What to Expect at Your Orthodontic Consultation

Visiting an orthodontist for the first time can feel a little uncertain, especially if you’re not sure what will happen during the appointment. Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel much more straightforward.

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, have your teeth and bite assessed, and find out which treatment options could be suitable for you. Your orthodontist will talk you through the process, answer your questions, and explain what happens next, so you can make an informed decision without feeling pressured.

In this guide, we’ll explain what happens during your first orthodontic consultation, how long it takes, what it costs, and how you can prepare beforehand.

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Is Your First Consultation Free, and How Long Does It Take?

The cost of an initial orthodontic consultation can vary between practices, so it’s worth checking the practice’s policy before booking your appointment.

At Accessible Orthodontics, orthodontic assessments are free for patients under 18, while adult patients are charged £150 for their consultation. (More on how this works is covered under Treatment Costs below.)

The consultation appointment gives you time to meet your orthodontist, discuss what you’d like to achieve, and have your orthodontic needs assessed. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what treatment options could be suitable for your orthodontic needs.

A typical consultation takes anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to discuss your concerns and receive clear, personalised advice.

What Happens at Your First Orthodontic Appointment

Your first orthodontic appointment is about understanding your needs, assessing your teeth and bite, and explaining the treatment options that may be suitable for you. While every consultation is tailored to the individual, you can generally expect the following: 

1. A Warm Welcome and Getting to Know You

Your consultation starts with a conversation about you, your dental history, and what you would like to achieve from orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will ask about any concerns you have with your teeth or bite, as well as any previous dental or orthodontic treatment that may be relevant.

This is also your opportunity to get to know the team and the practice. Your consultation should be a two-way conversation, so don’t worry about asking questions or raising any concerns you may have.

2. A Thorough Examination

Your orthodontist will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw alignment to build a clear picture of your orthodontic needs. They’ll look at the position of your teeth and how they sit within your smile, checking for concerns such as crowding, spacing, crooked or rotated teeth, as well as bite problems such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.

They’ll also assess how your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite and whether your jaw alignment could be affecting your bite or how your teeth function. This helps your orthodontist understand not just how your smile looks, but how your teeth and bite work together.

This assessment helps your orthodontist understand your individual orthodontic needs and determine which treatment approaches may be appropriate for you. It’s a thorough process, so you’ll have plenty of time to discuss any concerns and ask questions about what the examination has shown. 

3. Digital Scans, X-Rays and Photographs

As part of your assessment, your orthodontist may use a combination of digital scans, X-rays and photographs to get a more detailed understanding of your teeth, bite and jaw. These provide information that cannot always be seen during a visual examination alone and can help your orthodontist plan treatment more accurately.

Digital scans use a small handheld scanner to create a detailed 3D image of your teeth. Unlike traditional impressions, there is no need to use trays filled with impression material. The scan allows your orthodontist to see the position and shape of your teeth digitally, helping them assess your bite and plan how your teeth may need to move during treatment.

X-rays provide a view beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. They can show the position of your tooth roots, teeth that have not yet come through, the development of the jaw, and other structures that cannot be assessed by looking at the teeth alone. 

Photographs provide a record of your teeth and smile from different angles. These can help your orthodontist assess your facial profile, smile and tooth position alongside the other information gathered during your consultation. They can also provide a useful record for comparing your smile as treatment progresses.

Taken together, these images give your orthodontist a more complete picture of your teeth, bite and jaw. This information can help them recommend appropriate treatment and plan it as accurately as possible.

A visual treatment preview or smile simulation may also be available to help you understand how your smile may change. Where used, this can give you a visual representation of how your teeth and smile may change as a result of orthodontic treatment, making it easier to picture the outcome rather than relying solely on a verbal explanation. Any preview should be considered an indication rather than a guarantee of your final result, as every patient responds to treatment differently.

4. Reviewing Your Treatment Options

Once your orthodontist has assessed your teeth, bite, and any relevant scans or X-rays, they’ll explain which treatment options may be suitable for you. The right approach will depend on your individual needs, the complexity of your case and the results you want to achieve.

Depending on your circumstances, this could include:

• Traditional metallic fixed braces: Brackets and wires are attached to your teeth and gradually move them into position. They can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, although they are more noticeable than some other options.
• Lingual (Incognito) and ceramic fixed braces: These offer a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces and can provide effective tooth movement while being more subtle in appearance.
• Clear aligners (Invisalign or Angel Aligners): A series of removable, transparent aligners gradually move your teeth. They are discreet and can be removed for eating and cleaning, but they need to be worn as instructed and may not be suitable for every type of orthodontic problem.
• Other orthodontic appliances: Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend another type of appliance to achieve a particular tooth movement or correct a specific aspect of your bite.

Your orthodontist will explain which options are appropriate for your particular case and talk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each. This includes factors such as how visible the treatment is, how it fits around your lifestyle, how easy it is to keep your teeth clean, how often you’ll need appointments, and how long treatment is expected to take.

You’ll also be given an estimated treatment timeframe. While this can give you a useful idea of how long treatment may take, the exact timeframe will depend on your individual treatment plan and how your teeth respond.

The aim is to make sure you understand why a particular treatment has been recommended, what it involves and what you can expect from it, so you can make an informed decision about your care. There’s no need to feel pressured into choosing an option on the spot, and you’ll have time to ask questions and consider your treatment plan.

For more information about the orthodontic treatments available at Accessible Orthodontics, visit our Treatment Solutions page.

5. Discussing Cost and Payment for Treatment

It’s important to distinguish between the cost of your consultation and the cost of your orthodontic treatment. Your consultation is the appointment where your orthodontist assesses your teeth, discusses your options, and recommends a suitable treatment. If you decide to proceed, the treatment itself will have a separate cost.

The cost of treatment can vary depending on the type and complexity of orthodontic treatment you need. After your assessment, your orthodontist will introduce you to our Treatment Coordinator, who will explain the total cost, what's included, and the repayment options available in more detail. They'll also be able to help you book your next appointments. 

Treatment Costs at Accessible Orthodontics

At Accessible Orthodontics, orthodontic assessments are free for patients under 18, while adult consultations are charged at £150 (this can vary during special offers or promotions). If you choose to have treatment, you'll receive clear information about the cost of your recommended treatment.

Accessible Orthodontics offers fixed, transparent pricing, along with 0% finance if you’d prefer to spread the cost of treatment.

For more information, visit our Treatment Costs and Finance and Repayment Options pages.

6. Next Steps

You don’t have to decide whether to proceed with treatment during your first consultation. Once you’ve discussed your options, you can take the information away, consider the recommendations and ask any further questions before making your decision.

If you decide to proceed, your orthodontic team will explain the next steps and arrange your next appointment. This may be when your treatment is planned in more detail or when you begin the next stage of your orthodontic journey.

Questions Worth Asking at Your Consultation

Your orthodontic consultation is your opportunity to get clear answers before deciding whether to proceed with treatment. You may want to ask:

• How long is my treatment likely to take?
• Which treatment options are suitable for me?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?
• Will I need any additional procedures, such as extractions?
• How often will I need appointments?
• What will my treatment cost, and what payment options are available?

It can be helpful to write down your questions before your appointment, particularly if there is anything about your teeth, treatment, or expected results that you are unsure about. Your orthodontist will be happy to talk through your concerns and explain your options.

How to Prepare for Your First Consultation

There’s usually no need for extensive preparation before your first orthodontic consultation. However, a little preparation can help you make the most of your appointment.

When you book your first consultation, our team will send you some useful information about your upcoming appointment, along with some general information about orthodontic treatment. It's worth taking a look through this before you attend, as it can help you feel more prepared and know what to expect on the day.

Before you visit, it can be helpful to:

• Make a note of your concerns: Think about what you would like to change about your smile, teeth or bite and any questions you want to ask.
• Bring relevant dental information: If you have details of previous orthodontic or dental treatment, bring these with you.
• Have your dentist’s details available: If you would like your orthodontist to liaise with your regular dentist, have their contact details to hand.
• Bring a parent or guardian if appropriate: Children and teenagers can have a parent or guardian present during their consultation.

Most importantly, don’t worry if you’re unsure what to ask or what information you need. Your orthodontic team will guide you through the consultation and explain everything clearly.

Book Your Consultation 

Ready to take the first step? Book your consultation today and find out which treatment options could be right for you, with no pressure to decide on the day.

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FAQs

• Is the initial orthodontic consultation free?
  Orthodontic assessments at Accessible Orthodontics are free for patients under 18. For adult patients, the consultation fee is £150, although this can vary if we're running a special offer or promotion at the time, so it's worth checking with the team when you book.
• How long does the first orthodontic appointment take?
  A typical first consultation takes around 30 to 60 minutes. This gives you enough time to discuss your concerns, have your teeth and bite assessed, ask questions and talk through your treatment options.
• What happens if I need X-rays or scans? Will that cost extra?
  Initial digital records, including photographs, scans and an OPG X-ray, are included as part of your consultation. If you go on to have clear aligner treatment, such as Angel Aligners or Invisalign, there's an additional fee of £250 for treatment planning. This doesn't need to be paid at your first consultation, but it does need to be settled before your records are sent to the Angel or Invisalign lab. Your orthodontist will always explain what's needed and why before going ahead.
• Do I have to decide on treatment during my first visit?
  No, there's no pressure to make a decision on the day. You're welcome to take your treatment plan away, think it over, and come back to us whenever you're ready.
• Can I bring my child to their first orthodontic consultation?
  Yes, we welcome patients of all ages, including children and teenagers, and a parent or guardian is welcome to be present throughout the appointment.
• What should I bring to my first orthodontic consultation?
  It’s helpful to bring any relevant dental or orthodontic history, your regular dentist’s details if you’d like us to liaise with them, and a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss.
• Will I find out how much my treatment will cost at the consultation?
  Yes. If treatment is recommended, your orthodontist will explain the cost of your proposed treatment and the payment options available.
• Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
  No, you don't need a referral to book a consultation with us, you're welcome to arrange your appointment directly. That said, if your dentist would like to refer you, we do accept referrals and can usually offer an appointment within 1–2 weeks of receiving one.