Are You Ready to Straighten Your Teeth? What You Can Expect at Your First Orthodontic Visit

Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your smile and your quality of life. This is what happens during your first orthodontic appointment.

Scheduling

Once you’ve met with your dentist and have decided on the orthodontic treatment that’s right for you, you can schedule your first appointment. Most of our patients do their treatment in phases or steps, so your first visit will be for diagnostic records and a consultation with your new patient coordinator to discuss what your goals are and answer any questions you have about treatment.

If you wear braces or another orthodontic appliance, you’ll also bring these items with you to your appointment.

• Your insurance card
• All your medications in their bottles
• Copy of your driver’s license or other ID
• Payment for your deductible
• Appointment forms

Before your visit, be sure to fill out these forms and bring them to your appointment to save time. You can also find links to these forms on our contact page!

Getting Ready to Start

Before you get braces, we will examine your teeth and mouth and take “before” photos. We’ll also talk to you about what to expect during the treatment process. It can get a bit messy at first because we’re cleaning your teeth and gums before attaching the brackets. 

During your initial exam, the orthodontist will use an intraoral camera to get a closer look at your teeth. This makes it easier for them to examine your teeth and gums up close without putting any instruments into your mouth. You will also be able to flip through photos of teeth much like the ones your dentist uses in the exam room. This helps you see exactly what the dentist sees in your mouth, which can make for an easier visit.

You may also receive x-rays during this appointment. X-rays help dentists plot a course for your treatment by looking at the position of your teeth and the structures of your jaw. These images also help ensure that each tooth is in the correct position before braces are placed. He’ll talk with you about his findings and recommend treatment options that will best suit you. In some cases, he might recommend Invisalign instead of traditional braces. Then he’ll take impressions of your teeth for your custom aligners.

Finally, you’ll get your first set of braces and start the process of aligning your smile! You’ll visit us every few weeks so we can check on your progress and make sure everything is working as it should. When your new smile is ready, we’ll give you some retainers to make sure it keeps looking great for years to come.

If you have any questions at all about your upcoming visit to our office, please give us a call so we can help you prepare. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.