What to Bring to Your First Orthodontic Appointment

Need to know what to bring to your first orthodontic appointment at Degenhardt Orthodontics? Everyone, even our Birmingham and Milford team members, was a first-timer at some point. Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas want you to feel prepared and comfortable for your first consultation. We’ve put together a quick and easy list of essentials for your first orthodontic appointment. 

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Spending ten minutes putting paperwork together can save you twenty minutes in our lobby. A fast check-in keeps your little ones from growing restless. Accurate information, such as health history and recent X-rays, lets our doctors map out treatment options on day one. When our Birmingham and Milford teams can verify your insurance benefits immediately, you also get clear numbers upfront. No surprise bills later (yaaay!). In short, planning ahead levels the playing field for you, your child, your budget, and your schedule.

The Ten Essentials You’ll Need

Here are Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas’ ten essentials to bring with you to your first orthodontic appointment. 

Photo ID

Bring a photo ID so we can confirm who you are and finish registration in a snap. 

Insurance Card

Have your dental or orthodontic insurance card handy; our coordinators will run your benefits on the spot and catch every money-saving perk. 

New Patient Forms

Complete your new-patient forms online or print them at home—nothing feels better than skipping the clipboard shuffle at the front desk.

X-Rays

If you have recent dental X-rays, ask your family dentist to email them or tuck printed copies into your bag. They may help prevent your child from needing additional images, allowing us to begin your assessment sooner. 

Medications & Allergies

A simple medication and allergy list is equally important. It helps Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas plan safe, personalized care, especially if your child takes daily prescriptions or has latex sensitivity.

Payment Method

Next, select a payment method that suits you best. We’ll walk through fees and flexible financing, and having funds available keeps the conversation moving. 

Current Appliances (If Necessary)

If your child already wears retainers, mouthguards, or other appliances, bring them along. Seeing wear patterns helps the doctors understand your child’s bite and any existing issues.

FAQs

Write down all of your questions—no concern is too small. With a list in hand, you won’t forget to ask about treatment length, at-home care, or how often you’ll need to visit either our Birmingham or Milford office. 

Parent Or Legal Guardian

If you’re here looking for orthodontic care for your child, remember that you must stay for your child’s entire appointment. Michigan consent laws require an adult signature, and kids feel reassured when their grown-up is close by. 

Brush Up

Finally, encourage everyone to arrive at Degenhardt Orthodontics with freshly brushed teeth. A quick scrub at home—or a two-minute rinse in our restroom—keeps the exam comfortable and the photos crystal-clear.

Extra Tips for Teens & Kids

Athletes should bring their mouthguards so Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas can check the fit. Music-loving teens might bring earbuds and a playlist while they take photos. Younger children often feel more relaxed when they have a favorite stuffed animal or fidget toy in hand. 

Smart Questions to Ask the Doctors

When it’s time to chat with Dr. Degenhardt or Dr. Vaitas, start with everyday practicality: “Which treatment choices fit my child’s life right now?” You can follow up with “How long will each option take, start to finish?” and “What’s the investment, and what financing do you offer?” Ask about at-home habits, too: “What simple steps keep everything on track between visits?” Finally, clarify logistics: “How often will we need check-ups at the Birmingham or Milford office?” Early answers keep expectations clear and reduce surprises later.

What Happens After the Checklist Check-Off

Once the paperwork is squared away, we’ll take digital photographs, use an intraoral scanner to create precise 3-D models, and outline possible treatment plans. Your family will leave armed with a personalized timeline. You’ll know why we recommend clear aligners, metal braces, or a hybrid approach, along with transparent costs and flexible payment options that allow you to spread the fees out comfortably. 

Local Flavor

Though Degenhardt Orthodontics is a new name, our Michigan roots run deep. Our Birmingham office sits just off North Old Woodward Avenue, near Booth Park. Our Milford clinic on South Main Street is near the Milford Farmer’s Market (East Liberty Street between S. Main St. & Union St). No matter where you are in the greater Oakland County area, we’re just a short drive away.

Myth-Busting Minute

Parents sometimes think they have to wait until every baby tooth falls out before seeing an orthodontist. Early evaluations around age seven help guide jaw growth and can shorten future treatment. Another misconception is that forgetting an insurance card is no big deal. While we can always call later, missing information can slow down benefit checks and may delay your child’s start date (and nobody wants that!). Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas want what you want—the absolute best orthodontic care for you and your family. 

Your First Consultation at Degenhardt Orthodontics

Don’t forget your ten essentials to bring to your first free consultation at Degenhardt Orthodontics. With those in hand, Dr. Degenhardt and Dr. Vaitas can get your treatment started faster. To schedule your first free consultation in our Birmingham or Milford offices, go here.