portrait of Dr. Irwin and team at Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists PLLC

Your First Visit

Reception Area of Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment is a major decision that will have a big impact on your (or your child’s) life. While it is natural to feel nervous or apprehensive when embarking on a big life change such as this, your first visit with us at Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC will alleviate your concerns and help you to make an informed decision regarding treatment.

The three main goals we aim to accomplish during your initial consultation and exam are to get to know each other better, to answer any questions you may have, and to develop a customized treatment plan within your budget that will deliver optimal results within the shortest amount of time possible.

Getting to Know Each Other

When you first arrive at our office, you will be greeted by one of our friendly team members who will assist you with checking in. If you have filled out forms prior to your visit and brought them with you, we will accept them at this time; if not, you will be given the forms to complete in the reception area.

Note: Scroll to the bottom of this page to download the forms you will need for your first visit.

Answering Your Questions

Your first visit is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about orthodontic treatment. Some of the questions that will be addressed during your free initial consultation include:

  • Is orthodontic treatment necessary and beneficial for me or my child?
  • Should treatment begin immediately or should it be delayed until certain growth or dental conditions are more ideal?
  • Will extraction of any permanent teeth be required?
  • What orthodontic procedures and appliances will be used to correct the problem?
  • How long will treatment take?
  • How much will treatment cost?
  • How much of the cost of treatment will be covered by insurance?
  • What other payment and financing options are available?

If you have any questions or concerns not listed here, please don’t hesitate to ask. We want you to feel confident in your choice should you decide to move forward with orthodontic treatment.

Creating a Customized Treatment Plan

After your initial paperwork is completed, you will be walked back to our treatment area. Diagnostic records will be taken, and you will be given a comprehensive orthodontic exam. Dr. Irwin will then determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed at all, or if there is a better option to address your issue.

If it is decided that orthodontic treatment is necessary, Dr. Irwin will advise you as to whether it should be started immediately, or if waiting until a later time would be more ideal (after certain teeth erupt or other dental work is completed, for example).

Once your customized plan is created, we will thoroughly explain what you can expect during the treatment process. We will go over all fees, insurance, and payment options with you in detail, and answer any remaining questions you may have.

You should plan for about an hour when you schedule your first visit. Upon completion, you will have all of the information you need to make a sound decision regarding orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child.

Orthodontic treatment is not one-size-fits-all. No matter how much online research you do, at some point you will need an orthodontist to evaluate your condition to know if orthodontics will benefit you or your child, and whether braces, Invisalign® or another treatment option is the ideal solution.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of the equation and take a step toward improving your or your child’s confidence and oral health, then email or give us a call to set up your FREE consultation and exam today!

Patient Forms

Get a head start on your first visit by downloading our online forms. Print and fill out the Patient History form and turn it in when you arrive.