Sep 24, 2025

What To Expect At Your First Orthodontic Consultation

Your first visit to an orthodontic clinic can feel exciting, and a little unknown. At Zen Orthodontics in Newry, we keep things simple, friendly, and informative, so you leave feeling clear about your options and confident about your next steps. Whether you are a parent bringing your child, a teen getting ready for braces, or an adult exploring discreet treatments, this guide walks you through exactly what happens, how to prepare, and how our digital technology makes the experience more comfortable.

A Warm Welcome and a Quick Check-In

When you arrive, our reception team will greet you and confirm a few details. If you have completed your medical history form online, check-in is even quicker; if not, we will help you complete it on a tablet. We will also note any dental history, previous orthodontic treatment, and your main goals. If you are attending with a child, we will ask about any habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing, and whether your dentist has raised bite or crowding concerns.

Tip: Bring your referral letter if you have one, your current medication list, and any recent dental X-rays, although these are not essential. If you wear retainers or have previous records, bring them too.

Meeting Your Specialist Orthodontist

Next, you will meet your Specialist Orthodontist and one of our Treatment Coordinators. We start with a conversation about what you would like to change and how you want your smile to look and feel. You can share photos or timelines, for example a wedding date or school formal; these details help us tailor your plan and pace.

We will examine your teeth, bite, and jaws, and take a few photos. Where needed, we take digital X-rays to understand root position and jaw relationships. We always explain what we are looking at in plain language, and we welcome questions as we go.

Common questions we might ask:

• Are there any teeth you especially dislike in photos?
• Do you clench or grind, or get jaw discomfort?
• How do you feel about fixed braces versus removable aligners?
• What matters most to you - speed, appearance, or budget?

iTero Digital Scanning: Precise Impressions Without the Mess

Traditional impressions can feel uncomfortable and messy. At Zen Orthodontics we use the iTero 3D digital scanner to create an accurate model of your teeth in minutes, without trays or putty. A small wand captures thousands of images, which the software stitches into a precise 3D model. You can see your teeth on screen right away, and we can often show a simulation of potential outcomes.

How digital scanning improves your experience:

• Comfort and speed, no goo, gagging, or retakes
• Accuracy for a better fit of aligners and appliances
• Visual motivation, you can preview how your smile could change
• Faster turnaround, your records are ready instantly for planning

If you are considering aligners, such as Invisalign^®, the iTero scan becomes the foundation of your custom plan. If fixed braces are your preference, the scan still helps with bracket placement and planning, so your treatment is efficient from the start.

Tailored Options, Clear Explanations

Once we have your records, we will talk through suitable options. For many patients there is more than one way to reach a great result, for example:

• Fixed stainless steel braces, reliable and effective for a wide range of cases
• Cosmetic clear braces on upper teeth for a subtler look
• Invisalign^® clear aligners for maximum discretion and flexibility

We will explain estimated timelines, what your day-to-day routine will be like, and the likely number of visits. Typical active treatment ranges from 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. If you are a good candidate for remote check-ins with our Dental Monitoring app, we will explain how this can reduce in-clinic appointments while keeping you closely supervised.

Costs, Timelines, and Payment Plans

Before you decide, we provide a transparent outline of fees tailored to your case. We will discuss deposits, flexible payment plans, and any current offers, such as family discounts. If you wish to explore public pathways for children, we can advise on NHS eligibility and HSE options, and how private treatment can reduce waiting time if you prefer to start sooner.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

A little preparation helps your consultation run smoothly:

• Complete your medical history and bring a list of medications or allergies
• Bring your dentist referral if you have one, plus any recent X-rays
• If you have retainers or mouthguards, bring them for review
• Think about your goals, what you want to change, and any deadlines
• Plan questions, for example about lifestyle, sport, music, or work

If you are attending with a child, encourage them to brush well on the day and bring their dental check-up date. For anxious patients, let us know in advance so we can shape the visit around your comfort, shorter steps, and extra time where needed.

What Happens After Your Consultation

You will leave with a clear recommendation and a written plan. If you are ready to start, we can book your first clinical appointment, which might be brace fitting or aligner issue. If you want time to think, we will send your plan by email and our Treatment Coordinator will be available for follow-up questions by phone or message. We can also arrange evening or virtual appointments for your convenience.

FAQs, Answered Simply

• What happens during an initial orthodontic consultation?
  You will complete a brief health check, meet your Specialist Orthodontist, have photos and a scan, discuss your goals, and review tailored options with timelines and costs.
• How does digital scanning improve the patient experience at Zen Orthodontics?
  The iTero scanner replaces messy impressions with a quick, comfortable 3D scan, improves accuracy, speeds planning, and helps you visualise your future smile.
• How do you prepare for your first orthodontic visit?
  Bring your referral and medication list, think about your goals, write down questions, bring retainers if you have them, and let us know if you feel anxious so we can support you.

Your Next Step to a Confident Smile

Your first appointment is about clarity, comfort, and choice. We combine specialist expertise with the latest digital tools to create a plan that fits your life.

We look forward to welcoming you, answering your questions, and helping you feel excited about what is possible. Your smile journey starts with a friendly conversation and a scan, and it ends with the confident smile you have imagined.