Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Clemente, D.M.D. on September 2, 2026
Your first visit to the orthodontist typically includes a full exam, some imaging, and a conversation about the treatment options that may fit your smile goals. Whether you are seeking treatment for yourself or your child, understanding what happens at that first appointment can help you feel more confident about taking the next step toward a healthier, straighter smile.
At Clemente Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on offering a warm, welcoming environment for patients of every age, from young children to adults. As a family practice serving the Bergen and Rockland County areas since the 1970s, our team is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. With our experience as a Diamond Plus Invisalign® Provider, we aim to make your first visit comfortable, informative, and focused on helping you work toward a smile you can feel good about for years to come.
What Will Happen During Your First Orthodontic Visit?
Your first orthodontic visit is an important step in determining a course of treatment that may fit your smile goals. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Initial Examination
The orthodontist begins by examining your teeth, gums, and jaw to assess your overall dental health. This includes looking for irregularities in tooth alignment, bite, and jaw structure that could affect a treatment plan. A visual exam helps the orthodontist determine what type of treatment might be appropriate.
X-Rays and Imaging
To get a more detailed view of your teeth and jaw alignment, the orthodontist may take X-rays or 3D scans. These images give a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface, such as the position of tooth roots or jaw alignment issues that are not visible during the physical exam.
Discussion of Treatment Options
After gathering the necessary information, the orthodontist will discuss possible treatment options with you. Whether traditional braces, Invisalign®, or another orthodontic appliance may be appropriate, you will get a chance to understand what each option involves. The orthodontist will also explain the expected treatment timeline and answer any questions you may have.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the exam and imaging results, the orthodontist can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan outlines the steps that may be involved in working toward improved alignment and oral health, along with information about the frequency of future appointments.
Financial and Scheduling Information
Lastly, you will meet with a treatment coordinator to review payment plans and insurance options. At Clemente Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans to help make treatment more accessible for patients. You will also schedule your next visit and receive additional information about preparing for treatment.
By the end of the visit, you can generally expect a clearer understanding of what your treatment may involve and the next steps toward the smile you are working toward.
How Age Affects the First Evaluation
Orthodontic needs look different at different ages, so a first evaluation tends to focus on different things depending on when it happens.
Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by around age 7. At this age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth is usually present, which can give an orthodontist an early look at how the bite and jaw are developing. An early evaluation does not necessarily mean early treatment. In many cases, it simply means monitoring growth so that, if intervention becomes appropriate, it can start at the right time. Parents exploring this stage can review our early orthodontics page for more detail.
Teens and Adults
Teens and adults typically have most or all of their permanent teeth in place by the time of a first visit, so the exam and imaging can usually give a fuller picture of alignment and bite right away. Adults may also be evaluated for factors like prior dental work or jaw changes over time, which can shape which treatment options are discussed.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
A little preparation can help your first appointment go smoothly. Consider bringing the following:
- Insurance information: Bring your dental or orthodontic insurance card so our team can review your benefits during the visit.
- Recent dental records: If you have recent X-rays or notes from your general dentist, sharing them can help avoid duplicate imaging.
- A list of questions: Jot down any concerns about discomfort, timelines, or appliance options so you remember to ask them.
- Payment or financing details: If you plan to discuss financing, having a sense of your budget can help the conversation with our treatment coordinator.
Arriving a few minutes early to complete any paperwork can also help the visit stay on schedule.
Why Choose Clemente Orthodontics?
Choosing the right orthodontist is an important step toward working on a healthy, confident smile. At Clemente Orthodontics, we combine decades of experience with modern technology to help every patient receive attentive care. Here is why patients choose us:
- Family-Owned and Operated: Serving Bergen and Rockland Counties since the 1970s, our practice is led by Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, offering personalized care in a welcoming, family-like environment.
- Top 1% Invisalign® Provider: As a Diamond Plus Invisalign® Provider, we are among the top 1% of providers nationwide and a leading provider in New York and New Jersey for clear aligner treatment.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: We build treatment plans for patients of all ages, with a focus on both a beautiful smile and improved oral health.
- Flexible and Convenient: Our offices offer flexible payment plans and a comfortable experience for every patient.
By choosing Clemente Orthodontics, you are working with a team that puts your needs first, visit after visit.
Schedule Your First Visit with Clemente Orthodontics
We understand that starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big decision. That is why our experienced, family-run team works to make your first visit smooth and comfortable. From the initial exam to a personalized treatment plan, we aim to tailor every step to your needs and comfort. Our team, combined with our experience as a Diamond Plus Invisalign® Provider, is here to help you work toward a smile you can feel confident about.
Ready to get started? Whether you are considering braces, Invisalign®, or simply exploring your options, our team at Clemente Orthodontics is here to help. Request your complimentary consultation or visit our contact form to take the first step toward your new smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Orthodontic Visit
What age should my child have their first orthodontic visit?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by around age 7, when a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows an orthodontist to check how the bite and jaw are developing. An early evaluation does not always mean immediate treatment. In many cases, it simply means monitoring growth until the right time to start treatment, if any is needed at all.
Will my child need X-rays at the first visit?
X-rays or 3D scans are common at a first orthodontic visit because they can show information that is not visible during a physical exam, such as the position of unerupted teeth or roots. Not every patient needs the same imaging, so the orthodontist decides what is appropriate based on age and the initial exam findings.
Is the first consultation at Clemente Orthodontics free?
We offer a complimentary consultation for new patients at Clemente Orthodontics. This visit typically includes an exam, a conversation about potential treatment options, and time to ask questions, with no obligation to move forward with treatment.
How long does the first orthodontic appointment usually take?
A first orthodontic visit generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how much imaging is needed and how many questions come up during the treatment discussion. Bringing a list of questions ahead of time can help you make the most of the appointment.
What happens if I do not need treatment yet after my first visit?
If treatment is not needed right away, we typically recommend a schedule of monitoring visits so we can track growth and development over time. This approach allows treatment to potentially start at a point when it may be most effective, rather than before it is needed.
About the Author
Founder, Clemente Orthodontics
Dr. Michael Clemente is the founder of Clemente Orthodontics, where he has practiced for over five decades, treating patients across Bergen and Rockland Counties. He earned his D.M.D. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, now Rutgers, and completed advanced orthodontic training at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He now practices alongside his daughters, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Marissa Clemente.
Medically reviewed by:
The Orthodontic Team at Clemente Orthodontics
September 2, 2026
At Clemente Orthodontics our expert dental team takes great care in providing orthodontic treatment and Invisalign solutions for our patients.
