Patient Guide4 min readNovember 20, 2024

What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation

Walking into Dr. Shah's clinic for the first time? Here's exactly what happens at your first orthodontic consultation — so you can come prepared and confident.

What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation

For many people, walking into any clinical environment for the first time brings a bit of anxiety. When it's an orthodontist's chair — especially if you've been worrying about your smile for years — that feeling can be stronger. I want to set your mind at rest completely. A first orthodontic consultation with me is relaxed, conversational, and carries absolutely no obligation or pressure. Here's exactly what happens, step by step.

Before You Arrive

You don't need to bring anything special to your first appointment. If you've had dental X-rays taken recently (within the last 12 months), bring them — they can be useful. Otherwise, just come as you are. The appointment takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

STEP01ConversationYour concerns & goalsSTEP02ExaminationTeeth, bite & jaw checkSTEP03RecordsPhotos & scans if neededSTEP04Your PlanOptions, timeline & cost

Every first consultation is free and carries no obligation — just expert advice tailored to you.

Step 1: The Conversation (10–15 Minutes)

We start by talking. I want to understand why you've come in, what bothers you about your smile, and what you're hoping to achieve. Some patients have one specific concern — a single crooked tooth or a gap. Others have been unhappy with their smile for years and want a complete assessment. There are no wrong answers, and nothing you say will surprise me. I've heard it all, and my job is to listen without judgement.

Step 2: The Clinical Examination (15–20 Minutes)

I examine your teeth, your bite, your jaw joints, and your facial profile. I check for crowding, spacing, rotation, and how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. I also look at factors you might not have noticed — whether your midlines are aligned, whether there's wear on certain teeth that suggests a bite problem, and how your jaw moves. For children, I assess how the permanent teeth are developing in the gum. This examination gives me a complete clinical picture.

Step 3: Records (If Required)

Depending on your case, I may take clinical photographs of your teeth and face, and dental impressions or a digital scan. These records are used to plan treatment precisely. Not all consultations require records at the first visit — for a straightforward case I may be able to present you with options immediately.

Step 4: Your Treatment Options

After the examination, I explain what I found — in plain language, not clinical jargon. I walk you through the orthodontic options that are clinically appropriate for your case, explain the pros and cons of each, give you a realistic treatment timeline, and a cost estimate. I present options; I don't push. If metal braces are the best clinical choice, I'll tell you why. If invisible aligners are equally suitable, I'll present both. You go home with information, not pressure.

Questions Worth Asking at Your Consultation

  • What is the best treatment option for my specific case — and why?
  • How long will treatment take, realistically?
  • What is the approximate total cost, and are payment plans available?
  • Are there any dental issues I should address before starting orthodontics?
  • What does daily life look like during treatment?
  • What happens after treatment — do I need retainers?

There Is No Obligation

The first consultation is completely free and carries no obligation whatsoever. Many patients come in for one appointment, think about it for a few weeks, and then decide to start. Others come in, realise their case is simpler than they thought, and start immediately. The pace is entirely yours. My job is to give you the information you need to make a confident decision. To book your free consultation at any of my 8 Navi Mumbai locations, simply call or WhatsApp the clinic nearest to you.

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