“Do I want braces or aligners? How long is this going to take? What should I bring with me?” If you’ve got questions like these spinning around before your first orthodontic appointment, you’re in good company. Patients all over Lakeland and Winter Haven walk through the doors of Scott Orthodontics feeling a little curious, nervous, and ready to get started. With Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel, that first visit is designed to be smooth and maybe even a little fun! Here’s what to bring so your first appointment feels more like a great conversation than a guessing game.
Get a Head Start on Day One
Filling out forms isn’t exactly thrilling, but it does make everything easier once you’re in the chair. If you’ve already completed your new patient forms online, you’re ahead of the game. If not, no worries! Just bring them with you or arrive a few minutes early to fill them out in the office. This step gives the team at Scott Orthodontics a head start on learning about your health history, goals, and anything else that’ll help them personalize your care.
Once the paperwork’s out of the way, the next thing to have on hand is your insurance info. We’ll break that down next.
Got Insurance? Bring It Along
If you’ve got dental insurance, bring your card. It can help save time and potentially reduce out-of-pocket costs. The team at Scott Orthodontics is great at sorting through the fine print, so you don’t have to worry about decoding insurance speak. They’ll help file claims, explain your benefits, and make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
No insurance? No problem. Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel offer flexible payment options through third-party lenders like CareCredit, LendingClub, and OrthoFi. Many families across Lakeland and Winter Haven find that orthodontic treatment is more affordable than they expected, especially with payment plans that fit their monthly budget!
Next up, let’s talk about bringing any dental records or referrals that could help kickstart your treatment plan.
Previous Dental Records
If you have dental records, bring them along. They can help the team at Scott Orthodontics get a head start on your treatment plan. But if you don’t? No stress. With your permission, the team can request records directly from your dentist or previous orthodontist so you don’t have to chase them down yourself.
Here’s what’s helpful to bring if it’s easy to grab:
- Recent X-rays – Especially panoramic or full-mouth images
- Referral notes – If your general dentist has shared thoughts on your treatment needs
- Previous appliances – Retainers, expanders, or any past orthodontic gear
Whether you bring them or request them, these records give Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel more context to create a personalized plan that fits your smile goals. Up next, let’s talk about the one thing only you can bring: your questions, thoughts, and goals for treatment.
Let’s Talk About What Matters to You
No one expects you to walk in knowing all the answers. In fact, first visits are the perfect time to ask anything on your mind: treatment options, timing, what to expect, or even how clear aligners compare to braces. Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel encourage open conversations, and they’re great at making sure every question feels heard.
Share Your Goals
Whether you’re hoping for something more discreet, like Invisalign®, Spark™, or in-house aligners, or you’re curious about In-Ovation® C or lingual hidden braces, it helps to speak up about your preferences. Teens and adults alike often come in with lifestyle concerns, and the more the team knows, the more they can personalize your care.
Mention Past Experiences
If you’ve had braces before, used a retainer, or had concerns about speech, spacing, or jaw movement, it’s worth bringing up. The doctors use this info to fine-tune your plan and avoid repeating anything that didn’t work well in the past.
Up next: what to toss in your bag to make the visit itself feel more comfortable.
Bring a Few Extras to Make the Visit Easier
Your first appointment doesn’t take all day, but having a few personal items on hand can make things smoother (especially if you’re coming straight from school, work, or practice). These little things can go a long way in making your visit feel comfortable.
- Photo ID – Especially important for adult patients or teens coming with a parent or guardian
- A water bottle – Staying hydrated keeps you feeling good, especially if you’ve been on the go
- Something to pass the time – A book, earbuds, or your favorite playlist never hurts during short waits
Most visits move quickly, but a few familiar items can make everything feel a little more relaxed. Up next, let’s take a peek at what actually happens during your first visit to Scott Orthodontics.
What Happens During the First Visit?
Your first appointment at Scott Orthodontics is all about getting to know you. After a warm welcome, you’ll meet the team, go over your dental and medical history, and get a complete exam with digital photos and any needed X-rays. Then, Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, or Dr. Patel will walk you through a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, whether that includes braces, clear aligners like Invisalign® or Spark™, or something totally custom.
You’ll also get a clear look at your financial options, including no-interest payment plans and how your insurance might help. If you’re ready to get started, you can even schedule your next appointment right away!
By the end of your visit, you’ll leave with answers, a clear path forward, and a team you’ll feel good about working with.
From Questions to Confidence in One Visit
Bringing a few basics to your first visit (forms, questions, and maybe your favorite playlist) goes a long way in making the experience feel easy. With welcoming offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven, plus the expertise of Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel, your first step into orthodontic care doesn’t have to feel like a big leap. Schedule your free consultation with Scott Orthodontics today and find out just how smooth getting started can really be!