A free orthodontic consultation is a no-cost first visit where the orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, takes a digital scan, explains whether you need treatment now or later, and reviews your options, timeline and payment choices before you commit.
At Hansen Orthodontics we offer free consultations to every new patient at our Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson offices. Many families put off that first visit because they are not sure what it involves or worry they will be pushed into braces on the spot. This guide explains what actually happens, how to prepare, and what you should walk out knowing.
What happens at a free orthodontic consultation?
Every practice runs its first visit a little differently, but a good consultation follows the same arc: get to know you, look closely at your teeth and jaws, and then talk honestly about what (if anything) should be done. Expect it to feel more like a conversation than a procedure. Nothing is glued on, nothing hurts, and you are not signing up for treatment by showing up.
Check-in and your health history
You or your child will fill out a patient information sheet covering health history, medications and any past dental work. You can save time by completing the forms on our patient resources page before you arrive; they are available in English and Spanish. This is also the moment to mention anything that has been bothering you, such as jaw clicking, trouble chewing, teeth that seem to be crowding in, or simply not liking how your smile looks in photos.
The exam: teeth, bite and jaws
Dr. Hansen looks at far more than whether teeth are straight. He checks how your upper and lower teeth meet, whether the jaws are growing in balance, how much space there is for incoming teeth, and whether there are habits or airway concerns worth watching. For children, the exam also notes which baby teeth are still present and how the adult teeth are coming in.
Records: digital scans and imaging
Instead of messy putty impressions, we use the iTero 3D intraoral scanner, which builds an accurate digital model of your teeth within minutes. When a fuller picture of the teeth, bone and jaw is needed, our iCat CBCT scanner provides a 3D view in a single scan. You can read more about both on our technology page. The scan also lets us show you a preview of what your smile could look like after treatment, which many patients say is the most useful part of the visit.
What will the orthodontist tell you at the end of the visit?
The second half of the consultation is where you get answers. A clear consultation should leave you knowing four things: whether treatment is recommended, when it should start, which options fit your case, and how the cost would work for your family.
Whether you need treatment now, later, or not at all
Not every consultation ends with a recommendation for braces. Sometimes the right answer is to wait and monitor growth, especially for younger children. When early treatment does make sense, Dr. Hansen may talk about two-phase care, a palatal expander or another appliance described in our other treatments section. If you are an adult, the answer can be just as nuanced: some bites need full correction, while others are mostly cosmetic.
Which treatment options fit your case
Depending on your bite and preferences, options may include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, gold or champagne braces, Damon or Empower self-ligating systems, or clear aligners. Our braces page compares the bracket types, and our Invisalign page covers aligner treatment. Ask why a particular option is being recommended for you, not just what it is.
How long treatment would take
You should get a realistic estimate of treatment length based on your case, along with how often you would need to come in for visits. Treatment time depends on how far teeth need to move, the type of appliance, and how consistently elastics or aligners are worn, so treat any estimate as a range rather than a promise.
How do cost and insurance come up during the consultation?
Money is one of the most common reasons people delay a consultation, so it helps to know how the conversation works. Your treatment coordinator will explain the total fee for the plan you choose and walk through ways to pay for it.
- Payment methods: cash, check and credit are all accepted.
- In-house financing: interest-free payment plans let you spread the cost over the course of treatment.
- Insurance: Hansen Orthodontics accepts all insurance plans, participates with most insurance companies, and our team will verify your benefits and file claims for you.
If you want to run numbers before you visit, try our payment calculator. We also wrote a longer guide on how Wichita families pay for braces that explains insurance lifetime maximums and monthly plans in more detail.
How should you prepare for your first orthodontic visit?
A little preparation makes the consultation far more useful. Before you go, gather the following:
- Your dental insurance card, plus the policyholder’s name and date of birth.
- A list of medications and any medical conditions.
- Recent dental X-rays if your family dentist has them handy (helpful, not required).
- Your questions written down, so nothing gets forgotten once the conversation starts.
Questions worth asking
- What specific problem are you seeing, and what happens if we wait?
- Why do you recommend this option over the others for my case?
- How often will we need appointments, and which office can we use?
- What does the fee include, and what happens if a bracket breaks or a retainer is lost?
- What will retention look like once treatment ends?
When should a child have a first orthodontic consultation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by around age 7, when a mix of baby and adult teeth lets an orthodontist spot developing bite and spacing problems early. That does not mean most seven-year-olds need braces; often the visit simply sets a baseline. Our post on why age 7 matters explains what we look for at that age, and kids braces page covers early treatment in more depth.
Teens and adults can come in at any age. There is no upper limit on moving teeth, and many adults book a consultation simply to understand their options before deciding anything.
In-office vs. virtual consultation: which is right for you?
If getting to an office is difficult, we also offer a virtual consult so you can get expert advice from home first. Here is how the two compare:
| In-office free consultation | Virtual consult | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Wichita, Goddard or Hutchinson office | From home |
| Exam | Full in-person exam of teeth, bite and jaws | Based on photos and your description |
| Records | iTero digital scan; CBCT imaging when needed | No scan; records taken later if you proceed |
| Smile preview | Yes, from the digital scan | Not available until a scan is taken |
| Best for | Getting a definite recommendation and plan | A first opinion when you are short on time |
Many families start virtually and then book an in-office visit once they know treatment is worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Hansen Orthodontics offers free consultations to all new patients, and coming in does not commit you to treatment.
Will I get braces on the same day?
No. The consultation is for evaluation and planning. If you decide to move forward, braces or aligners are placed at a separate appointment once your plan is finalized.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No referral is needed. You can request a consultation directly, although we are always happy to coordinate with your family dentist.
Should my child’s parent or guardian attend?
Yes. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian should come so they can hear the findings, ask questions and review treatment and payment options.
Book your free consultation
If you have been wondering whether you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, the fastest way to find out is a no-pressure visit. Request your free consult online, or call or text our team at (316) 722-6717 to choose the Wichita office, Goddard or Hutchinson.