Scheduling your first orthodontic consultation is a big step, whether it is for your child, your teen, or yourself. If you have never been through it before, it is natural to wonder what the visit will involve, how long it will take, and what happens next. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect at your first orthodontic consultation in Collierville, so you can show up prepared and leave with the clarity you need.
What a First Consultation Really Is
A first orthodontic consultation is a free, no-pressure evaluation designed to answer three questions:
- Does this patient need orthodontic treatment?
- If so, what are the options?
- What would treatment actually look like in terms of timeline, cost, and day-to-day experience?
At Saddle Creek Orthodontics, the consultation takes about 60 minutes. You meet our team, get a full clinical exam from a board certified orthodontist, and leave with a personalized recommendation and a transparent cost breakdown. There is no obligation to start treatment, and no high-pressure sales tactics. Just honest answers and a clear path forward if treatment makes sense.
Before the Appointment: What to Bring
A little preparation makes the visit smoother. We recommend bringing:
- Dental insurance card. If you have orthodontic benefits, we can verify them during the visit.
- Recent dental records or x-rays. If your family dentist has recent panoramic x-rays, having them sent over saves time and sometimes money.
- A list of questions or concerns. If you have specific goals (“my daughter’s overbite,” “my crowded front teeth”), make a note so you do not forget to mention them.
- Photo ID for adult patients. Standard practice for any new medical appointment.
You do not need to prepare anything special. Come as you are and let us handle the rest.
Step by Step: What Happens at the Consultation
Check-in and paperwork. New patients fill out basic medical history forms. If you completed paperwork online ahead of time, this step is quick.
Office tour. We walk you through our Collierville office so you know where everything is. You meet the team who will be involved in treatment, not just the doctor. This matters more than most patients realize. Orthodontic treatment involves many visits, and feeling comfortable with the whole team makes the experience much better.
Digital imaging. We take digital x-rays and 3D scans of your teeth. The 3D scan replaces the goopy old-fashioned impression material that used to make patients gag. The whole imaging process takes about 10 minutes and is painless.
Clinical exam with the orthodontist. Dr. Kyle Fagala or Dr. John Boling performs a full evaluation, examining your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and facial structure. They are looking at how everything works together, not just whether the teeth look straight.
Discussion of findings. The orthodontist explains what they see and whether treatment is recommended. If treatment makes sense, they walk through the options (braces, Invisalign, or specialty treatment) and give a specific recommendation based on your case.
Timeline and cost breakdown. Our treatment coordinator walks you through projected treatment length, monthly payment options, insurance coverage, and total out-of-pocket cost. Everything is transparent, with no hidden fees.
Your questions. Before you leave, you will have time to ask anything that is still on your mind. No question is too small.
Next steps. If you are ready to start, we can often schedule the first treatment appointment before you leave. If you need time to think it over, that is completely fine. There is no pressure either way.
Common Questions We Hear at Consultations
How long does orthodontic treatment take? Most cases take 12 to 24 months. Your orthodontist gives you a specific timeline based on your case at the consultation.
Will treatment hurt? The first few days after braces are placed or after switching to a new Invisalign tray can involve some mild soreness, but modern orthodontics is far more comfortable than most people expect.
How often will I need to come in? Braces patients typically come in every 6 to 8 weeks. Invisalign patients come in every 8 to 12 weeks. Both are designed to work around busy family and work schedules.
What happens if I break a bracket or lose an aligner? We keep time available for quick fixes and replacements, and we walk you through how to handle minor issues at home.
Can adults get braces or Invisalign? Absolutely. Adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients, and options like Invisalign and ceramic braces are specifically popular with adults who want a discreet treatment experience.
Do you accept my insurance? We accept most major dental insurance plans and verify benefits before treatment begins, so you know your out-of-pocket cost up front.
What to Expect After the Consultation
If you decide to move forward with treatment, the next steps depend on which option you choose:
For braces: The first appointment is placement day, which takes about 60 to 90 minutes. You leave that same day with your braces on.
For Invisalign: Your custom aligners are manufactured based on your 3D scan and arrive in a few weeks. Once they are in, we schedule an appointment to fit the first tray and walk you through care instructions.
For Phase 1 treatment in kids: Treatment usually begins shortly after the consultation, with a specific plan tailored to the child’s growth stage.
If you decide not to move forward, no problem. Many patients use the first consultation just to understand their options and come back later when the timing is right. We keep your file on hand so you do not have to start from scratch.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Consultation
If you are bringing a child or teen for their first orthodontic visit, a little context helps:
- Be positive. Kids take cues from parents. If you seem relaxed and excited about the visit, they will be too.
- Explain what will happen. A short description of the imaging and exam helps kids feel prepared.
- Let them ask questions. We talk directly to young patients at every visit and make sure they feel included in the conversation about their own treatment.
- Keep it low pressure. A consultation is just information gathering. Remind your child that no one will be putting braces on them that day.
Most kids leave their first orthodontic consultation feeling excited, not nervous. Our team is experienced at making the experience fun.
Why Schedule Your First Consultation With Saddle Creek Orthodontics?
Our Collierville office is built around making the patient experience easy, welcoming, and efficient. Running on time. We explain everything. We treat parents and kids with the same respect, and we take the time to answer every question thoroughly.
Both of our orthodontists are board certified, a credential held by only 30% of practicing orthodontists. Our Collierville office uses the same advanced 3D imaging and treatment planning technology that larger teaching hospitals use, and our team is experienced in everything from early childhood treatment through adult Invisalign.
What sets our consultation process apart is how much information you leave with. Many Collierville patients tell us that previous orthodontic consultations elsewhere felt rushed or sales-focused. Ours is different by design. You get unhurried time with the orthodontist, a complete evaluation, and a walk-through of every option that might make sense for your case. If that option is treatment at our practice, great. If it is a different approach, or even just monitoring without treatment, we will tell you that honestly.
What Sets a Great Consultation Apart From an Average One
A few specific things we have found make a real difference in the quality of a first orthodontic visit:
Time with the actual orthodontist. At some practices, most of the consultation is handled by an assistant or treatment coordinator, with the orthodontist briefly stepping in at the end. At ours, you spend meaningful time with the board certified doctor who will be overseeing your care.
A specific plan, not a generic recommendation. A good orthodontist can look at your case and explain exactly which teeth need to move, how far, and in what order. A generic recommendation like “you need braces for about two years” is a sign that the doctor has not thought through your specific situation.
Transparency about alternatives. The best orthodontists tell you about options you did not ask about, including whether no treatment might be reasonable. An office that only presents one option is usually selling that option, not recommending it.
Honest answers about trade-offs. Every treatment has trade-offs. A great consultation covers them clearly, so you can weigh them yourself.
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
A first consultation at Saddle Creek Orthodontics is free and takes about an hour. You will leave with real answers, a clear plan, and zero pressure to commit before you are ready.
Schedule your free consultation with Saddle Creek Orthodontics today. We look forward to meeting you and your family.