Your First Orthodontic Visit: What to Expect
Walking into an orthodontic office for the first time comes with a lot of questions. Will there be X-rays? Do braces go on the same day? How long will we be here, and what is this going to cost? At Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental, your first visit is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation with Dr. Michael Stosich — a chance for us to understand your smile goals and for you to understand exactly what treatment would involve before you commit to anything.
Plan for about an hour. You will leave knowing whether treatment is recommended, when it should begin, what it will involve, and what it will cost.
Hear It From Dr. Stosich
What to expect during your first orthodontic consultation
“Think of your first visit as a discovery day. We’ll spend time together discussing how I can help with your smile. We’ll take photos and a digital scan of your teeth, and I’ll show you exactly what’s happening under the surface. You’ll walk out with a clear plan, a timeline, and total peace of mind.”
— Dr. Michael Stosich, board-certified orthodontist
What Happens at Your First Visit
A warm welcome and a quick check-in
Our team greets you, confirms your health history, and reviews your insurance information. Completing your forms online before you arrive means less time at the front desk and more time with Dr. Stosich.
Digital records and 3D imaging
We take clinical photographs, a low-radiation digital X-ray, and a 3D digital scan of your teeth and bite. There is no messy impression material — the scan is quick, comfortable, and gives Dr. Stosich a complete picture of what is happening beneath the surface.
A comprehensive exam with Dr. Stosich
Dr. Stosich evaluates your teeth, jaw position, bite, airway, and facial growth. For children, he also looks at how the permanent teeth are developing and whether jaw growth is tracking the way it should.
A conversation about your goals
This part of the visit is yours. Tell us what bothers you about your smile and what you hope to change. Every treatment plan we build starts with what matters most to the patient sitting in the chair.
Your diagnosis and treatment options
Dr. Stosich walks you through what he found in plain language, shows you your imaging on screen, and explains your options — braces, clear aligners, early treatment, or simply monitoring growth if treatment is not needed yet.
Timing, cost, and next steps
Before you leave, a member of our financial team reviews the estimated length of treatment, the total cost, your insurance benefits, and the payment plans available. No hidden fees and no surprises.
Will Braces Go On the Same Day?
In most cases, no — and that is intentional. Dr. Stosich uses advanced 3D imaging and movement outcome simulations to design each treatment plan before a single bracket or aligner is placed. That planning is what allows for fewer adjustment appointments, shorter treatment times, and far more predictable results. Your bonding or delivery appointment is scheduled shortly after your consultation, once your custom plan is complete.
For some patients, particularly younger children, the recommendation after a first visit is simply to wait and watch. In that case we place your child on a periodic observation schedule and re-evaluate as the jaw and permanent teeth develop, so treatment begins at the moment it will do the most good.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your dental and medical insurance cards
- A list of current medications and any relevant medical history
- Recent X-rays or referral notes from your general dentist, if you have them
- Your questions — writing them down beforehand means nothing gets forgotten
If you are bringing a child, a parent or legal guardian should attend so we can review findings and treatment options together.
Bringing Your Child for a First Checkup
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That does not mean braces at 7. It means Dr. Stosich can identify crowding, bite problems, airway concerns, or jaw growth issues while the jaw is still developing and can still be guided through early orthodontic treatment — which often means simpler, shorter treatment later.
Children are welcome to have a parent with them throughout the appointment. We take the time to explain what we are doing at each step so the visit feels familiar rather than intimidating.
Popular Questions
01How long does the first orthodontic visit take?
Plan for about an hour. That covers your records and imaging, your exam with Dr. Stosich, a discussion of treatment options, and a review of timing and cost with our financial team.
02Will X-rays be taken at the first visit?
In most cases, yes. We use low-radiation digital imaging along with a 3D scan so Dr. Stosich has everything he needs to make an accurate diagnosis the same day rather than asking you to come back.
03Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. You can schedule an orthodontic consultation directly with our office. If your general dentist has referred you, bring along any notes or recent X-rays so we can add them to your record.
04At what age should my child have a first orthodontic checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most children will not need treatment that early, but an early look allows Dr. Stosich to catch developing problems while jaw growth can still be guided.
05Will braces or aligners be placed the same day?
Usually not, and that is by design. Dr. Stosich builds every treatment plan using 3D imaging and movement simulations before any appliance is placed. That planning is what allows for fewer adjustment visits and shorter overall treatment.
06Does my insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit. See our financial information page for details. Our office verifies your coverage and submits the necessary paperwork on your behalf so your benefit is maximized. We also offer payment plans for the balance.
07What happens if treatment is not needed yet?
That is a common and completely normal outcome, especially for younger children. Dr. Stosich will place your child on a periodic observation schedule so we can watch growth and begin treatment at the moment it will be most effective.
08Can parents stay with their child during the appointment?
Absolutely. Parents are welcome throughout the visit, and we encourage you to ask questions. Understanding the plan is a big part of a successful outcome.
Ready for Your First Visit?
Schedule a consultation at Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental by calling 847-579-4979 or requesting an appointment online. Our office is located at 560 Oakwood Ave, Ste 102, Lake Forest, IL 60045, and we welcome patients of all ages from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding North Shore communities.