Here at Durham Orthodontics, Dr. Durham and the team like to say that it’s our job to help you and your family brace for a lifetime of smiles, and that responsibility extends both inside and out of the office! That’s why we want you to feel informed and empowered about every aspect of your orthodontic journey, so we always try to offer up something you can use right here in our blogs. Today, we thought it’d be a good idea to cover the very basics, beginning with your free consultation! Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your first orthodontic visit!
What Happens at Your Free Orthodontic Consultation?
Your first visit to Durham Orthodontics is meant to give you clarity, comfort, and a detailed picture of your smile. Instead of moving you through a quick checklist, Dr. Durham and the team take their time reviewing your concerns, your goals, and the factors shaping your bite and jaw function. This appointment sets the stage for everything that follows, giving you the confidence to understand not just what treatment might help, but why it works and how it will support your long-term oral health. Patients often leave feeling more informed than they expected, with a clearer understanding of their smile and what orthodontic care can achieve.
A Warm Welcome and Patient Intake
When you arrive, the team guides you through a simple intake process where you can settle in, update your information, and share any concerns you have about your teeth or bite. This first step helps shape the rest of your visit because it gives the team insight into what matters most to you, whether that’s comfort, esthetics, timing, or understanding what your child may need as they grow.
Once intake is complete, you are shown to a private exam room where the consultation continues. The environment stays calm and friendly, and the team explains each step before it happens so you always know what to expect. Whether this is your first orthodontic visit or you are returning to treatment after many years, the experience is designed to feel approachable and easy to follow.
Digital Photos and X-Rays
Your consultation includes a full set of digital records, including photos and X-rays that reveal details about your smile that are not visible during a standard visual exam. These images help Dr. Durham evaluate tooth alignment, root position, jaw relationships, spacing patterns, airway considerations, and developing growth changes. They also allow him to spot early issues that may not yet be causing discomfort but could impact long-term alignment.
Because the images are taken and displayed digitally, Dr. Durham can review them with you immediately. He explains what each image shows in clear, simple language, helping you see the same things he sees. This step is often a turning point for many patients because it makes orthodontics feel less mysterious and more straightforward. Understanding your imaging helps you feel more involved in your treatment planning and gives you a better sense of the path ahead.
Full Smile and Bite Evaluation
After reviewing your records, Dr. Durham performs a hands-on evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw function. He looks at how your teeth fit together, whether there are signs of overcrowding or spacing, how your bite functions when you chew, and whether your growth patterns are influencing your alignment. He also looks at habits and airway-related factors that could affect long-term oral health.
Once the exam is complete, Dr. Durham brings everything together into a clear, easy-to-understand explanation. This conversation helps you understand the “why” behind your smile pattern and gives you context for the treatment options you will discuss next. Many patients find this part of the visit especially helpful because it connects the technical details to everyday function, comfort, and confidence.
Talking Through Your Treatment Options
Once your evaluation is complete, Dr. Durham reviews your treatment options in detail. Instead of presenting a one-size-fits-all plan, he walks you through the possibilities based on your goals, your lifestyle, and your clinical needs. This is a collaborative conversation meant to help you understand what each option can do for you, how long treatment may take, and what your day-to-day experience might look like. Whether you are considering braces, aligners, or early intervention for a child, you receive a clear roadmap that helps you make an informed decision without any pressure to start treatment immediately.
Braces, Aligners, and Everything in Between
Most patients want to know the difference between metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, how each works, and which one fits their smile and lifestyle. Dr. Durham explains the benefits of both options and helps you understand what kind of movement your teeth need to achieve the best long-term stability. You also get a sense of comfort, aesthetics, and maintenance for each choice, which makes it easier to picture what daily life with treatment will feel like.
This part of the conversation is helpful for both kids and adults because it takes complex orthodontic mechanics and turns them into straightforward, easy-to-follow explanations.
Tailoring Treatment to Your Goals
Because no two smiles develop the same way, Dr. Durham adjusts treatment recommendations to fit your age, growth stage, and personal goals. A child may benefit from early expansion or habit modification. Teens often weigh aesthetic considerations or activity schedules. Adults may prioritize efficiency, discretion, or long-term bite comfort. In every case, Dr. Durham makes sure you understand why a specific approach is recommended and how it helps create a healthier foundation for your smile. By the end of this discussion, you should feel like you have a clear and personalized understanding of what treatment can accomplish and how it will fit into your life.
Your Financial Questions Answered
To wrap up your consultation, the team reviews costs, insurance coverage, and flexible payment options. They explain everything step-by-step so you feel informed and comfortable before making a decision. Many patients appreciate how transparent and straightforward this part of the visit is, especially when planning for treatment for multiple family members.
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Your first visit is the best way to understand what your smile needs and how orthodontic treatment can support long-term comfort and confidence. Whether you are exploring options for yourself or your child, Dr. Durham and the team are here to guide you through every step with clarity, care, and a personalized approach that puts your goals first.
If you are ready to take the next step, we would love to meet you. Schedule your free consultation at our Madison office and begin your path toward a healthier, more confident smile.