First Visit at JH Family Orthodontics
We’re excited to welcome you to JH Family Orthodontics and help you take the first step toward your best smile. From the moment you walk through our doors, our friendly team will make sure you feel at ease.
During your first orthodontic visit, Dr. Jessica Hedger will perform a detailed orthodontic exam and review every aspect of your treatment options one-on-one with you and your family. Our goal is to answer your questions clearly, so you leave feeling confident about the road ahead.
What is The Purpose of Your Initial Orthodontist Consultation?
At this visit, we’ll focus on answering:
- What orthodontic issues are present?
- When is the right time to start treatment?
- Which treatment options are best for your smile?
- How long will your treatment take?
- What will the cost be?
Next Steps After Your Exam
If orthodontic treatment is recommended right away, we may schedule or even complete your diagnostic records during this same visit.
These detailed records give us the information we need to create your custom treatment plan:
- Study models of your teeth
- Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays with tracings
- A thorough review by the doctor to determine the best course of action
Understanding the Cost of Treatment
Your treatment cost will depend on the complexity of your orthodontic needs. Our treatment coordinator will review fees, payment options, and insurance coverage during your visit.
We offer:
- Flexible payment plans to fit your budget
- Acceptance of most insurance plans
- A commitment to making orthodontics affordable for every patient
What’s Included in Your Investment?
Your investment covers:
- Complete orthodontic records (X-rays, study models, growth study workup)
- Active treatment fees for early or comprehensive treatment with braces or clear aligners, including all appliances, office visits, and in-office procedures
- Durable appliances designed to last through treatment (additional fees may apply for replacements due to loss, breakage, or misuse)
- One set of final retainers for comprehensive Phase II patients (replacement retainers have an additional fee)
What’s Not Included?
- Dental work completed at other offices outside of our practice
- Additional care if an injury or condition during treatment requires TMJ therapy, orthognathic surgery, or other specialized procedures not originally planned
Do you Accept Insurance and Assignment of Benefits?
We accept assignment of benefits for most orthodontic insurance plans, helping reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If your plan does not allow direct payment to us, we’ll still file your claims so you can be reimbursed.
Important: If your insurance coverage changes before the benefit is paid in full, please let us know immediately so we can adjust your contract.
Office Hours and Appointment Guidelines
We value your time and work hard to keep our schedule running smoothly. Please:
- Arrive on time so we can complete your procedure and answer your questions without delay
- Allow for the scheduled time to perform all necessary care
- Respect appointment times so we can serve all patients efficiently
Your cooperation helps ensure every patient receives the same attentive, on-time care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting orthodontic treatment often brings up lots of questions, especially when you’re preparing for your first appointment. If you want to know what to expect, what to bring, and how long the visit will take. Here are some helpful answers to questions new patients often ask before coming to JH Family Orthodontics for their initial consultation.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to schedule my first visit?
No referral is required. Many patients—both children and adults—schedule their first orthodontic exam directly with our office.
Will treatment start on the same day as the consultation?
Possibly. If time allows and you’re ready to begin, diagnostic records or even initial steps of treatment may be completed at your first visit.
What if I already have recent dental X-rays from my dentist?
We can use many types of recent X-rays from your dentist. Bring them with you or ask the dental office to email them directly to us.
Will I get a price quote during the first visit?
Yes. Our treatment coordinator will review your treatment fee, insurance coverage, payment plans, and financing options before you leave.
Do adults and kids follow the same new-patient process?
Yes. Both adults and children receive a full orthodontic exam, digital imaging, and a custom treatment plan. The conversation may vary based on age and concerns.