Walking through our door in East Orlando should feel easy. Parking is straightforward on Waterford Lakes Parkway, in the same lot as Star Child Academy and across from Don Julio, just west of Keg Social.
If you have been wondering what to expect at your first orthodontic consultation with Dr. Marris in Orlando, this breakdown shows exactly how the appointment flows, what Marris Orthodontics looks for, and how we tailor care for adults, teens, and kids.
How The Visit Unfolds, Step By Step
Warm welcome and quick paperwork. You check in, confirm contact info, and share dental history. Bring recent X-rays if you have them. If not, no problem. Our team will capture what we need.
- Smile goals and lifestyle chat: Dr. Marris will ask, “What do you want to change?” Any deadlines, such as a wedding, graduation, or athletic season? Do you prefer nearly invisible treatment? Do you travel often for work or school?” This conversation guides everything that follows.
- Digital scans instead of messy impressions: An iTero scanner creates a 3D model of your teeth in minutes. You see a precise image on the screen, which makes it simple to understand spacing, crowding, bite relationships, and tooth wear. No trays. No goop.
- Photos and X-rays as needed: We capture a few clinical photos and low-dose X-rays to evaluate root position, jaw position, and growth patterns in younger patients. These help rule out hidden issues, like impacted teeth.
- Bite and airway check: Dr. Marris evaluates how your upper and lower teeth meet, checks for grinding patterns, and notes any crossbite or open bite. For kids and teens, we review growth timing to make sure orthodontic treatment aligns with natural development.
Your Personalized Plan With Options That Fit Your Life
- Invisalign for adults and teens: Dr. Marris has a strong clear aligner background, which means efficient staging, fewer refinements, and aligner plans that match your schedule. If you need a solution that blends with meetings or sports travel, we factor that in.
For younger patients, Invisalign Teen includes compliance features and room for erupting teeth. For kids who qualify, Invisalign First guides developing arches in a gentle, age-appropriate way. We also offer the Invisalign Palatal Expander for growing patients who need widened arches without metal hardware.
- LightForce braces, fully custom and ceramic: LightForce braces brackets are designed from your scan and 3D printed to match each tooth’s contours. That precision helps us place gentle, efficient forces and favor shorter chair time. Because they are ceramic, they blend with your teeth for a low-profile look in photos and in person.
- Remote check-ins with Dental Monitoring: Busy families in Avalon Park or Lake Nona appreciate fewer in-office visits. With Dental Monitoring, you send quick smartphone scans from home. Dr. Marris tracks tooth movement, rubber band wear, and hygiene between appointments. If everything looks on track, we space out in-office visits. If we spot something, we ping you with a simple adjustment.
- Timing and length: Treatment length varies by case complexity. Mild spacing can move quickly. Larger bite corrections take longer. You will receive a realistic range based on your scan, not a one-size-fits-all promise.
- Comfort and daily life: Soreness after an adjustment or new aligners is common for a day or two, but most patients manage well with a soft diet and over-the-counter options. You will leave with exact tips for the first week so you can eat, talk, and work without guessing.
- Same-day findings: You do not leave guessing. We review your images right away, outline what is going on in plain terms, and map realistic next steps.
What To Expect At Your First Orthodontic Consultation In Orlando, Financially
It’s helpful to know what you can expect at your consultation when you visit Marris Orthodontics.
- Clarity is important: Before you head out, our treatment coordinator reviews costs and payment structures in simple terms.
- Transparent fee: We present a total case fee that covers active treatment and standard retainers.
- Insurance help: If orthodontic benefits apply, we verify and handle claims for you.
- Monthly plans: We outline down payment options and auto-draft schedules that fit a family budget.
- No pressure: You take the plan home. Start the same day if you like, or schedule when ready.
How We Decide Between Invisalign And LightForce Braces
We base recommendations on anatomy, goals, and daily routine.
- Aligners shine for patients who value a nearly invisible look and flexibility. They work exceptionally well for spacing, mild to moderate crowding, and many bite corrections when worn as directed.
- LightForce braces excel when we want continuous control, when we need precise root movements, or when a patient prefers a set-and-go approach without removing aligners during meals. The ceramic materials keep things discreet.
Some cases can move well with either option. In those situations, Dr. Marris explains tradeoffs and invites your preference.
Hygiene And Eating Tips That Help
With the right tips, you can keep your treatment plan on track.
For Invisalign:
- Remove trays for every meal or colored drink, then brush and rinse before seating them again.
- Clean aligners with clear, gentle soap and cool water.
- Keep a small travel kit in your bag or glove box for school, work, or a night out in Oviedo.
For LightForce braces:
- Brush along the gumline, then above and below each bracket, two minutes total.
- Floss nightly with floss threaders or a water flosser.
- Choose snacks that do not shatter or stick to the brackets. Our team shares a cheat sheet with easy swaps.
We check your brushing during visits and give quick, judgment-free feedback so your teeth look great when treatment wraps up.
Questions We Often Answer On Day One
How long will I be in treatment?
Most cases fall within a window we share after the scan review. That range reflects the exact movements we need, your growth stage, and how consistently you wear aligners or elastics.
Which hurts more, braces or aligners?
Both create gentle pressure at the start. Most patients describe a mild, dull ache for a day or two after changes. Soft foods, cool water, and consistent wear make the transition smoother.
Can I play sports or instruments?
Yes. We fit mouthguards for contact sports. For wind instruments, we share wax and comfort tips so rehearsals stay on track.
How often do I need appointments?
With Dental Monitoring, in-office visits can be spaced farther apart than old-school schedules. Plan on periodic checks for adjustments, photos, and progress scans.
What about coffee or sparkling water with aligners in?
Stick to water while aligners are seated. Coffee and flavored seltzers can stain trays and trap acids. Sip, then brush, then reseat.
What colors can I pick for my braces?
If you like a little flair, we have ligature color options that pair nicely with ceramic brackets. Our team shows what photographs well.
Book Your First Orthodontic Visit
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Marris at Marris Orthodontics in Orlando. Compare Invisalign and LightForce options and see a realistic timeline.