Your first orthodontic visit is a chance to understand your smile, ask questions, and learn whether treatment is recommended. At COCO Smiles Orthodontics, the consultation is designed to be informative and comfortable for children, teens, and adults. Dr. Sibel Eljach listens to your concerns, reviews relevant dental and health history, and evaluates the teeth, bite, jaw relationships, and surrounding tissues. A consultation does not obligate you to begin treatment. The goal is to provide clear findings and practical next steps based on your needs rather than offering the same appliance to every patient.
Preparing for the Appointment
Bring your current insurance information, a list of medications, and details about recent dental care when available. Tell the team about jaw discomfort, previous orthodontic treatment, missing or impacted teeth, gum concerns, planned restorative work, or medical conditions that may affect care. Children can be told that the visit involves looking at their teeth and taking pictures or scans when needed. There are no shots or treatment procedures during a standard consultation. If another dentist or specialist has provided recent diagnostic records, ask whether they should be sent before the appointment.
Examination and Digital Records
Dr. Eljach completes a clinical examination and may recommend photographs, digital X-rays, an iTero Lumina scan, or other records according to clinical need. These records help evaluate crowding, spacing, tooth eruption, root positions, bite relationships, and growth. The practice also has CBCT imaging and digital production technology for cases that require additional information. Not every patient needs every type of record. Dr. Eljach explains why a record is useful and reviews the findings together rather than allowing technology alone to determine treatment.
Treatment and Financial Discussion
If treatment is recommended, the team explains the proposed goals, appliance options, estimated timing, appointment expectations, and home-care responsibilities. You can compare braces, clear braces, Invisalign, lingual braces, expanders, or other appropriate options. The team also reviews treatment-specific fees, available insurance benefits, Cherry, CareCredit, and possible in-house payment arrangements. Some patients are ready to begin after the consultation, while others need dental care, growth monitoring, or time to consider the plan. Questions are encouraged before any agreement is made.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a first orthodontic visit?
Appointment length depends on the examination and records needed. The team allows time to discuss findings, options, and questions rather than rushing the consultation.
Will treatment start at the first visit?
Usually the first visit focuses on evaluation and planning. If you are ready and the required records and approvals are complete, the team can explain the next steps for beginning care.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
A referral is generally not required to request an orthodontic consultation. Continuing regular care with a general dentist remains important before and during orthodontic treatment.
What age should a child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age seven. This does not mean every child needs treatment at that age.
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Plan Your First Orthodontic Visit
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