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1. Check in
Brief paperwork at the front desk. We confirm your insurance or Medicaid plan if applicable. About 5 minutes.
Your First Visit
What to expect at your free orthodontic consultation.
One 60-minute visit. Full orthodontic exam, 3D iTero scan, custom treatment plan, transparent pricing. No obligation. You leave knowing exactly what treatment (if any) we recommend, what it would cost, and how to pay for it. This page walks through every step so the visit feels familiar before you arrive.
- 60 MinutesTypical visit length
- Always FreeRegardless of outcome
- 3D iTero ScanNo goopy impressions
- Printed PlanTransparent pricing, no surprises
Before the visit
How to prepare in five minutes.
There's almost nothing you need to do. The consultation is designed for patients with zero orthodontic background - we explain everything in plain language. That said, here's a five-minute prep that makes the visit smoother.
- Bring your insurance card (dental and medical) or Medicaid member ID if applicable
- Bring photo ID for the parent or guardian if the patient is a minor
- Know your child's date of birth - needed for Medicaid pre-authorization
- Optional: prior dental records, x-rays from your general dentist, or notes about past orthodontic treatment
- Don't bring: payment. The consultation is free regardless of what you decide
- Bring your questions. Write them down beforehand. We'll answer all of them.
What to wear
Nothing specific. Casual clothes are fine. Your kid does not need to look formal for the orthodontic photos - we'll handle the framing.
Should I brush before the visit?
Yes if it's been a few hours. Clean teeth photograph and scan more clearly, and you'll feel better in the chair. We provide a brush and toothpaste at the office if you forget.
Should kids eat first?
Yes - a normal meal before the visit is fine. The exam doesn't involve any preparation that requires fasting or skipping food.
The 6 steps
What happens during the 60-minute visit.
Every Stellar consultation follows the same well-defined sequence. The doctor who would treat your case (if you proceed) is the same one who runs the consultation - not a sales person, not a junior staff member.
2. Meet your orthodontist
The same Stellar orthodontist who would treat your case sits down with you. You share your goals, concerns, and history. About 5 minutes.
3. Clinical exam
Full orthodontic exam of teeth, bite, jaw joints, and surrounding tissues. The orthodontist explains what they're looking at as they go. About 10 minutes.
4. 3D iTero scan + x-rays
A digital wand replaces the goopy impression tray. Scan finishes in minutes. Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays as needed. About 15 minutes total.
5. Treatment plan
You see your teeth in 3D on a screen. The orthodontist walks through treatment options, expected timeline, and a visual preview of your final smile. About 15 minutes.
6. Financial walkthrough
Insurance verification, financing options, Medicaid pre-auth path if applicable. You leave with a printed treatment plan and transparent total cost. About 10 minutes.
What you leave with
You don't go home empty-handed.
Information, not pressure. Every patient leaves the consultation with the same three things, regardless of whether they decide to start treatment or not.
- A printed treatment plan outlining recommended treatment, realistic timeline, and any alternatives we discussed
- A transparent total cost - the number you see is the number you pay, unless the plan changes (and we always discuss first)
- Clear next steps - what's required to schedule the start of treatment, what insurance pre-authorization looks like, what financing terms apply
You're never asked to sign or pay anything at the consultation. We give you space to think it over, talk with family, and call back when you're ready.
What we won't do
- Pressure you to start treatment that day (or any day)
- Recommend treatment you don't actually need
- Give a verbal-only cost estimate that changes later
- Surprise you with hidden fees after treatment starts
- Hand you off to a sales person to "close" the case
- Charge you for the consultation regardless of the outcome
Common outcomes
Three things that typically happen after a Stellar consultation.
Patients often arrive expecting to be told either "yes, you need braces" or "no, you don't." The reality is more nuanced. Here are the three most common outcomes.
"Start treatment now"
Roughly half of consultations. The case is clearly within candidacy for either Invisalign or braces, the patient is the right age, and the timeline works. You leave with a printed plan, a price, and a clear next step to schedule the start of treatment.
"Let's monitor and check back"
Roughly a third of consultations. Common for younger kids who aren't ready for full treatment yet, or for borderline adult cases where waiting makes sense. We schedule a follow-up in 6 to 12 months - no charge for those check-ins either.
"You don't need orthodontic treatment"
A meaningful share of consultations. Sometimes a patient's bite and alignment are within normal variation and don't warrant treatment. We tell you so. The honest answer is often the most valuable one.
First Visit FAQ
Honest answers to the common consultation questions.
How long does the consultation take?
About 60 minutes for new patients. Includes check-in, exam, 3D iTero scan, x-rays, treatment plan discussion, and financial walkthrough. You leave with a printed plan and a transparent price.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The orthodontic consultation at Stellar is free regardless of whether you proceed with treatment, whether your insurance covers any of it, or whether your child qualifies for Medicaid braces. No catch.
What should I bring?
Insurance card or Medicaid member ID, photo ID, and any prior dental or orthodontic records if you have them. For kids, bring the child's date of birth on hand. You don't need to bring payment.
Will I know what treatment costs at the consultation?
Yes. You leave with a printed treatment plan that includes the recommended treatment, the realistic timeline, and the transparent total cost. We also discuss insurance, financing, and Medicaid pre-auth if applicable.
Will the orthodontist push me to start treatment?
No. Stellar's consultation is information-first. We tell you what we recommend, what it costs, what the timeline looks like. The decision to proceed is yours and there's no obligation to start that day or ever.
What if I'm not sure I need treatment?
That's a great reason for the free consultation. About a third of evaluations result in "monitor for 6 to 12 months" rather than "start treatment" - and that's an honest, useful outcome.
Will my child be comfortable?
Stellar's offices are built for kids, teens, and adults equally. Our team is trained to make children comfortable from the moment they walk in. Most kids surprise their parents with how relaxed they feel by the end.
Which office should I book at?
The closest to you. North Wilmington, Middletown, West Dover, or Millsboro. All four offer the full Stellar treatment menu and the same consultation experience.