Your first visit to the orthodontist raises many questions: what exactly happens? What tests will be done? Will they fit braces straight away? Is a referral needed? Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or your child, understanding the consultation process reduces stress and helps you prepare better. In this article, Dr Ewa Prażmo, Medical Director of Modern Dental & Orthodontics (MDO Clinic), explains step-by-step how the first orthodontic appointment proceeds – from registration to discussing the treatment plan.
Is a referral needed for an orthodontist?
No. You can see an orthodontist without a referral. In private clinics, such as Modern Dental & Orthodontics (MDO Clinic), you just need to book an appointment by phone or through the online form. You also don't need to bring any test results – all necessary X-rays and analyses are performed on-site during the consultation.
Co zabrać na pierwszą wizytę u ortodonty?
| What to take? | Why is it important? |
| Identity card / ID card | Data for the patient card and medical documentation. |
| X-rays (if you have any) | Panoramic, cephalometric, or CBCT. If you don't have them, they will be taken on-site. |
| Previous documentation | If you have already seen an orthodontist or worn braces, bring the results, scans, and treatment description. |
| List of questions | Write down everything you want to ask: treatment options, duration, cost, instalments. The consultation is the best time. |
| Information about medicines and illnesses | Some medications (e.g. bisphosphonates) can affect tooth movement. An orthodontist needs to be aware of this. |
„Dr Prażmo stresses: ”Don't stress about the preparations. We'll do everything we need for the diagnosis on-site. If you have previous X-rays, bring them along – this will save time and radiation exposure."
What does your first visit to an orthodontist look like? A step-by-step guide
The first orthodontic appointment at MDO Clinic lasts approximately 30–60 minutes. It consists of several stages, each with a specific diagnostic purpose.
Stage 1: Medical and Dental Interview (up to 10 mins)
The orthodontist talks to the patient (or parent) about the reasons for the visit, expectations, and medical history. Questions cover previous orthodontic treatment, habits (e.g., mouth breathing, thumb-sucking in children), bruxism, general health conditions, and medications taken. A detailed discussion of the treatment process at the outset is crucial.
Stage 2: Oral clinical examination (up to 10–15 min)
The orthodontist conducts a detailed clinical examination, assessing:
- Dental status – caries, fillings, missing teeth, impacted teeth
- Bite – intermaxillary relationship, overbite, crowding, spacing
- Temporomandibular joints – clicking, limited movement, pain
- Soft tissues – gum condition, frenulum, tongue
- Facial profile – proportions, symmetry, smile line
Stage 3: Imaging diagnostics (up to 10–15 min)
Following a clinical examination, the orthodontist will prescribe the necessary X-rays. At MDO Clinic, all required imaging is available on-site:
| Research | What does it show? | When is it needed? |
| Pantomogram | All teeth, jawbones, joints, sinuses. A single 2D image of the entire dentition. | Always – a basic examination at every orthodontic consultation. |
| Cephalometry | Facial bone profile, intermaxillary angles, tooth position relative to bone. | In many cases – for cephalometric analysis. It is not routinely necessary in all types of malocclusions (Rischen 2013). |
| CBCT (3D tomography) | Three-dimensional image of bones, roots and impacted teeth. Highest accuracy. | In complex cases: impacted teeth, resorption, surgical planning. |
| Intraoral photographs | Single teeth, periapical regions, interdental contacts. | If necessary – suspected resorption, periapical condition. |
The systematic review by Rischen et al. (2013) analysed the role of various diagnostic investigations in orthodontics. The review indicated that diagnostic models, intraoral and extraoral photographs, and X-rays are most commonly used in practice, although the authors stressed that based on the available evidence, it was not possible to define a minimum set of documentation required for diagnosis. For impacted teeth, CBCT tomography provides significantly more accurate information than 2D images.
Stage 4: Photographic pictures and digital scans
An orthodontist takes a series of photographs (face from the front, profile, smile, bite from the front, side, top, and bottom). Additionally, an intraoral scanner is increasingly being used, which creates a digital 3D model of the teeth – replacing traditional alginate impressions. The digital model allows for precise measurement of space deficiencies, crowding, and planning of tooth movement.
Stage 5: Preliminary discussion of diagnosis and treatment options (up to 10–15 mins)
At the end of the first visit, the orthodontist discusses the initial diagnosis and presents possible treatment options. For simple malocclusions, the plan can be discussed during the first visit. In complex cases, the orthodontist needs time for cephalometric analysis and to prepare a detailed plan – the patient then returns for a second consultation.
Typical topics discussed on a first visit:
- Type of malocclusion and its severity
- Treatment options: fixed braces, aligners (Invisalign), removable braces
- Estimated treatment time
- Indicative costs and financing options (PayU installments)
- The necessity of potential extractions or preliminary treatment (decay, hygiene)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration (periodontist, surgeon, prosthodontist)
- Planned retention after treatment (fixed and removable retainer)
First orthodontic visit – adults vs children
The course of consultation is similar regardless of age, but there are significant differences in diagnosis and approach.
| Aspect | Children (7–12 years) | Adults |
| Main purpose of visit | Jaw development assessment, tooth replacement, early intervention | Full diagnostics and treatment plan |
| Further investigation | Skeletal maturity assessment (e.g. using the CVM method – cervical vertebrae maturation assessment on a cephalogram) | Periodontal assessment, joints, possibly CBCT |
| Frequent diagnoses | Overjet, underbite, impacted teeth, habits | Advanced malocclusions, missing teeth, relapse of malocclusion |
| Possible treatment | Jaw expander (Hyrax), face masks (for overbite correction), observation | Fixed braces, Invisalign, orthognathic surgery |
| Parental presence | Required – parent signs consent | Not required |
What is NOT done on the first orthodontic visit?
It's worth knowing what not to expect in order to avoid disappointment:
- Braces are not fitted – the first visit is solely for diagnosis and planning.
- Tooth extractions are not performed – any removals will be planned at a later date.
- You don't need to be fasting – this is a clinical study, not a surgical procedure
- It won't hurt – the examination is painless
Is it worth going to an orthodontist? What does research say?
A survey by Bradley et al. (2020), conducted among 203 orthodontic patients in the UK, shows that 96%of patients are satisfied with orthodontic treatment, 87%would undergo it again, and 91%would recommend the treatment to a friend. The patients' most common expectations were: increased confidence when eating in company (87%), improved appearance of teeth (85%), and confidence when smiling (72% ). The study also indicates the most common complaints during treatment: oral discomfort (68% ) and appliance breakage (61% ). The first visit is a crucial step towards realising the patient's expectations.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the first visit to the orthodontist hurt?
No. The first visit is a clinical examination and imaging – neither of these is painful. The orthodontist examines the teeth, takes photographs and X-rays. They do not fit braces or perform any procedures.
2. How long is the first visit to the orthodontist?
The first orthodontic consultation usually lasts 30–60 minutes. During this time, the orthodontist will take a medical history, perform a clinical examination, conduct imaging diagnostics, and discuss treatment options.
3. Will they fit the braces straight away on the first visit?
No. The first visit is essentially for diagnosis. The braces are fitted on a subsequent visit, after a full analysis and acceptance of the plan by the patient. In simple cases, treatment can begin as early as the second visit.
4. From what age is it worth taking a child to the orthodontist?
In line with the guidance of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the first visit is recommended around the age of 7, when the first permanent teeth appear. Early diagnosis allows developmental problems to be detected before they become serious. Book your child's appointment at the MDO Clinic.
5. Is a referral from a dentist needed to see an orthodontist?
No. You can see an orthodontist without a referral – just book an appointment by phone or online. You also don't need to bring ready test results – everything is done on-site at the clinic.
6. Can adults wear braces?
Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. More and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth – for both aesthetic and health reasons. At MDO Clinic, we offer Invisalign and discreet fixed braces for adults.
Read more on Modern Dental & Orthodontics
Orthodontics klinikamdo.pl/orthodontist-warsaw-wola
Invisalign clear aligners – an alternative to traditional braces https://klinikamdo.pl/blog/nakladki-prostujace-invisalign-alternatywa-dla-tradycyjnych-aparatow/
How long is the wearing time for orthodontic braces for adults? https://klinikamdo.pl/blog/jaki-jest-czas-noszenia-aparatu-ortodontycznego-u-doroslych/
Sources
Source 1
Links https://doi.org/10.1179/146531205225021753 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17142332/
Description Sayers MS, Newton JT. „Patients’ expectations of orthodontic treatment: part 1 – development of a questionnaire.” J Orthod. 2006;33(4):258–269.
Source 2
Links https://doi.org/10.1179/146531207225021888 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17347295/
Description Sayers MS, Newton JT. „Patients’ expectations of orthodontic treatment: part 2 – findings from a questionnaire survey.” J Orthod. 2007;34(1):25–35.
Source 3
Links https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0074186 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24265669/ | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3827061/
Description Rischen RJ, Breuning KH, Bronkhorst EM, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM. „Records needed for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning: a systematic review.” PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e74186.
Source 4
Links https://doi.org/10.1177/1465312520904377 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32116083/
Description Bradley E., Shelton A., Hodge T., Morris D., Bekker H., Fletcher S., Barber S. „Patient-reported experience and outcomes from orthodontic treatment.” J Orthod. 2020;47(2):107–115.
Source 5
Links https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-016-0182-3 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26884053/ | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4756524/
Description Yao J, Li DD, Yang YQ, McGrath CPJ, Mattheos N. „What are patients’ expectations of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review.” BMC Oral Health. 2016;16:19.
Information on content and responsibility
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor. The course of an orthodontic visit may vary depending on the individual case and clinic. Make all health decisions only after an individual consultation with a qualified doctor. The content was prepared using AI tools and then verified under the substantive supervision of the Modern Dental & Orthodontics team. We strive to ensure that the information is reliable and consistent with current medical knowledge, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, and up-to-dateness. Modern Dental & Orthodontics is not responsible for the consequences of decisions made based on this article without medical consultation.