Your first visit: what actually happens

The first orthodontic appointment is mostly conversation and measurement. Nothing is glued to anything. Here is what actually happens at myORTHODONTIST Maple Ridge, in the order it happens, so you and your child know what to expect.

Before you arrive

You will receive a short health history form to complete online. If your child has seen a dentist recently, bring the name of the office; we will request recent x-rays rather than taking new ones when we can. You do not need a referral, and you do not need to have decided on braces or Invisalign. Many families book simply to find out whether treatment is needed at all.

Plan on about 45 minutes. Parking is in front of the building and on 230th Street.

Step 1: The conversation (10 minutes)

A treatment coordinator sits down with you first. This is where you tell us what you have noticed: crowding, a tooth that sticks out, a bite that looks off, snoring, thumb sucking, or simply that your dentist suggested a look. The things you mention here shape what we look for.

Step 2: Records (15 minutes)

Records are the measurements the orthodontist needs to diagnose properly. At this clinic they include:

• Digital scan. A small wand captures a 3D model of the teeth in a few minutes. No impression material.
• Photographs of the face and teeth from set angles.
• Panoramic x-ray, and sometimes a side-profile (cephalometric) x-ray, if a recent one is not available from your dentist. These show teeth that have not erupted yet, root positions and jaw relationships that cannot be seen by looking in the mouth.

Step 3: The examination and explanation (15 minutes)

Dr. Haerian Ardekani or Dr. Kanani examines the teeth, the bite, the jaw joints and the airway, then walks you through what they found using your own scan on screen. You will hear one of three things:

1. No treatment is needed now. For many children under 10, the recommendation is to recheck in 6 to 12 months while the adult teeth come in. There is no charge for these recall visits.
2. Treatment is recommended, and here are the options. Usually there is more than one reasonable path, and the orthodontist will explain the trade-offs rather than steering you to one.
3. Something else needs attention first. Occasionally we see a cavity, gum issue or airway concern that should be addressed by your dentist or physician before orthodontics begins.

Step 4: Fees and next steps (5 minutes)

If treatment is recommended, you leave with the full fee in writing, a breakdown of what your insurance is likely to cover, and the monthly payment options. There is no obligation to decide that day. If you do decide to proceed, the next appointment is typically the start of treatment, and for Invisalign that means the aligners are ordered from your scan the same day.

Questions worth asking at any first visit

• Is the person treating me a certified specialist in orthodontics?
• What happens if we wait a year?
• Which option would you choose for your own child, and why?
• What is included in the fee: retainers, repairs, follow-up visits after treatment?
• How often will I be seen, and what if I miss an appointment?

We have a longer list on the page How to choose an orthodontist in Maple Ridge.