During this one-hour appointment Dr. Henderson will evaluate and document your orthodontic needs. There are several questions that most parents and patients want answered. Is treatment needed now or should it wait for appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors? What procedures will be used to correct the problems? Do any teeth need to be removed? Are there different options for treatment? How long will the treatment take? What is the cost of treatment? How do we pay for it? With most patients these questions can be answered from the information gathered at the first visit. To explain the problems and treatment procedures Dr. Henderson and his treatment coordinator will use several visual aids. These include examples of various orthodontic appliances, computer imaging, and photos and models of previously treated patients. An overview is given of upcoming appointments along with a discussion of caring for the braces. Questions from the patient and parents are encouraged and ample time is provided to answer them. The more you know the better the service we can provide. Though fees will vary based on the nature and complexity of the treatment, a variety of affordable payment options will be given. If you are ready for treatment the next step is to have diagnostic records made. If time allows this can be done at the first visit. For most patients this involves orthodontic x-rays, photographs and impressions. Once these records are obtained they are reviewed and the details of your treatment plan are determined. The duration of the records appointment is 30 to 45 minutes.