Walking into an orthodontist’s office can trigger anxiety for many patients, especially children and teens who may associate dental visits with discomfort or fear. This natural apprehension about orthodontic treatment often stems from the unknown: not knowing what to expect, worrying about potential pain, or feeling vulnerable in an unfamiliar environment. Creating a comfortable experience isn’t just about the physical environment but involves understanding these emotional concerns and addressing them with compassion.
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, patient comfort is central to our practice philosophy. We sat down with Dr. Brady Okuda to learn more about how his team prioritizes comfort throughout the entire treatment journey. “One thing I’ve found is when a patient comes in and they’re nervous or scared, I don’t want to minimize those feelings,” Dr. Okuda explains. “I just tell them that it’s totally natural to feel that way, especially when meeting someone new in an unfamiliar environment.”
Creating a Welcoming First Experience
First impressions matter significantly in orthodontics. Dr. Okuda and his team have developed specific strategies to help patients feel at ease from the moment they enter the office.
“We’ve created videos that walk patients through everything that’s going to happen during the consultation appointment,” Dr. Okuda shares. “A lot of times, especially for younger kids, there’s so much anxiety because they’ve had previous experiences at medical or dental offices that weren’t pleasant.”
This proactive approach addresses fear before it can take root. By showing patients exactly what to expect, the unknown becomes familiar, and anxiety begins to diminish. Dr. Okuda emphasizes the importance of validating patients’ emotions rather than dismissing them.
“I don’t say, ‘You don’t need to be scared, it’s okay.’ Instead, I acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel nervous when you’ve never met me before and don’t know what to expect,” he explains. This validation helps patients, especially children, feel understood and respected.
Adaptability for Different Patient Needs
Every patient has unique comfort needs, and Dr. Okuda’s approach is tailored accordingly. For patients with severe anxiety or special needs, the team employs gradual exposure techniques.
“For particularly nervous patients, we might just have them come in, sit in the chair for five or ten minutes, and then leave—with no treatment at all,” Dr. Okuda describes. “They may come back the following week, sit in the chair, and we’ll lean them back, but still just talk to them without doing any procedures.”
This step-by-step approach helps build trust and demonstrates that:
- The office environment is safe and non-threatening
- The team respects personal boundaries and comfort levels
- There’s no rush—treatment proceeds at the patient’s pace
- Concerns are heard and accommodated
- Building a comfort foundation is valued over immediate treatment
For patients with sensory sensitivities or those on the autism spectrum, additional accommodations are made. “We try to schedule them when the office isn’t super busy, limit stimuli like overhead music, and put them in a quieter area,” Dr. Okuda notes. “We’re trying to create as comfortable an environment as possible by limiting extra sensory input.”
Team Culture of Compassion
The comfort-focused approach at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics extends beyond Dr. Okuda to the entire team. This consistent experience stems from a carefully cultivated office culture.
“Our mission statement emphasizes that we change lives by instilling confidence, one smile at a time,” Dr. Okuda explains. “Everyone on the team understands this is a concerted group effort to make patients feel comfortable and happy.”
This commitment to patient comfort shapes the hiring process as well. “When I hire someone, I share our ten team agreements that everyone follows. If someone can’t agree to them, they’re not the right fit for us,” he adds. These agreements establish clear expectations for how team members interact with patients and each other.
The results of this unified approach are evident in patient feedback. “We get new Google reviews every week, and they’re never just talking about me—they’re always mentioning how professional, funny, and lovely the staff is,” Dr. Okuda shares proudly. “That’s something the team has built, and I appreciate them for it.”
A Relationship-Based Approach
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the practice’s comfort philosophy is viewing orthodontic treatment as a relationship rather than a series of appointments.
“Over the course of treatment, patients will see us every five or six weeks, so we’re going to get to know each other well,” Dr. Okuda explains. “We want them to know this is a safe space where they can be themselves. No one’s going to judge them or make fun of them.”
This relationship-building approach yields remarkable results. “I’ve had kids who won’t say a word when I first meet them, but within six months, they’re chatting away,” he shares. “It may take some time, but our office and team are very good at making patients feel comfortable.”
Experience the Difference at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic treatment should be a positive experience from start to finish. Dr. Okuda’s compassionate approach, combined with our team’s dedication to patient comfort, creates an environment where anxiety is replaced with confidence and trust.
We understand you have many choices for orthodontic care in the Henderson area. What sets us apart is our genuine commitment to treating each patient as an individual with unique needs and concerns. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, we invite you to experience our comfort-focused approach firsthand. Schedule your free consultation today at (702) 737-5500 or through our contact form.
