Your First Visit at Smile & Co. Orthodontics
Welcome to Smile & Co. Orthodontics! We’re excited to help you or your child begin the journey to a healthier, more confident smile. From check-in with our friendly receptionist to your initial evaluation, we aim to make your first visit smooth and informative. During this appointment, Dr. Sam Kadan or Dr. Nicolette Almer will provide a thorough assessment and clear treatment recommendations.
As part of this consultation, Dr. Kadan or Dr. Almer will also take any X-rays needed to evaluate your teeth, jaw alignment, bite, and overall oral health. These records help us understand your smile clearly so we can recommend the most effective treatment plan.
What is the Purpose of the First Orthodontist Consultation?
During your first visit, we take time to understand your smile, bite, and facial alignment. To deliver the most accurate guidance, we focus on the important concerns patients typically ask:
What kind of orthodontic issue is present—if any?
We evaluate crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, underbites, jaw alignment concerns, oral health conditions, and overall facial harmony—supported by X-rays and diagnostic imaging taken during your consultation.
When is the ideal time to begin treatment?
Some patients benefit from early intervention, while others may need to wait until more dental development occurs.
What type of treatment is recommended?
Whether braces, clear aligners, early-phase treatment, or monitoring, we outline what works best for your unique smile based on the findings of your evaluation.
How long will treatment take?
We provide a general timeline based on complexity, goals, and growth patterns.
How much will treatment cost?
You’ll receive a transparent overview of fees, payment options, and insurance expectations.
These insights not only help you make an informed decision, they also match how modern patients search for orthodontic care online, reinforcing trust and clarity from the very beginning.
What’s Next?
Our doctors will determine that orthodontic treatment is recommended at this stage, we’ll schedule you for Diagnostic Records—a crucial step in building a personalized treatment plan. If your schedule allows, we may even complete these records during your initial visit to save you time.
Diagnostic Records give your doctor a detailed, 360-degree view of your teeth, bite, and jaw function. These tools help us create the most precise, effective treatment plan possible. Your records may include:
Digital study models of your teeth
Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays (often taken during your consultation)
Facial and intraoral photographs
Radiographic tracings and measurements
After reviewing these records, our doctors determine the best course of care, ensuring your treatment is customized, efficient, and aligned with your long-term smile goals.
What Is the Cost of Treatment and Financing Options?
We believe high-quality orthodontic care should be accessible to every patient. The cost of treatment varies based on the severity of the orthodontic issue and the recommended approach, but our treatment coordinator will walk you through all fees during your visit.
To help you stay within budget, we offer:
- Flexible, interest-free payment plans
- Options tailored to your family’s budget
- Assistance maximizing insurance benefits
Our commitment is to make treatment affordable so every patient can achieve their desired smile. To minimize your out-of-pocket costs, we accept assignment of benefits for most insurance plans, allowing payments to go directly to your account.
If your plan doesn’t allow this, we can still file claims for you to receive reimbursement. Please inform our office immediately if your insurance coverage changes, as this helps us keep your account accurate.
Office Hours
We respect your time and strive to keep appointments running smoothly and on schedule. Each visit is carefully planned to complete the procedures needed and answer any questions about your or your child’s treatment.
To help us stay on track and maintain a positive experience for all patients, we ask that you arrive on time for your appointment. Your cooperation allows us to give every patient, including you, the focused attention they deserve.
Office Policies
To keep appointments available for every patients, we request a 48-hour notice for cancellations. This allows your reserved time to be offered to another patient in need of care.
We reserve the right to charge for missed appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Orthodontic Visit
Starting orthodontic treatment comes with plenty of questions, especially if it’s your first time visiting an orthodontist. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve gathered answers to the top questions people in our area are currently searching about their first orthodontic appointment, what to expect, and how to get ready for treatment.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to schedule my first orthodontic visit?
Most patients are surprised to learn that No referral is needed to see an orthodontist. At Smile & Co. Orthodontics, you can book a consultation anytime, whether your dentist recommended it or you’re simply curious about braces, Invisalign®, or early evaluations for your child.
What should I bring to my first orthodontic appointment?
Bringing your dental insurance card, recent dental records if available, and a list of concerns or goals can help us personalize your evaluation. If you’re a parent, having any notes from your child’s dentist is helpful but not required.
Will I get braces or Invisalign® on the same day as my consultation?
While not guaranteed, same-day starts are often possible if you’re ready and if your diagnostic records can be completed during your visit. If not, we’ll schedule your next step as soon as possible.
Will the first visit include checking for airway or breathing issues?
uring your evaluation, we do look at jaw structure, bite patterns, and facial development, factors that help identify concerns that may relate to breathing or sleep issues.
Can adults schedule a first orthodontic visit even if they’ve had braces before?
Absolutely. Many of our adult patients had braces years ago and are now looking to refresh their smile or correct shifting. Your first visit is a comfortable space to talk about your goals and explore options like clear aligners or targeted treatment. You’re never “too late” to get the smile you want.