If you have never sat in an orthodontist’s chair before, the first appointment can feel like a bit of a mystery. What are they actually going to do? How long does it take? Will they pressure you into starting treatment right away? Knowing what to expect at an orthodontist consultation ahead of time makes the whole thing easier, and means you walk in prepared to ask the right questions rather than just nodding along.
This guide covers every step, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave with a treatment plan in hand. For patients near Williamsburg and across Brooklyn, Hanson Place Orthodontics offers free consultations at One Hanson Place, Suite 702, and the process described here is exactly what a new patient experiences at the practice.
Before the Appointment: What to Bring
A first consultation is low-pressure and typically costs nothing, but there are a few things worth having ready before you arrive:
- Insurance card: Bring your dental insurance card even if you are unsure whether orthodontic treatment is covered. The front desk can check your benefits at the visit.
- Medical and dental history: A list of any current medications, past dental work, or jaw issues helps the orthodontist get a complete clinical picture from the start.
- Questions written down: It sounds obvious, but questions that seem clear at home tend to evaporate in the chair. Write them down.
- A parent or guardian: If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian should attend. Treatment decisions and consent discussions happen at this appointment.
Tip for Williamsburg families: Hanson Place Orthodontics is a short subway ride from Williamsburg via the G train to Fulton Street or the B, Q, R at Atlantic Avenue. The entrance is on Ashland Place. New patients can call (718) 550-5816 to confirm what to bring before arriving.
What to Expect at an Orthodontist Consultation: The 6 Steps
Here is what actually happens, in order, at a first orthodontist consultation.
Step 1: Check-In and Medical History Review
You will arrive, fill out a new patient form if you have not done so online, and a team member will review your dental and medical history. This takes about ten minutes. The goal is to flag anything relevant before the doctor walks in: allergies, medications, previous jaw injuries, past orthodontic treatment, or any existing dental work that the orthodontist should know about.
Step 2: Digital Scan and X-Rays
This is where modern orthodontics looks very different from what patients experienced ten or twenty years ago. At Hanson Place Orthodontics, digital 3D scanning replaces the old impression trays entirely. A small wand scans your teeth in a few minutes, creating a precise 3D model without any putty, gagging, or discomfort. Low-radiation digital X-rays are also taken to give the orthodontist a clear picture of your roots, jaw structure, and any teeth that have not yet erupted.
Step 3: Clinical Examination
The orthodontist then conducts a full clinical examination, looking at your bite, jaw alignment, spacing, crowding, and facial structure. This is the part of the visit that determines everything that follows. An experienced orthodontist near Williamsburg, like those at Hanson Place, is evaluating not just where your teeth are now but where they need to go and what the most efficient path to get there looks like. For children, this evaluation also assesses jaw growth patterns and whether early treatment is likely to benefit them before their full adult dentition comes in.
Step 4: Treatment Options Presented
After the examination, the orthodontist walks you through the treatment options that fit your specific case. This is not a sales pitch. It is a clinical recommendation based on what the scan and exam revealed. You might be a good candidate for Invisalign, for traditional metal braces, or for clear ceramic braces. The comparison between clear and metal braces is worth reading before the appointment if you already have a preference, so you can ask informed questions. Hanson Place also offers SureSmile and lingual braces for patients whose cases or preferences call for those options. For teens specifically, the teen treatment program covers options tailored to teenage life.
| Treatment Option | Best Suited For | Visibility |
| Metal braces | All ages, all case types | Visible |
| Clear ceramic braces | Teens and adults | Low profile |
| Invisalign | Mild to complex, compliant patients | Nearly invisible |
| SureSmile | Patients wanting faster braces | Visible, faster results |
| Lingual braces | Adults wanting hidden option | Fully hidden |
Step 5: Cost and Financial Options
The consultation includes a full cost breakdown before you commit to anything. In Brooklyn, treatment typically ranges from $4,250 to $7,000 depending on case complexity and treatment type. The practice accepts most major dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits, and financing options including CareCredit and HSA payments are available. Understanding what to expect at an orthodontist consultation financially means you should leave this step with a clear number, not a vague estimate. Read more about family orthodontic planning if you are considering treatment for more than one family member at the same time.
Step 6: Questions, Retainer Planning, and Next Steps
The last part of the consultation is yours to direct. Ask everything you have written down. Good orthodontists expect questions and take the time to answer them clearly. One topic worth raising at this stage is retention: what happens after treatment ends. Fixed versus removable retainers is a real decision that affects your long-term result, and it is worth understanding the options before you even start treatment. If you decide to move forward, the team books your records appointment and your start date before you leave.
What Makes Hanson Place Orthodontics Different for Williamsburg Patients
Patients looking for an orthodontist near Williamsburg consistently end up at Hanson Place Orthodontics for a few specific reasons. The practice has four orthodontic specialists on staff, is the only SureSmile provider in Brooklyn, and uses iTero digital scanning for every new patient. That means your consultation is built on accurate 3D data, not on an orthodontist eyeballing your teeth and making a rough estimate. The treatment recommendation you receive reflects real diagnostic information, which is what an orthodontist consultation should produce.
The practice serves patients of all ages, with dedicated programs for children and teenagers alongside comprehensive adult treatment options. Whether you are coming from Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, or anywhere else in Brooklyn, the consultation is complimentary and takes about an hour.
Address: One Hanson Place, Suite 702, Brooklyn, NY 11243 (Entrance on Ashland Pl)
New Patient: (718) 550-5816
Current Patient: (718) 622-2695
Book Your Free Orthodontist Consultation at Hanson Place Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my first orthodontist consultation?
A check-in, a digital scan, a clinical exam, a treatment recommendation, and a full cost breakdown. It takes about an hour and there is no obligation to start treatment. Hanson Place Orthodontics offers the consultation at no charge.
Is the consultation free at an orthodontist near Williamsburg?
Yes. Hanson Place Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations for new patients. The practice is a short subway ride from Williamsburg and serves all of Brooklyn.
Do I need X-rays before an orthodontist consultation?
Your orthodontist will take their own X-rays at the consultation using low-radiation digital imaging. You do not need to bring X-rays from your regular dentist, though you are welcome to.
How long does an orthodontist consultation take?
Most consultations take between 45 minutes and one hour. That includes the scan, the exam, the treatment discussion, and time for your questions.
What if I am not ready to start treatment after the consultation?
That is completely fine. A good consultation ends with information, not pressure. You can take your treatment plan home, review your options, and reach out when you are ready to move forward.
