. Murray suggested now was an appropriate time.

When you come in to have your braces placed you will sit down with a trained orthodontic technician and you will choose the type of braces appropriate for your malocclusion with the help of Dr. Murray and the technician. Your teeth will be cleaned and prepared to have braces attached to your teeth. The braces will then be placed with a technique called “indirect bonding” that allows a very accurate placement of the braces on the teeth in a short time period. It will only take between 60 minutes to have all your braces placed. The technician will review with you how to clean and care for your new braces. Nothing about the process is painful. Once you have your braces on Dr. Murray will suggest you take Advil or the equivalent to prevent you from being sore as the new wires start to gradually move your teeth. After several days you will not need to take any medication and you will be on your way to straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. You will then come to see Dr. Murray every six to ten weeks to have the wires replaced or adjusted. These appointments usually run about 20 – 30 minutes. Usually there is no soreness associated with these appointments.

When your teeth are straight you will have your braces removed, retainers made and pictures taken for a little before and after “scrapbook” which you will take with you. Dr. Murray will have a follow up retainer appointment(s) with you to make sure your retainer(s) are fitting.