Medically Reviewed by Dr. Catherine Murphy, DDS on September 25, 2026
Your first orthodontic consultation is an unhurried appointment where the team reviews your health history, examines your teeth, bite, and jaws, gathers digital records such as photos, X-rays, and scans, and then walks you through the treatment options that fit your needs, along with the estimated timeline and costs. If you are ready for a straighter smile but unsure which orthodontic treatment would work best for you, this visit gives you the answers you need before making such a major decision. Knowing what happens ahead of time can ease any anxiety and help you get the most from the conversation.
At Floss & Co., we believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health. Dr. Murphy and Dr. Silva take a personalized approach to each consultation, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in the treatment plan recommended for you. We welcome patients of all ages and demographics and spend extra time getting to know you, making our practice a truly inclusive environment for everyone seeking orthodontic care.
What Happens During Your First Orthodontic Visit
Before you jump into braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment, we begin with a consultation. This appointment gives our team the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. You can also ask questions and learn more about your options and financing.
When you see our trusted professionals at Floss & Co., you can expect the following steps during your first orthodontic consultation:
Medical and Dental History Review
We begin with a thorough review of your medical and dental history, which helps us understand any underlying conditions that may affect your orthodontic treatment. Information like your previous dental procedures or treatments, current medications, health conditions, family oral health history, personal concerns, lifestyle, habits, and preferences provides valuable insight that helps us customize your treatment approach and avoid potential complications.
Comprehensive Examination
After reviewing your history, we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaws. This involves checking how your teeth align when you bite down, identifying issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, and assessing tooth spacing, crowding, and alignment. We also evaluate your jaw joints (TMJ) for proper function and examine your facial proportions as they relate to your teeth.
One of the unique aspects of our approach at Floss & Co. is our focus on airway expansion benefits. During your examination, we’ll assess how your orthodontic needs relate to your breathing patterns, which can significantly impact your overall health, sleep, and quality of life.
Diagnostic Records
To get a complete picture of your orthodontic needs, we may take several diagnostic records during your first visit. These typically include digital photographs of your face and teeth, digital X-rays, and digital scanning. These give us a visual of your teeth, roots, and bone structure, so we can analyze your case in detail and develop a customized treatment plan that addresses all your orthodontic needs. Digital scanning also means you can skip the thick impression putty many people remember from past dental visits.
Treatment Recommendations and Financial Discussion
After completing the examination and reviewing your diagnostic records, we will discuss treatment recommendations suitable for your specific case, which may include traditional braces, clear aligners, or other appliances. This includes the estimated timeline, expected goals, and how treatment can improve your smile’s appearance and function.
We’ll also discuss the financial aspects of your orthodontic treatment based on your options and insurance coverage. Our caring professionals don’t want finances to get in the way of you achieving your dream smile, so we offer flexible financing to make these solutions more accessible. We break down every cost of your treatment based on your budget so you never feel blindsided by unexpected fees and can make the best decision for your future.
Orthodontic Options We May Discuss
Every smile is different, so the options on the table depend on your age, bite, and goals. These are the most common paths we review during a first consultation:
You can read more about braces, Invisalign, and early orthodontics on our service pages before your visit. Adults are welcome too, and our adult orthodontics options are designed to fit busy, professional lives.
When Should Your Child Have a First Orthodontic Visit?
Parents often ask whether their child is old enough for a consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at age 7. By then, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which makes it easier to see how the jaws are developing and whether there is enough room for incoming teeth.
An early screening does not mean your child will start treatment right away. In many cases, we simply monitor growth and check in periodically. When a concern like a crossbite, severe crowding, or a narrow palate shows up early, timely treatment may make later care simpler. Because we look at breathing and jaw development together, a first visit is also a good opportunity to discuss mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep you may have noticed.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
A little preparation helps you get clear answers and keeps the visit efficient. Before your appointment, try to gather the following:
- Your dental insurance card and a photo ID
- A current list of medications and any health conditions
- Recent dental X-rays or records from another office, if you have them
- A short list of questions or concerns about your smile, bite, or breathing
New patients can also review our new patient information page to complete forms ahead of time. Helpful questions to bring include which options fit your case, how long treatment may take, how often you will need appointments, and what happens after treatment ends to keep your results stable.
Schedule Your Consultation for Orthodontic Treatment at Floss & Co. Today
The first step toward achieving your dream smile is scheduling an orthodontic consultation. At Floss & Co., Dr. Catherine Murphy completed her orthodontic residency at Indiana University and brings a holistic, airway-conscious approach to every plan, supported by a team that takes pride in gentle, patient-centered care. Our practice features modern technology and techniques designed to make treatment efficient and comfortable.
Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, we’re here to answer all your questions and address any concerns. To schedule your initial consultation, complete our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Orthodontic Consultation
Does an orthodontic consultation hurt?
No. A consultation is a conversation and a gentle exam. Photos, digital X-rays, and a digital scan are quick and painless, and there are no needles or adjustments involved at this visit.
Can I start braces or aligners on the same day as my consultation?
In most cases, treatment begins at a separate appointment. The consultation is used to gather records and design your plan, and then braces are placed or custom aligners are fabricated before your start date.
What age should my child have their first orthodontic visit?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. Many children do not need treatment at that age, but an early look helps identify bite, spacing, or jaw growth concerns while they are easier to guide.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
There is no upper age limit for straightening teeth as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Many adults choose clear aligners or clear braces for a discreet option, and your consultation will show which approach fits your bite and lifestyle.
Why does Floss and Co. check my breathing during an orthodontic exam?
The shape of your jaws and palate affects the space available for your tongue and airway. Looking at breathing patterns alongside alignment helps us recommend a plan that supports both a healthy bite and comfortable breathing.
About the Author
Orthodontist, Floss & Co.
Dr. Catherine Murphy earned her DDS from Indiana University School of Dentistry and completed her orthodontic residency there with a Master of Science in Dentistry. A member of the American Association of Orthodontists, she focuses on holistic, airway-conscious orthodontic care that incorporates myofunctional therapy and airway expansion.