Getting Started at Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics
Your First Orthodontist Appointment
Your first visit is about getting to know you, understanding your smile, and giving you clear answers about what comes next.
Your complimentary consultation includes a thorough smile evaluation and dedicated time with Board Certified orthodontist Dr. Leigh Curtis to discuss what she’s seeing, your treatment options, and any questions you have.
How can we make you smile?
Sometimes treatment can begin that same day. Sometimes the right answer is to wait and monitor growth.
Either way, we’ll take the time to explain our recommendations without rushing you into a decision, so you leave understanding your smile and feeling confident about your next step.
Orthodontic Care, Wherever Life Takes You
Can’t make it into the office?
Start from home with a virtual orthodontist consultation, or stay connected with virtual visits throughout treatment when an in-office appointment isn’t necessary.
Whether you’re traveling, away at college, or navigating TDY/TAD as a military family, we’ll help you stay connected to your care wherever you are.
What Your First Visit Includes
We set aside an hour for your first orthodontist appointment so there's plenty of time to understand your smile, talk through your options, and ask questions.
We’ll walk you through:
- A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation
- Digital X-rays, photos, and a digital smile scan, if needed
- One-on-one time with Dr. Leigh Curtis
- An honest recommendation about whether treatment is needed
- Your treatment options, timing, and next steps
- Insurance, financing, and transparent treatment costs
- Answers to any questions you have
There’s no pressure to start treatment before you’re ready. Our goal is to make sure you leave feeling informed, comfortable, and confident about your next step.
What happens at an orthodontist consultation?
Step 1:
Feel Right at Home
You’ll be welcomed by a team that loves getting to know the families we care for.
Before anything clinical begins, we’ll learn what brought you in, what you’re hoping to accomplish, and what questions are on your mind. We’ll also explain what to expect during your consultation so you always know what’s happening next.
We want you to feel comfortable asking questions from the very beginning.
Step 2:
Take a Closer Look at Your Smile
Next, we’ll gather the information Dr. Curtis needs to thoroughly evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships.
Depending on your needs, your visit may include digital X-rays, photographs, and an iTero digital smile scan.
These orthodontic technologies give us a detailed look at your smile and help Dr. Curtis plan treatment with long-term health, function, and stability in mind.
Step 3:
Take Your Time With Dr. Curtis
Dr. Curtis will personally evaluate your smile, explain what she’s seeing in a way that’s easy to understand, and give you time to talk through your concerns and ask every question you have.
If treatment would benefit you or your child, she’ll explain why, when she recommends beginning, and which options make sense. If treatment isn’t needed yet, she’ll tell you that too.
For younger patients, the right next step may simply be returning periodically so we can monitor growth and development until the timing is right.
Step 4:
Understand Your Costs & Options
We’ll make sure you understand the financial side before you make any decisions.
Our team will review your insurance benefits, explain what’s included in your treatment, and walk you through your payment options.
We offer 0% interest in-house financing, extended payment plans, CareCredit, military and other available discounts, and HSA/FSA-friendly payment options.
You’ll know what’s included, what your options are, and what to expect before treatment begins.
Step 5:
Choose What’s Right for You
By the end of your consultation, you’ll understand your smile, your treatment options, estimated timing, and costs. From there, the decision is yours.
And if you’re ready to get started, you may not have to wait.
We offer same-day braces, so when braces are appropriate for your smile, we may be able to place them during your first orthodontist appointment.
If you’re beginning Invisalign® or Angel Aligner™ clear aligner treatment, we can take your digital scan and begin the process of creating your aligners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Orthodontist Appointment
What happens at an orthodontist consultation?
At your first orthodontist consultation, we’ll get to know you and your goals, evaluate your teeth and bite, take any necessary digital imaging, and give you dedicated time with Dr. Leigh Curtis.
Dr. Curtis will explain what she sees and whether treatment is recommended. If it is, we’ll discuss your treatment options, estimated timeline, insurance benefits, costs, and financing so you understand exactly what to expect before moving forward.
Is an orthodontist consultation free?
Yes, at Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics, your first consultation is complimentary for new patients and valued at $450.
Your consultation includes a smile assessment, X-rays, and a digital scan, if needed, along with a personalized treatment recommendation from Dr. Curtis.
How long does an orthodontist consultation take?
Your first orthodontist consultation at Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
We intentionally set aside this time so Dr. Curtis can thoroughly evaluate your smile, explain what she’s seeing, discuss your treatment options, and give you the time you need to ask questions. You won’t be rushed through your consultation.
How long after your first orthodontist appointment do you get braces?
You may be able to get braces at your very first appointment.
Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics offers same-day braces for patients who are ready to begin and whose treatment plan is appropriate for braces. That means your consultation and braces placement may be completed during the same visit.
Can I have a virtual orthodontist consultation?
Yes. Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics offers virtual consultations by text, so you can take the first step from wherever you are. Simply text our team to get started, and we’ll guide you through the process and let you know what photos or information we need.
We also offer virtual visits by text for current patients when an in-office appointment isn’t necessary, making it easier to stay connected with our team while you’re traveling, away at college, or navigating TDY/TAD.
Do I need a referral for my first orthodontist appointment?
No. You can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics without a referral from your dentist.
We’re also happy to provide a complimentary second opinion if you’ve already received an orthodontic treatment recommendation elsewhere.
Does my child need braces if we schedule an orthodontic evaluation at age 7?
Not necessarily. An early orthodontic evaluation is an opportunity to check how your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite are developing.
If everything is progressing normally, Dr. Curtis may simply recommend periodic observation visits. If she identifies a concern that would benefit from early treatment, she’ll explain what she’s seeing and why intervention may be helpful.
We believe in beginning treatment when the timing is right, not simply because your child has reached a certain age.
How Can We Make You Smile?
We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office and let us show you how we can make you smile.