A first orthodontic consultation at Reznik Orthodontics takes about an hour and is complimentary. An orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, reviews the records needed to understand what is happening below the surface, explains the findings clearly, and outlines any recommended treatment, timeline, and fee estimate. No referral from a dentist is required.
The first visit is designed to give you clear answers before treatment begins. Some patients are ready to start, some children are placed in our Growth Observation Program until the timing is right, and some patients are told that treatment is not needed.
The five questions the examination answers
Everything at this visit is meant to answer five important questions.
- Is there an orthodontic concern, and what is it?
- Is now the right time to treat it?
- What treatment is recommended?
- How long would treatment take?
- What would it cost?
By the end of the consultation, you should understand your diagnosis, your treatment options, and what the next step would look like.
What happens, in order
When you arrive, our front desk team will check you in. Bring your insurance information if you have coverage and any recent X-rays you may have.
One of the doctors examines your teeth, jaws, and bite, then explains everything in a clear, comfortable way. For children, we review the findings with the parent during the visit.
If treatment may be needed, diagnostic records are taken. These may include:
Study models of your teeth
Panoramic and side-view X-rays
When time allows, the records are taken at this first visit rather than at a separate appointment. Modern digital scanning has replaced putty impressions, making the process more comfortable.
The doctors then review the records and explain the recommended next steps.
Before you leave, we review the fee, payment options, and how insurance may apply, so you have the information you need without feeling rushed.
What the fee includes
Your treatment fee includes orthodontic records, appliances, routine visits, in-office procedures during active treatment, and one set of final retainers after treatment is complete.
It does not include care provided by another dental office, replacement appliances, or treatment outside the original orthodontic plan. Anything not included is reviewed clearly before treatment begins.
For most insurance plans, we accept assignment of benefits to help reduce the amount families pay upfront. More details are available on our cost and financing page.
How long treatment usually takes
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though small corrections can be shorter and complex cases may take longer. At your consultation, you will receive an estimate based on your specific case, not a general average.
Once treatment starts, routine adjustment visits are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks and take about 20 to 30 minutes. Our team works to keep visits efficient, organized, and respectful of your time.
What happens after the consultation
If treatment is recommended and you are ready to move forward, the next step is scheduling the appliance appointment. Braces usually take one to two hours to place, while starting aligners is typically a shorter visit once the trays have been made from your scan.
For younger patients who are not ready for treatment yet, we may recommend the Growth Observation Program. These visits are scheduled every 6 to 12 months so the doctors can monitor growth and timing.
If treatment is not needed, we will explain that clearly. Nothing at the consultation commits you to treatment, and the exam, records taken at that visit, diagnosis, and written recommendation are all part of the complimentary consultation.
Schedule your first visit
Call the Odessa office at (432) 333-7105 or the Midland office at (432) 682-1222, or request an appointment online.
Dr. Megan Reznik, Dr. Derek Reznik, and Dr. Michael Reznik are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. Your examination will be completed by one of our board-certified orthodontists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first orthodontic appointment?
Your insurance information if you have coverage, your dentist’s name, any recent X-rays your dentist has taken, and a note of any medical conditions or medications. A list of your own questions is worth more than any of it.
Will braces go on at the first appointment?
They can, for a straightforward case where the records are taken the same day, and you decide to proceed. Many patients prefer to take the plan home first, and there is no pressure either way.
Can I stay in the room with my child?
Yes. Parents are welcome throughout the examination and the treatment discussion, and for a child’s first visit it is better if you are there, because half the questions are yours.
What if I have already had X-rays taken at my dentist?
Bring them or have them sent over. Recent films can often be used, which saves both time and repeat imaging. Orthodontic records sometimes need views a general dentist does not take, and the office will let you know if that is the case.