Your First Orthodontic Visit at Woolaver Orthodontics

Walking into an orthodontist's office for the first time can feel uncertain — especially if you're not sure what's involved or how much it will cost. We've designed the first-visit experience at Woolaver Orthodontics in the Ahwatukee Foothills to take the mystery out of it. Your first appointment is completely complimentary for new patients of every age, including kids, teens, and adults.

You'll meet Dr. Chris Woolaver, get a thorough orthodontic evaluation, see your treatment options laid out clearly, and walk out with a transparent total cost — no pressure, no surprise fees later. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes. Below is exactly what to expect, what to bring, and how to schedule.

How to Schedule Your First Visit

Three easy ways:

1. Call (480) 240-9393 — our team answers during office hours and can usually book you within 1–2 weeks
2. Book online — Schedule your free consultation here
3. Text (480) 240-9393 — if you prefer, send a text, and we'll respond with available times

Best times for kids and teens: We hold early-morning, late-afternoon, and Friday-morning slots specifically for school families. Just ask when you call.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

• Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
• Insurance card (if you have orthodontic coverage — we'll verify benefits before you arrive if you call ahead with your information)
• Referral letter from your dentist or pediatric dentist (optional — not required to schedule)
• Recent X-rays if your dentist has them on file (optional — we can also take new ones in our office)
• List of current medications (briefly, for our records)
• Questions — bring a list. Dr. Woolaver expects them and answers all of them.

If you're scheduling for a child, both parents are welcome to attend. Many parents sit in on the consultation; the child can be seen first or together — your choice.

What Happens During the First Visit (Step by Step)

1. Welcome & Paperwork (~10 minutes)

You'll fill out a brief medical and dental history form (or upload it ahead of time online to save time in the office). Our team will introduce you to the office, show you where everything is, and offer water, coffee, or kid-friendly drinks.

2. Digital Imaging — No Goopy Molds (~10 minutes)

We use a 3D digital scanner to capture a precise model of your or your child's teeth and bite. The scanner is a small wand that takes a few minutes to glide around the mouth — no impression trays, no gagging, no wait time for plaster molds. We may also take panoramic and cephalometric X-rays in the office, or use ones your dentist has already taken.

3. Orthodontic Examination with Dr. Woolaver (~15 minutes)

Dr. Woolaver personally examines your or your child's bite, jaw alignment, tooth positions, gum health, and any orthodontic concerns. He'll explain what he's seeing in plain language — what's healthy, what could be improved, and whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all. For children under age 10, he'll specifically assess whether Phase 1 (early) treatment makes sense or whether monitoring is the right call.

4. Treatment Options Discussion (~10–15 minutes)

Dr. Woolaver walks you through the realistic treatment options for your specific case. This may include:

• Traditional braces (metal or clear ceramic)
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisalign or Invisalign Teen
• Invisalign Express (for minor cases)
• Phase 1 early treatment (for younger children)
• Or "wait and watch" (if no treatment is needed yet)

You'll see visual examples of each option and learn the realistic timeline for your case.

5. Transparent Cost & Payment Plan Review (~10 minutes)

Our treatment coordinator goes through the total cost for the recommended treatment — not a starting price, the actual full quote. You'll learn:

• Total treatment cost (no extension fees, no hidden charges)
• Monthly payment plan options
• Insurance benefits (if applicable — we verify before your visit if you call ahead)
• HSA/FSA acceptance
• 0% interest in-house financing options

You leave with a written quote you can take home and think about. There's never any pressure to commit at the first visit.

Bringing a Child for Their First Visit

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn't mean treatment starts at 7; for most kids, we simply monitor jaw and tooth development and recommend treatment when the timing is right.

For young children, Dr. Woolaver makes the visit relaxed and age-appropriate. We have a kid-friendly area, and the doctor explains things directly to your child in language they understand. Most kids leave their first visit excited rather than anxious.

After Your First Visit

If you decide to move forward with treatment, the next step is a records appointment to gather final detailed scans and X-rays for treatment planning. From there, the timeline depends on your treatment:

• Braces: Typically placed 1–2 weeks after the records appointment
• Invisalign: Aligners are custom-manufactured by Align Technology and arrive in our office about 3–4 weeks after the records appointment

If you decide not to move forward, that's fine too — there's no obligation, and your free consultation is genuinely free.