Your First Visit

Your First Visit at Virginia Braces and Aligners

Once you have decided to make a beautiful smile and great dental health a priority, you should make an appointment at Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center. During your first visit, our courteous staff will listen to all your desires, concerns, and expectations. The first consultation is free and it should take 30 to 60 minutes. It involves a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth by one of our board-certified orthodontists. Find out what to expect during your first visit.

Arriving at Our Clinic

We have orthodontic offices in Arlington, Mechanicsville, Charlottesville, Ruckersville and Woodbridge. When you arrive at clinic, our admin staff will greet you and log you in. If you have not already filled in the forms, provided by mail, we will require you to fill them out. If you have already completed them at home, kindly bring them along.

Next, you will meet our orthodontist. This consultation should last anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

The Consultation

The initial consultation is there to help you learn more about how orthodontics can help you in achieving your dream smile. The key aspects of your appointment will include:

Reviewing your dental and medical history
A thorough overview of your existing orthodontic situation and how our orthodontist can improve your smile
Conducting a thorough oral examination with X-rays and digital images. This is required to determine whether orthodontic treatment is essential.

If you were referred by a dentist, our orthodontist will review the referral before completing the consultation. Else, we will discuss your concerns about your smile and the functionality of your teeth. We will want you to inform us about any dental issues your child or you may be facing, during your first visit.

Once our doctor has conducted the examination and learned everything about your orthodontic situation, we will discuss the next step. Sometimes, we may suggest a patient hold off their treatment for some time. This often happens when a child doesn't need orthodontic treatment for the time being. Our orthodontist may also defer treatment in teens and adults if we notice signs of jaw disorders or injuries, poor oral health, or gum disease. These problems will need to be corrected before placing any orthodontic appliances.

Importance of Orthodontic Consultation

It is important for parents to realize that it is never too early to have their child’s teeth and jaw examined. Our experienced orthodontists can examine your child’s oral health and determine whether they are likely to develop dental issues as they grow up. It is best to get your child an initial orthodontic consultation at the age of 7. Even if your child has missed this early checkup, you can schedule a consultation at any age. The early orthodontic examination helps identify potential developmental issues your child may have and address them before they are a teenager.

During the initial consultation, you should also expect to discuss the financial information. Our staff will discuss the financial options available to you, insurance benefits, and any discounts you may be eligible for.