What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation

Walking into an orthodontist’s office for the first time can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what’s about to happen. Are they going to start putting things in your mouth right away? Will you leave with braces the same day? What are they actually looking for?

The good news is that a first consultation is much more relaxed than most people expect. At Papasikos Orthodontics in Montclair, NJ, we’ve had this first visit with hundreds of patients, and the most common thing we hear afterward is, “That was so much easier than I thought it would be.” So let’s walk you through exactly what happens, before you even set foot in the door.

What Happens When You Walk In

From the moment you arrive at our Montclair, NJ office, the goal is to make you feel comfortable and informed. You’ll check in, fill out a brief health history form if you haven’t already completed it online, and then get settled in.

There’s no drilling, no discomfort, and nothing to brace yourself for. The first consultation is essentially a conversation paired with a careful examination. That’s it.

The Examination

Dr. Papasikos will take a thorough look at your teeth, jaw, and bite. He’s evaluating a range of things: how your upper and lower teeth come together, whether there’s crowding or spacing, how your jaw aligns, and whether your teeth are erupting the way they should (this is especially relevant for younger patients). He’s not just looking at what’s visible — he’s building a complete picture of your oral structure.

In most cases, we’ll also take diagnostic records during this visit. This typically includes X-rays and photos, and sometimes digital scans or impressions of your teeth. These records are essential for building an accurate treatment plan and they let Dr. Papasikos see what’s happening beneath the surface and map out the most effective path forward.

The Conversation That Follows

After the examination, Dr. Papasikos will sit down with you and go through what he found. This is the part of the appointment that patients often find most valuable, because it’s where everything starts to make sense.

He’ll explain what he’s seeing, what it means for your smile and your bite, and whether treatment is recommended and if so, when. Not every patient needs to start right away. Some people, particularly younger kids, are seen for monitoring visits first to make sure the timing of treatment is just right.

If treatment is recommended, Dr. Papasikos will walk you through the options that make sense for your specific situation. At Papasikos Orthodontics, that typically includes traditional braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. He’ll explain the differences, what each one involves, and which he recommends based on your clinical needs and your lifestyle.

No one is going to rush you into a decision. This visit is about information and giving you everything you need to feel confident about whatever comes next.

What About Cost and Timeline?

These are the two questions almost everyone has, and we always address them during the first visit.

Once Dr. Papasikos has reviewed your case, our team will walk you through the estimated treatment timeline — how long treatment is expected to take and what the process will look like along the way. Every case is different, so timelines vary, but you’ll leave with a realistic picture of what to expect.

On the financial side, our team will go over the cost of treatment, your payment options, and how your insurance (if applicable) factors in. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible payment arrangements, because we believe cost shouldn’t be the reason someone puts off getting the care they need. We’ll answer every question you have and make sure nothing feels unclear before you leave.

Questions Are Always Welcome

One of the things Dr. Papasikos and the team at Papasikos Orthodontics genuinely believe is that an informed patient is a happy patient. There’s no such thing as a question that’s too basic or too detailed. If you want to understand every step of the process, we’re happy to walk through it. If you just want the highlights and then think it over, that’s completely fine too.

Some questions patients commonly ask at their first consultation:
How long will my treatment take? Will it hurt? What’s the difference between braces and aligners for my case? What happens if I have a wire that breaks? How often will I need to come in? What does treatment look like for my child specifically? Feel free to ask us anything.

Leaving the First Visit

By the time you head out the door, you should feel genuinely clearer than when you came in. You’ll know what’s going on with your teeth and bite, what your treatment options are, what it’s going to cost, and how long the journey is expected to take. You’ll also have a sense of what the Papasikos Orthodontics team is like — and we hope that part puts you at ease too.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll schedule your next appointment before you leave. If you need some time to think things over, that’s completely fine. There’s no pressure here, just good information and a team that genuinely wants to help you get where you want to go.

Ready to Schedule?

Your first consultation at Papasikos Orthodontics in Montclair, NJ is the easiest step you’ll take in this whole process. It costs you nothing but a little time, and it gives you everything you need to make a confident, informed decision about your smile.

We’d love to meet you and your family so reach out to our office today to get your first visit on the calendar. Dr. Papasikos and the whole team are looking forward to it.