A first orthodontist visit is a thorough evaluation where Dr. Lauren examines your teeth, jaw, and bite alignment to determine if orthodontic treatment would benefit you. This visit typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and includes a clinical exam, digital imaging, and a personal discussion about your smile goals. At iSmile Orthodontics, your free consult comes with no commitment required.
Think of this visit as a conversation about your smile’s potential. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options, whether that’s metal braces, clear aligners, or simply monitoring growth over time.
What Is a First Orthodontic Visit?
A first orthodontic visit serves as an introduction between you and the specialist who could guide your smile transformation. It’s an evaluation, a conversation, and an education session rolled into one. Whether you’ve been considering treatment for years or you’re just curious about what’s possible, this visit gives you real answers grounded in your specific situation.
You’ll meet Dr. Lauren, see your teeth on screen through digital imaging, and learn what (if anything) needs attention. No commitments. No pressure. Just information you can use to make a confident decision.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your First Visit
When you arrive at our Spokane Valley office, you can expect a relaxed, thorough process designed to give you all the information you need.
What Happens at Check-In?
Your visit starts at the front desk, where our team will collect some basic information. You’ll fill out a brief medical and dental history form. This helps Dr. Lauren understand any previous treatment, current medications, or health conditions that might affect care.
How Does Digital Imaging Work?
Then we move to imaging. Using our iTero Scanner and digital 3D imaging technology, we capture detailed pictures of your teeth and bite without messy impressions. Digital X-rays show what’s happening beneath the surface, including tooth roots and jaw structure. These images take just minutes and give Dr. Lauren everything she needs for an accurate assessment.
What Does the Clinical Exam Include?
Dr. Lauren Van Gemert personally examines your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. She’ll check how your teeth come together, look for crowding or spacing issues, and evaluate jaw alignment. As a board-certified orthodontist, she brings years of focused expertise in tooth movement and bite correction to every exam.
How Do We Talk About Your Goals?
What bothers you about your smile? What do you hope to achieve? This conversation matters. Dr. Lauren listens to your concerns and explains what she’s observed during the exam.
What’s in Your Smile Plan?
If treatment is recommended, you’ll receive a personal smile plan outlining:
- Which option fits your needs best
- Expected timeline from start to finish
- What the process involves at each stage
What About Pricing and Next Steps?
Sitting down with our team, you’ll go over costs line by line, see how your insurance benefits apply, and review the flexible financing options that fit different budgets. Ask anything you want. Take notes. Bring it home to discuss with family. There’s no pressure to decide on the spot, and the smile plan is yours to keep.
Benefits of Scheduling a Consultation
Scheduling an orthodontic consultation provides early problem detection, expert specialist guidance, clear understanding of your options, and an honest investment estimate before you commit to anything. You’ll learn what’s possible for your smile, when treatment makes sense, and which approach fits best, all in a single visit that costs nothing at iSmile Orthodontics.
Why Catch Problems Early?
Catching issues like crowding or bite problems before they worsen often means simpler, shorter care later. For kids, early evaluation lets Dr. Lauren guide jaw growth before it becomes harder to correct. For adults, early action can prevent wear, gum issues, or jaw strain down the road.
What Makes Specialist Guidance Different?
Per the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontists complete two to three years of additional residency training beyond dental school. That focused expertise means you’re getting advice from someone who works exclusively with tooth movement and jaw alignment, day in and day out.
What Will You Learn About Your Options?
Metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners. You’ll learn which approaches could work for your specific situation. Honest timelines. Realistic costs. No surprises later. And every question on your mind gets answered, because our goal is to educate, not to push.
Per the American Association of Orthodontists, early evaluation by age 7 allows orthodontists to spot developing problems and determine the best time for treatment. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, you’ll have peace of mind knowing a specialist has evaluated your smile.
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist Consultation
Dr. Lauren is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, and American Dental Association. This means she’s met rigorous standards beyond basic licensing requirements.
For straightforward cases, your general dentist might offer some alignment options. But for complex bite issues, jaw discrepancies, or care involving growing children, an orthodontist’s focused training makes a real difference.
Cost of a First Orthodontic Visit
A first orthodontic visit typically costs $100 to $300 at most practices, though many offices including iSmile Orthodontics offer free consultations covering the clinical exam, digital imaging, and a complete smile plan discussion . Insurance often covers diagnostic visits when fees do apply, and many practices credit the consult fee toward treatment if you proceed.
At iSmile Orthodontics, your free consult is completely free. This includes the clinical exam, digital imaging, and a complete smile plan discussion. You’ll walk away with answers, not a bill.
Insurance often covers diagnostic visits, including X-rays and exams. Our team checks your benefits and explains coverage before any charges occur.
During your free consult, we also discuss flexible financing options that can make care fit your budget. Many families find monthly payment plans more manageable than they expected.
Who Should Schedule a First Visit?
Wondering if it’s the right time for you or your child? Consider scheduling if any of these apply:
Children by age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by their seventh birthday. At this age, Dr. Lauren can spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth concerns while there’s still time to guide development.
Teens with emerging concerns. Crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, or difficulty chewing are all reasons to visit. The teenage years offer ideal timing since Dr. Lauren can work with natural growth patterns. Most teens we see in our Spokane Valley office are surprised at how comfortable modern braces and aligners actually feel.
Adults considering treatment. It’s never too late. More adults than ever are choosing clear aligners or braces to improve their smiles. Age doesn’t limit your options, and many of our adult family members tell us they wish they’d started sooner.
Anyone with specific concerns such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Difficulty biting or chewing
Referrals from your dentist. If your general dentist suggests an orthodontic evaluation, that’s a clear sign to schedule. But you don’t need a referral. You can contact our office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the first visit take?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes. This gives us time for imaging, a thorough exam, and a complete discussion of findings and options. We won’t rush you.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No referral is necessary. You can schedule directly with iSmile Orthodontics whenever you’re ready. Many families come to us on their own, while others are referred by their dentist. Both paths work perfectly.
Will I get braces or clear aligners on the first visit?
Typically not. The first visit focuses on evaluation and planning. If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule a separate visit to begin care. Some family members do start the same day if they’re ready and the smile plan is straightforward.
What should I bring to my visit?
Bring your insurance card if you have dental coverage, a list of any medications you take, and any questions you’ve been thinking about. If your child is being seen, a parent or guardian should attend.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. At iSmile Orthodontics, your free consult, digital imaging, and smile plan discussion come at no cost. Every family deserves to understand their options without financial barriers.
How soon can treatment start after the visit?
If you’re ready to begin, care can often start within one to two weeks. Some family members prefer time to consider their options, and that’s completely fine. There’s no expiration on your smile plan.
Curious about what your smile could look like? Dr. Lauren Van Gemert and our smile team welcome new families anytime, and a free consult is the easiest way to get real answers about your options. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help you explore your smile options.