What to Expect at Your First Orthodontist Visit at Rawlins Orthodontics
Not knowing what happens at a first orthodontic consultation is one of the main reasons families put it off. The appointment doesn’t have anything intimidating in it, but that’s hard to know until someone walks you through it. Consider this your advance walkthrough.
Families from Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas, visit our office for free consultations every week. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you walk in.
A first consultation at Rawlins Orthodontics typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes a comprehensive clinical exam by Dr. R. Baker Rawlins II, digital X-rays, a full set of photographs, an iTero digital scan of the teeth and bite, a detailed treatment discussion, and a financial review with our Treatment Coordinator. The appointment is free for new patients. There is no obligation to start treatment, and no decisions need to be made that day.
Step One: Warm Welcome and Check-In
When you arrive at our Wilmington office, our front desk team welcomes you and gets you checked in. If you haven’t completed new patient paperwork ahead of time online, we’ll get that done quickly. We keep things moving so you’re not sitting in the waiting room longer than necessary.
We know consultations can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially for younger patients who aren’t sure what to expect. Our whole team works hard to make the environment feel relaxed and welcoming from the moment you walk in.
Step Two: Digital X-Rays and Photographs
Once you’re settled, we take a full set of digital X-rays and photographs. These give Dr. Rawlins the full picture of the teeth, roots, jaw development, and bite before he begins his clinical exam. Digital X-rays expose patients to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays and produce images instantly.
The photographs include profile and frontal images of the face as well as close-up photos of the teeth and bite. These become part of the permanent record and allow Dr. Rawlins to track changes over the course of treatment.
Step Three: The iTero Digital Scan
One of the things patients most often comment on is our iTero Element digital scanner. This technology creates a precise three-dimensional model of the teeth and bite without the messy putty impressions that most people dread from past dental experiences. Dr. Rawlins guides a small wand gently around the teeth and gums, and the scan is complete in minutes.
The 3D model is used for treatment planning across all types of treatment, including braces and Invisalign. For Invisalign patients, the scan also allows Dr. Rawlins to show you a simulation of your potential post-treatment smile before you’ve made any decisions.
Step Four: Clinical Exam with Dr. Rawlins
Dr. Rawlins conducts a thorough clinical exam, reviewing the X-rays, photographs, and scan alongside a direct examination of the teeth, jaw alignment, and bite. He evaluates crowding, spacing, bite position, jaw development, and the overall relationship of the teeth and facial structure.
For children, he also assesses growth patterns and determines whether any early intervention is indicated or whether monitoring and waiting is the right approach. For adults, he reviews existing dental work and any periodontal considerations that may affect timing.
Step Five: Treatment Plan Discussion
This is the most important part of the appointment. Dr. Rawlins explains exactly what he sees in plain language, describes any issues that warrant treatment, and walks you through the options available. He explains why he’s recommending what he’s recommending and answers every question before moving on.
If treatment is recommended, he’ll discuss the type of treatment, the expected timeline, and what the process will look like. If no treatment is needed yet, he’ll explain what to watch for and when to come back. There’s no script and no sales pressure. It’s a conversation.
Step Six: Financial Review with Our Treatment Coordinator
After the clinical discussion, our Treatment Coordinator walks you through the full financial picture, including the investment for recommended treatment, your insurance benefits (which we verify in advance), and your in-office payment plan options. You can also find details on our financial information page. There are no surprises. You’ll leave knowing the exact investment, your monthly payment range, and how your insurance applies before you make any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything to the consultation?
Bring your insurance card and any recent dental X-rays, though we can take new ones if needed. For children, a parent or legal guardian needs to be present. Most importantly, bring your questions. We don’t rush these appointments and we want every question answered before you leave.
Does my child need to come in for their consultation or can I come first?
Both are fine. Some parents prefer to come in first for a brief discussion before bringing their child. Most families come in together, which is our preference since it allows Dr. Rawlins to interact with the patient directly and begin building that relationship from the start.
How soon after the consultation can treatment start?
If you’re ready to move forward, treatment can often begin within one to two weeks of the consultation. Braces can sometimes be placed the same day or very shortly after. Invisalign requires fabrication time for the custom aligners, which typically takes two to three weeks. Dr. Rawlins will give you a specific start timeline based on your treatment type.
What if I need to think it over before deciding?
That’s completely fine and very common. We’ll give you everything you need to review at home, including your treatment summary and financial breakdown. There’s no pressure to decide that day, and we’re happy to answer any follow-up questions by phone or email before you commit. Take the time you need.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We serve families throughout Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. Schedule your free consultation online at RawlinsOrthodontics.com/appointment-request or call us at (302) 239-3531. You’re in good hands with our Rockstar Team, and we’ll walk you through everything.
About Rawlins Orthodontics
Rawlins Orthodontics is a family-owned, Board-Certified orthodontic practice serving Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS has cared for thousands of patients since 2011 and is named annually as one of Delaware’s Top Orthodontists by Delaware Today Magazine. We offer braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and early intervention orthodontics for children and adults.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins at RawlinsOrthodontics.com.
5500 Skyline Drive, Suite 1, Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 239-3531 | RawlinsOrthodontics.com
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