Orthodontic Consultation Specialist

Orthodontic Consultation services offered in MARTINEZ and Walnut Creek, CA

An initial visit with your orthodontist is essential to evaluate your tooth alignment and bite. At Harper Orthodontics in Walnut Creek and Martinez, California, board-certified orthodontist Stephen Harper, DDS, offers complimentary orthodontic consultations. Dr. Harper makes sure to give you all the information you need to move forward with orthodontic treatment at your consultation. To learn more, call Harper Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online.

What is an orthodontic consultation?

An orthodontic consultation is an initial meeting between you and Dr. Harper to discuss a treatment plan. During the visit, Dr. Harper performs a comprehensive orthodontic exam that includes a visual assessment, bite evaluation, and digital X-rays to view your mouth’s internal structures.

Dr. Harper is proud to offer complimentary orthodontic consultations at no charge. Once he determines the appropriate type of orthodontics you need, Dr. Harper can answer any questions about the cost or length of treatment.

What happens during an orthodontic consultation?

When you arrive for your orthodontic consultation, Dr. Harper reviews your dental records. He may also ask questions regarding your oral health, diet, and other lifestyle factors that affect your tooth health.

If the consultation is for your child, Dr. Harper asks about their tooth development, speech patterns, or chewing abilities.

Next, he takes digital X-rays to view the underlying structures of your mouth. Dr. Harper studies these scans for tooth development and bite abnormalities. Based on your consultation, he can determine whether you or your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

The entire visit typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

How long after an orthodontic consultation will I get braces?

If Dr. Harper recommends braces, his office may schedule your next visit within a few days. You may need impressions to create your treatment plan. If you opt for Invisalign® clear aligners, Dr. Harper takes digital impressions at your next visit and uses these scans to design your custom treatment plan.

What age is best for an orthodontic consultation?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic consultation by age seven. Early consultations allow Dr. Harper to identify potential orthodontic concerns, such as an underbite.

These early visits also give you the opportunity to ask Dr. Harper about any preventive measures you can take to protect your child’s orthodontic health as they age. If your child sucks their thumb, uses pacifiers, or bites their nails, Dr. Harper can offer tips to help keep their teeth in alignment.

In some cases, he may recommend phase 1 children’s orthodontics to intercept severe bite problems while your child’s jaw is still developing.

As a conservative orthodontist, Dr. Harper only recommends early orthodontics when children have structural abnormalities that may impact their jaw development and tooth growth.

To schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation, call today or use the online booking tool.