So you’ve scheduled your first orthodontic appointment (or you’re thinking about it), and you’re probably wondering:
“What happens at the first orthodontist appointment? What should I expect at an orthodontist consultation?”
Great questions, and you’re not alone! Whether this visit is for your child, your teen, or yourself, taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is something to feel excited about.
At Canales Orthodontics, we believe your first orthodontist consultation should feel comfortable, informative, and even a little fun — with clear answers and no pressure. Our goal is to help you feel confident about what comes next.
Here’s what happens at the first orthodontist appointment with Dr. Angie and Dr. Chris Canales, your board-certified orthodontists in Alabaster and Gardendale, AL:
1. A Warm Welcome (and a Visit That’s All About You)
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team, and that never changes. Your first orthodontic appointment is designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, and completely focused on you.
Before your visit, you can fill out your new patient forms online to make check-in quick and easy. Once you’re here, our team will give you a tour of the office, answer any early questions, and help you feel right at home.
Your first visit is about getting to know you and your goals, not rushing you into treatment. Whether you’re here for a first evaluation, a second opinion, or just have questions about your smile, you’re in the right place.
2. Digital X-Rays, Scans & Photos (No Goopy Impressions!)
Once we give you a tour of our orthodontic office, we’ll start gathering info about your smile! These records give us the full picture so we can truly understand your smile. We may take some digital x-rays, scans and photos of your teeth, gums and jaw bones.
To take a quick intraoral scan of your smile, we have both the advanced iTero® Element Intraoral Scanner and Allied Star Wireless Scanner. An intraoral smile scan uses a small wand to produce a digital 3D model of your teeth in just two or three minutes, with no messy putty required.
If you want a sneak peek of your new smile before you even begin treatment, we can use our technology to show you a digital, simulated preview of your end results!
These modern tools allow us to see the full picture of your teeth, bite, and jaw, so Drs. Angie or Chris can make thoughtful, accurate recommendations. Everything we do is designed to support a personalized treatment plan, tailored specifically to you or your child.
3. A One-on-One Consultation With Your Orthodontist
This is the heart of your visit. You’ll sit down one-on-one with Dr. Angie or Dr. Chris Canales, both board-certified orthodontists, for a thorough exam and conversation about your smile.
They’ll walk you through what they see, explain any concerns, and talk honestly about next steps. That may mean:
- Recommending treatment now
- Suggesting we wait and monitor growth
- Or reassuring you that treatment isn’t needed at this time
We take a conservative approach to care, always recommending the right treatment at the right time. You’ll leave with clear answers, expert insight, and zero pressure to decide on the spot.
4. Exploring Treatment Options (Only If Treatment Is Recommended)
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, we’ll review your options together and help you choose what best fits your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
At Canales Orthodontics, we offer clear aligners and different types of braces for every smile:
Braces and clear aligners cost the same here, so your decision is based on what works best for you, not price. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option so you can feel confident in your choice.
And if you’re not ready to move forward yet? That’s okay too. We’re here to guide, not rush.
5. A Clear, Comfortable Financial Plan
We believe orthodontic care should feel manageable, financially and emotionally.
If treatment is recommended, our treatment coordinator will walk you through the cost of orthodontic treatment for your personalized treatment plan, and help you fully understand your insurance benefits.
From there, we’ll create a custom, interest-free payment plan that fits your budget. No surprises. No hidden fees.
Most families can expect:
- Low down payments, typically between $400–$700
- Low monthly payments, often around $130–$160 with insurance or $185–$210 without insurance
- 0% interest, in-house financing
We accept most PPO insurance plans and handle the paperwork for you, so you can focus on what matters most.
Virtual Care That Fits Your Life
We know life is busy! That’s why we offer Virtual Care options for every patient, from day one.
- Virtual Consultation: If you prefer to meet us without leaving your home first, you can schedule a virtual smile assessment with us! You’ll be able to get answers about your smile before you visit us, then come see us in Alabaster or Gardendale to receive a complimentary in-person smile exam and begin treatment.
- Virtual Treatment Check-ins: Once you get started, if you’d prefer to reduce office visits throughout treatment, you can choose virtual care with DentalMonitoring. The DentalMonitoring device connects to your phone, and you’ll simply download the secure app to complete periodic check-ins throughout treatment. This allows you to reduce time off work or school, and stay connected with our team from wherever, whenever.
You choose how you get started and how often you come in. Your treatment experience is completely customized to you.
Next Stop: A Smile You’ll Love
If you decide to move forward with treatment, we’ll talk through next steps, timing, and what to expect along the way. Your first visit typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll leave knowing exactly where you stand.
Whether you start treatment right away or later on, our goal is the same: helping you feel confident, informed, and supported at every step.
Let’s get your first visit on the books!
Now, it’s time to take the first step! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (205) 621-1111 with any questions about what to expect at your first orthodontic appointment.
Whether you’re looking for a child’s orthodontist near you, or a top Gardendale or Alabaster orthodontist for your teen or for yourself, we’d love to meet you. All you have to do is schedule your complimentary consultation, walk in the door, and we’ll take it from there.
Once you request your free exam, we’ll reach out to you to get your appointment scheduled on a date and time that work for you, and begin your journey!
