The first visit to any medical office can set the tone of your entire experience—for better or for worse! Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to make sure this free consultation is informative, welcoming, and completely free of pressure. Let’s talk about what you can expect to happen.
Your First Visit
We know that a lot of times, this can be a little nerve-wracking, especially for kids and teenagers. But when you visit our Hinsdale office, you’ll be greeted by a friendly team that makes you feel at home right away. From check-in to consultation, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Your free orthodontic exam includes:
- A warm welcome and office tour
- Time to meet Dr. Riccio or Dr. Blair
- A thorough review of your dental and medical history
- Digital photographs of your smile
- An ultra-low-dose 3D X-ray
- Examining how your teeth and jaw are currently positioned
- Noting any crowding, spacing, or bite issues
- Recording any growth patterns and tooth eruption (especially for children and teens)
- Observing facial symmetry and smile aesthetics
These records work together to give our team a clear picture of your teeth, jaw, and bite. With this information, we can personalize your treatment plan to match your goals.
Questions We’ll Help You Answer
This consultation is about giving you clarity and confidence in your next steps. During your visit, Dr. Riccio or Dr. Blair will take time to walk you through their exam findings and discuss carefully:
- Whether or not orthodontic treatment would be beneficial based on your bite and smile function
- The best timing for treatment—should your child begin now or wait for more growth or development?
- The pros and cons of different options, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners
- Whether any teeth need to be extracted before starting treatment
- How long your potential treatment might take and what factors can influence your specific timeline
This open discussion goes both ways—and gives you the chance to ask questions, share your goals, and better understand what’s involved in treatment. We want you to feel heard, understood, and totally informed before moving forward with any decisions.
What Happens If Your Child Doesn’t Need Braces Yet?
Not every child who visits us needs immediate treatment. In fact, many children will benefit from an early evaluation even if braces aren’t recommended right away. Here’s what you can expect if your child isn’t ready for treatment yet:
- Growth Monitoring – Our team will track jaw growth and tooth development over time.
- Periodic Checkups – Your child may return every 6–12 months for quick observation visits.
- Prevention of Bigger Issues – Early monitoring helps catch developing problems before they become more complex.
- Peace of Mind – You’ll know a trusted expert is keeping an eye on your child’s smile.
- Better Timing – Treatment can start at the most appropriate stage, often making it shorter and more efficient.
This proactive approach promises that your child gets the right care, right on time, for the healthiest possible outcome.
Questions to Ask Us
As we said, this free first visit is a prime opportunity to ask our team and our doctors questions before officially initiating treatment.
1. What experience do you have treating cases like mine?
Every smile is different, so it’s helpful that we have successfully treated patients with similar needs. Whether it’s crowding, bite issues, or spacing, our experience can give you peace of mind about the expected outcome. Feel free to look at our before-and-after gallery!
2. What are the pros and cons of each treatment option?
Most patients have choices—metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners. Ask how each option compares in terms of appearance, effectiveness, maintenance, and lifestyle fit so you can make an informed decision.
3. How often will I need to visit the office?
Treatment typically requires check-ins every 6–10 weeks. Knowing your schedule well ahead of time helps you plan around school, work, or social activities and gives you an idea of your time commitment.
4. What can I expect in terms of comfort and adjustment?
It’s normal to experience some soreness after adjustments. Ask about what’s typical and how to manage discomfort. We may suggest wax, cold compresses, or soft foods after appointments.
5. Are there payment plans or financing options available?
Orthodontic treatment is an investment, but we work closely with you to break down the cost. Ask about our flexible monthly payment plans and in-house financing. Our team will also file your insurance and give you a detailed look at your coverage to paint a clear picture of your final numbers.
Restoring Smiles and Enriching Lives
Though our office is in Hinsdale, we proudly serve patients from La Grange, Western Springs, and Clarendon Hills, as well. Whether you or a family member are pondering orthodontic treatment, our team is here to help!