Your First Orthodontic Consultation: What to Expect
Booking an orthodontic consultation often starts with a question.
You may have noticed that your teeth have shifted, that your bite does not feel quite right, or that your child’s adult teeth are not coming through as expected. You may be wondering whether braces are needed, whether clear aligners may be suitable, or whether it is better to wait and monitor things for now.
Your first consultation at Shore Orthodontics is designed to give you clear answers.
At this appointment, we take the time to understand your concerns, assess your teeth and bite, and explain what we can see. Sometimes treatment is recommended. Sometimes the best advice is to wait. In some cases, no treatment is needed at all.
There is no pressure to make a decision on the day, and treatment does not usually start at the first consultation. The purpose of the first visit is to help you understand what is happening, what your options are, and what the next step should be for you or your child
What happens when you first arrive at the clinic?
When you arrive at Shore Orthodontics, our reception team will welcome you and check that your details are up to date.
You will be asked to complete any patient forms that have not already been submitted. These forms cover your medical history, dental background and the main reason for your visit.
A Treatment Coordinator will then come and meet you and bring you through to see Dr Yasi.
What is an orthodontic assessment?
An orthodontic assessment is a detailed review of your teeth, bite, jaws and smile. It is not just about checking whether the teeth are straight. Dr Yasi will look at how the upper and lower teeth meet, how the jaws relate to each other, and whether the teeth and bite are developing as expected. Your first consultation usually takes approximately 60 minutes
For adults, this may include checking for crowding, spacing, bite problems, tooth wear, gum health and any movement that has occurred after previous orthodontic treatment. We will also assess whether braces, clear aligners or another approach may be suitable.
For children and teenagers, the assessment also looks at growth and dental development. This includes checking whether adult teeth are erupting in the right position, whether there is enough space, and whether the bite is developing evenly.
During the assessment, we may look for:
• Crowding or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite
• Teeth that do not meet evenly
• Prominent front teeth
• Jaw growth and facial balance
• Missing, impacted or delayed adult teeth
• Tooth wear or signs of bite-related strain
• Gum health and oral hygiene
• Previous orthodontic treatment and any relapse
We may also recommend photographs, digital scans and X-rays where clinically appropriate. These records help us see things that are not always visible in the mouth, such as unerupted teeth, root positions and jaw relationships.
An assessment does not automatically mean treatment will start. Sometimes treatment is recommended. Sometimes the best option is to monitor growth or tooth eruption. In some cases, no treatment is needed at all. Once the assessment is complete, Dr Yasi will explain what we can see, what options may be suitable, and what the next step should be.
Patient having an orthodontic X-ray at Shore Orthodontics in Crows Nest before their first consultation
What to bring?
Please bring any recent dental records or X-rays if you have them. You do not need a referral to book an orthodontic consultation, but if your dentist has provided a referral letter or any recent records, you are welcome to bring them with you or send them to us before your appointment.
If the appointment is for your child, we encourage them to ask questions too. We want them to feel included, comfortable and part of the conversation from the beginning.
What happens next?
Every patient is different, so your orthodontic plan will be tailored to your teeth, bite, and individual treatment goals.
After your consultation, we will explain the recommended next step. For some patients, this may mean starting orthodontic treatment. For others, especially children who are still growing, it may be better to monitor development and review again at the right time.
If treatment is recommended, we will talk through the most suitable options, the estimated treatment time, how often appointments are likely to be needed, and whether any dental work is required before starting. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about braces, clear aligners, fees, payment options and what treatment would involve. The aim is for you to leave understanding what your options are.
