Blog Summary: This blog post breaks down everything you need to know about your first braces consultation:
- Learn what to expect during the appointment, including the initial examination, X-rays, treatment planning, and financial discussions.
- Read answers to common questions like how long consultations take and whether you can get braces on the same day.
- Discover the benefits of early orthodontic intervention and what happens at your first appointment after the consultation, so you can feel prepared and confident about your journey to a straighter smile.
Getting braces is something that many people used to dread.
Maybe that’s because kids and teens who have worn braces used to be teased or treated differently, being called names like “brace-face”. Thankfully, in today’s world, braces are a widely-accepted part of life, and “brace-ism” is on the decline – so much so that an estimated 3 million Canadian and American teens now wear braces!
With the reduced stigma of braces, not to mention the many options now available, including clear aligners, many more people are getting curious about braces and wondering what to expect during their initial consultation.
If you’re ready to embrace the best version of you with a whole new smile, then keep reading, because we’re going to let you in on everything you need to know about your first appointment for braces.
What is a Braces Consultation & When Should You Get One?
Simply put, a braces consultation is your first visit to the orthodontist. During a consultation, you’ll have your smile evaluated. Then, the orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan based on what they see.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), kids should see an orthodontist by age 7 to check for early orthodontic concerns. This isn’t by mistake. Early orthodontic treatment has several benefits. It helps to:
- Create space & symmetry – Guides jaw growth to prevent crowding and improve facial balance.
- Protect teeth & reduce trauma – Lowers the risk of injuries to protruding front teeth.
- Prevent extractions & surgery – Early treatment can reduce the need for tooth removal or jaw surgery.
- Shorten braces time – Corrects bite issues early, making future orthodontic treatment faster and easier.
Did you know that many kids don’t get braces until they’re between 9 and 14 years old? If you or your kids are around that age, don’t worry – it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just that getting braces earlier can offer additional benefits.
What Happens During a Braces Consultation?
In most braces consultations, there are 7 essential steps:
- Welcome & Registration: Upon arrival, you’ll register, fill out necessary health forms, and provide your insurance information.
- Preliminary Assessment: The orthodontist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. Digital scans, X-rays, and photographs will be taken to build a detailed picture for your personalized treatment.
- Analysis of Results: Your orthodontist will discuss their findings and outline any dental or skeletal issues.
- Treatment Options Explained: You’ll be presented with various treatment choices, such as braces or aligners, and learn about the anticipated duration.
- Financial Planning: A comprehensive review of treatment costs, insurance benefits, and flexible payment options will be conducted.
- Appointment Scheduling: If braces are recommended, your initial application appointment will be scheduled.
- Follow-Up: You may need to schedule follow-up appointments for more assessments, adjustments, or progress check-ins.
For more details, refer to the American Association of Orthodontists’ blog post “What Happens at Your First Orthodontic Appointment? A Step-by-Step Guide”.
How Long Does a Braces Consultation Take?
Usually, braces consultations last anywhere from half an hour to a little over an hour. The exact time may vary depending on a variety of factors including whether you fill out forms in advance, how many questions you have, how busy the office is, whether you need to schedule follow-ups, and more.
Can You Get Braces the Same Day as Your Consultation?
People often ask The Super Dentists “Do you get braces on your first orthodontist appointment?” Generally, no. This is true for several reasons:
- Your orthodontist needs to study your mouth and x-rays to devise a customized treatment plan. This takes time.
- Some patients might need to see a dentist before having braces put on for a tooth cleaning, extraction, or something else.
- Braces have to be ordered and then the brackets and wires need to be custom-fitted to your teeth.
What Happens at the First Appointment After the Consultation?
During your first braces appointment following the consultation appointment, typically the orthodontist will clean and prep your teeth, apply brackets and wires, fitting them to your teeth, check comfort and make adjustments, and run through a demonstration of proper braces care (how to brush, floss, and even eat with braces).
Many orthodontists will also offer advice for what to do if a wire pops, provide wax for emergencies, and talk about the initial discomfort associated with braces and how to manage it. Usually, you’ll also receive information about how long you’re expected to wear braces and how following the orthodontist’s instructions can keep you to that timeline.
Reach Out to Learn More or Visit Us Today!
Ready to start the journey to a straighter smile for you or your child? Schedule a braces consultation today at The Super Dentists or visit a location near you.
