Your First Visit to RuCo Orthodontics
Here's Exactly What to Expect
Your first appointment is a free consultation, not a commitment. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of what treatment would involve before you make any decisions.
Not Knowing What to Expect Makes Everything Feel Bigger Than It Is
First appointments at any new healthcare provider carry a certain amount of uncertainty. Will it take a long time? Will they try to push treatment on me right away? What exactly are they going to do? What do I need to bring?
At RuCo, the first visit is designed to be informative and low pressure. The goal is to give you and your family everything you need to make a confident, informed decision about orthodontic care, not to rush you into starting treatment before you’re ready.
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
A Step-by-Step Look at Your First Appointment
1
Welcome and Records
When you arrive, our team will get you checked in and collect any necessary paperwork. We'll take a comprehensive set of digital photos and x-rays that give Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston a complete picture of your teeth, bite, and jaw structure. The process is quick and comfortable, and all imaging is digital so results are available immediately.
Orthodontic Exam
Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will conduct a thorough orthodontic exam, reviewing your digital records alongside a hands-on evaluation of your teeth and bite. They'll assess alignment, spacing, bite relationship, and any other factors relevant to your orthodontic needs. This is a doctor-led exam, not a screening by an assistant.
Treatment Recommendations
After the exam, the doctor will sit down with you and walk through their findings in plain language. If treatment is recommended, they'll explain your options, the expected timeline, and what the process would look like day to day. If treatment isn't needed yet, they'll tell you that too, and let you know what to watch for going forward.
Insurance and Cost Review
Before you leave, our team will review your insurance coverage and walk you through the cost of treatment, payment options, and anything else you need to know financially. There are no vague answers and no surprises. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what treatment would cost and how to make it work for your budget.
What to Have Ready Before You Come In
- A valid photo ID for the patient or parent or guardian
- Your dental insurance card if applicable
- Any recent dental x-rays if your dentist has provided them
- A list of any medications the patient is currently taking
- Any referral paperwork from your dentist if applicable
If you’re unsure about any of these items or need to update information before your visit, contact our office and we’ll take care of it.
A Consultation That Actually Respects Your Time
At a lot of orthodontic offices, the first visit involves a brief look from a doctor followed by a handoff to a treatment coordinator whose job is to close you on starting treatment. At RuCo, the consultation is led by Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston from start to finish. They’re the ones reviewing your records, conducting the exam, explaining your options, and answering your questions directly.
That approach takes a little longer, but it produces better information and a better experience. Patients leave the consultation knowing exactly where they stand, exactly what their options are, and exactly what treatment will cost, because they heard it directly from their orthodontist.
FAQs
Common Questions About the First Visit
How long does the first appointment take
Most first visits at RuCo take between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes check-in, digital records, the orthodontic exam, the doctor’s consultation, and the insurance and cost review. We build enough time into the appointment so nothing feels rushed.
Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation
No. You’re welcome to schedule a consultation directly without a referral from your dentist. If your dentist has provided a referral or recent x-rays, bring them along and we’ll incorporate them into your records.
Will my child need to start treatment right away?
Not necessarily. The first appointment is an evaluation, not a treatment start. In many cases, particularly for younger children, the recommendation after the first visit is simply to monitor development and check back at a later date. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will be straightforward with you about timing.
Can I bring my child to the consultation?
Yes, and for pediatric consultations we encourage it. It helps for the doctor to meet the patient directly, and it gives your child the chance to see the office and meet the team before any treatment begins.
Ready to Come In?
Still have questions? Call (615) 625-6900—we’re happy to help!