what happens at your first orthodontist appointment

What To Expect at Your First Orthodontist Appointment and How To Prepare

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As you look through pictures from the party last week, you notice your crooked teeth and sigh — they’ve been smiling back at you for far too long.

Your dentist recently suggested you make an appointment with an orthodontist to discuss what can be done about your teeth for the umpteenth time. Maybe it’s time for you to finally make that phone call and schedule a consultation.

You’re nervous, though — what will happen at the first appointment? Let’s break down what you can expect at your initial orthodontist consultation and ways you can prepare yourself beforehand.

Table of Contents

What Happens at Your First Orthodontist Appointment?

It can be overwhelming to walk into a new orthodontist’s office for the first time. But remember, this is the first step to the smile you’ve always wanted. We want you to be as comfortable and at ease as possible.

Here’s what you can typically expect at your initial orthodontist visit,

  • Filling out new patient paperwork and forms
  • Digital imaging
  • Oral examination
  • Discussing the findings
  • Treatment plan options
  • Financial discussion and planning
  • Scheduling future appointments

If you struggle with crowded teeth, inadequate spacing, or have been told by other orthodontists “nothing can be done,” Biermann Orthodontics should be your next call. Our practice has been providing braces and invisalign services throughout the Greater Portland area for nearly 20 years.

7 Things To Expect During Your Initial Consultation

We’ll go step by step down the list of what you can typically expect from a first appointment with your new orthodontist. Knowing the process may make you feel more prepared for what’s to come.

#1: Paperwork

As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted by the orthodontist’s office staff. If you haven’t already filled out the necessary paperwork online (if available), you’ll likely be given a series of forms to complete before you start your consultation. They may include things like:

  • Medical/dental history
  • Personal information
  • Any health concerns or questions
  • Treatment preferences

These forms are vital for your orthodontist because they can give them an idea of what’s already been done, what your preferences are, and concerns or questions to be answered during the visit.

At Biermann Orthodontics, we take pride in the care we show all our patients — children, teens, and adults. We want you to feel welcomed and appreciated from the very first phone call through to the finish line with your new bright, beautiful smile.

Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Biermann.

#2: Oral Examination and Imaging

Once your forms are completed, the exam can begin. Your orthodontist will likely require images of your teeth and jaw to get a full picture of your oral health and how everything fits together structurally. These are usually taken by members of the clinical staff and typically include:

  • Digital X-rays
  • Pictures
  • Dental molds made with dental putty
  • 3-D scans

During your oral examination, your orthodontist will use a variety of manual tools to examine your teeth, gums, and tongue. They will also examine your bite and facial symmetry to get an idea of your tooth alignment and what they should include in your treatment plan.

This exam and images will also help the orthodontist to see if you need any dental work completed — cavities filled, etc. — before the braces or aligners can be put in place or fitted.

#3: Discussion of Findings

Once they’ve gathered all the information about your overall oral health, your orthodontist will discuss what they’ve found with you. They’ll answer any questions you might have about what they see and make sure you understand exactly what’s happening in your mouth.

Next, you’ll likely go over what your potential treatment options are, whether aligners or braces are the best fit, and which type and design you want to have.

The most important part of discussing your options is to be sure you ask all of your questions. You should understand everything that needs to be done to correct your tooth alignment before the treatment starts.

#4: Creation of a Treatment Plan

After you’ve discussed what your teeth look like now and your goals for what you want them to look like, your orthodontist will gather all the information you’ve provided and devise a treatment plan based on your oral health needs. It should include:

  • Any dental issues that need correction first
  • A recommended course of action
  • Type of orthodontics used
  • Expected duration of treatment
  • Expected outcomes
  • Any potential risks/limitations

#5: Financial Discussion

Before your treatment plan is finalized, the office staff will likely provide you with a transparent breakdown of costs and financing options available.

They will review any orthodontic benefits covered by your insurance, and if your insurance doesn’t include any benefits or if you don’t have dental insurance, there will likely be additional payment options, like graduated payment plans.

#6: Appointment Scheduling

Depending on whether you need additional dental work completed beforehand, your next appointment will likely be to install your braces or to receive your first set of aligners.

If you need more dental work done before beginning your treatment plan, your next appointment should be scheduled with your dentist. 

When choosing a date and time for your installation appointment, be mindful that it could take two hours or more to fit braces or aligners, so schedule accordingly. You’ll want to give yourself or your child time to get comfortable in the office and with the staff — you also don’t want to rush out the door when the appointment is completed.

#7: Plans for Possible Follow-Up Visits

Depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment plan, you might need to schedule follow-up visits outside of your routine appointments. These could include:

  • Additional assessments
  • Adjustments
  • Progress check-ins

It’s vital to keep all of your follow-up visits because they are essential to continuing forward on your path to a healthy, happy smile.

How To Prepare for Your First Orthodontist Appointment

To get the most out of your initial consultation, here are a few tips:

  • Bring your dental records/referrals — if needed
  • Have an idea of what your issues are
  • Know what goals you have for treatment
  • Come prepared with a list of questions
  • Know your dental insurance and policy number
  • Be open to learning about new techniques and options you’ve never heard of
  • Keep a positive attitude

Trust the Professionals at Biermann Orthodontics With Your Orthodontic Needs

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision — when it comes to your smile, you should choose only the best to help you achieve that straight, healthy look you’ve always wanted. When you step into our office, you’re stepping into a welcoming and warm atmosphere where you’ll be put at ease and appreciated.

Here at Biermann Orthodontics, we take pride in helping every single patient who chooses us for their care. Whether you need braces, aligners, or have more complex orthodontic needs, we’ll ensure you get the care you need. We’ve been straightening the smiles of the residents of Beaverton, OR, and the surrounding area for more than 17 years.

Because we use the latest technology, we can offer you a number of gentle and safe options that will fit your specific needs.

Ready to stop putting off the chance at your best smile? Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, meet our team, and learn about our processes and smile-correcting treatment options.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.