Booking your first orthodontist appointment can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve never had braces or aligners before. Your first visit is easier and more relaxed than you might think. At Price Orthodontics, we’ve helped patients of all ages feel confident about starting treatment for almost two decades, and it all begins with a simple free consultation.
Here’s what happens at your first visit, why it matters and how to prepare so you feel ready when you walk through the door.
What Is a First Orthodontist Appointment?
A first orthodontist appointment is a no-pressure consultation where Dr. Cory Price evaluates your teeth, bite and jaw alignment, then talks through the treatment options that fit your smile. It’s a chance to get answers, not the day braces or aligners go on.
At Price Orthodontics, your first consultation is free, and you don’t need a referral from your dentist to book it.
This visit is a great fit for:
- Children, since the American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids see an orthodontist by age 7
- Teens ready for braces or clear aligners
- Adults who want a straighter smile at any stage of life
During the appointment, you’ll get a full exam, digital records and a conversation about your treatment options. You’ll leave knowing where your smile stands and what your next steps look like, with no pressure to commit.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Visit
Here’s what to expect from the moment you arrive at our Roy office.
- Welcome and check-in. Our team greets you, helps you finish any new patient forms you didn’t complete ahead of time and gets you comfortable.
- Medical and dental history review. We’ll ask about past dental visits, allergies and habits like grinding, thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing. These details help Dr. Price build the right plan for you.
- Complete exam. Dr. Price examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaw alignment. He’ll look at how your upper and lower teeth fit together and check for spacing, crowding or bite concerns.
- Digital records. We take digital photos, X-rays and digital scans of your teeth, including panoramic and cephalometric X-rays. No goopy molds, just quick and comfortable scans that give a clear picture of your smile.
- Your treatment options. Dr. Price walks you through what he sees and explains your choices, whether that’s metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners. You’ll understand the “why” behind every recommendation.
- Next steps. If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule your next visit. If you want to think it over, that’s perfectly fine too.
By the end of the appointment, you’ll have what you need to make a confident decision, without high-pressure sales tactics or rushed choices.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
A little prep goes a long way. Before your appointment, it helps to:
- Write down your concerns. Crooked teeth, a bite that feels off, jaw discomfort or anything else you’ve noticed.
- List your questions. How long treatment might take, which options fit your lifestyle and what daily life looks like with braces or aligners.
- Bring a list of medications. This helps Dr. Price get a full picture of your health.
- Grab a few older photos. If your smile has changed over time, photos can help show how things have shifted.
Parents can also jot down anything they’ve noticed at home, like thumb-sucking or crowding as adult teeth come in.
Benefits of Scheduling Your First Consultation
Even if you’re not sure you’re ready for treatment, a first consultation is worth your time. Here’s why so many families start with Price Orthodontics.
Why Catch Alignment Concerns Early?
Small alignment or bite issues can turn into bigger concerns over time. An early evaluation catches them while they’re simpler to correct, which can mean less involved treatment down the road. Even if no treatment is needed today, a baseline record of your smile helps us track changes as your mouth develops.
What Treatment Options Will I Learn About?
You’ll learn whether metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners are the best fit for your smile and lifestyle. Dr. Price explains the pros and cons of each in plain language so you can weigh what matters most to you, whether that’s appearance, comfort or how treatment fits your routine. Parents of teens weighing aligners may also find our guide on Invisalign for teens helpful.
Is Early Treatment Right for My Child?
For children around age 7, an early evaluation helps Dr. Price watch jaw growth and how permanent teeth are coming in. In some cases, early treatment can reduce the need for more involved care later. Even when a child doesn’t need braces yet, Dr. Price can spot habits or growth patterns worth monitoring.
What If I’m Not Ready to Commit?
That’s fine. There’s no obligation, and the information you get is yours to take home and think over. Knowing your options, and knowing you’re in good hands, makes the decision a lot easier.
In-Office vs. Virtual Consultation
We offer two ways to get started, an in-office visit or a virtual consult from home. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | In-Office Consultation | Virtual Consult |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Our Roy office | From home |
| What happens | Hands-on exam, digital scans and X-rays | Initial guidance on your options |
| Best for | Anyone ready to explore or start treatment | Busy schedules and early research |
| Before treatment starts | Complete records are taken here | An in-person visit follows |
In-office consultations give you the full picture, with a hands-on exam, complete records and a face-to-face conversation with Dr. Price. If you’re leaning toward starting treatment soon, this is the way to go.
Virtual consults work well if you’re just starting to explore or have a packed schedule. You get initial guidance on your options without leaving your couch. Before any treatment begins, we’ll schedule an in-person visit to take complete records.
Coming From Ogden, Clinton or Syracuse?
Plenty of our patients drive in from nearby towns, and most find it easier than they expected. Our office sits at 6020 S. 3500 W., Suite C in Roy, right in front of the Winco Foods and VASA Fitness. Families from Ogden, Clinton and Syracuse are just a short drive away.
After your first visit, regular appointments typically fall every 4 to 8 weeks, and they’re quick. That makes it simple to fit treatment around school, work and everything else on your calendar.
Who Should Book a First Orthodontist Appointment?
Orthodontic care isn’t just for teens. Dr. Price treats patients of all ages, and there’s a good chance a first visit makes sense for someone in your family right now.
- Children by age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic screening by age 7. Even if treatment isn’t needed yet, an early look helps catch issues before they grow.
- Teens with alignment or bite concerns. Crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites are all good reasons to book.
- Adults ready for a straighter smile. It’s never too late, and clear aligners and clear braces offer discreet options that fit professional life.
- Anyone whose dentist has mentioned it. If your general dentist noticed alignment or bite concerns, a consultation with Dr. Price is the natural next step. You don’t need a formal referral.
Treatment sometimes needs to wait. Active gum disease or untreated tooth decay should be handled first. Your general dentist can help you get healthy, and then we can start on your smile plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No. You can book a free consultation at Price Orthodontics directly, with no referral from your dentist needed. If your dentist has mentioned alignment or bite concerns, bring that up at your visit.
Will I get braces or aligners on the first visit?
Usually not. The first appointment is about gathering records and walking through your options. Braces or clear aligners are placed at a follow-up appointment, which gives you time to review your plan and make a confident decision.
Does the first visit hurt?
Not at all. Your first consultation is a comfortable exam and conversation. Digital scans and photos are quick and easy, with no needles or drills involved.
Can I start with a virtual consult?
Yes. A virtual consult lets you get initial guidance on your options from home. When you’re ready, we’ll schedule an in-person visit for a full exam and complete records.
What disqualifies you from braces?
Age doesn’t. Adults get braces and aligners all the time. The main things that need to be addressed first are active gum disease and untreated tooth decay. Once your teeth and gums are healthy, Dr. Price can move forward with your treatment plan.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Price can spot bite and growth issues early, when treatment, if needed, can be most effective. Many kids won’t need braces yet, but the screening gives parents peace of mind.
Your first orthodontist appointment is the starting point of a better smile, and it’s designed to inform, not pressure. Whether you start in the office or with a virtual consult, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of your options and the confidence to decide what’s right for you or your family. Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation with Price Orthodontics today. We’re here for your smile.