If you’ve been wondering whether your child or teen might need braces or Invisalign, the first step is a free orthodontic consultation — and if you’ve never been to one before, you might be curious (or even a little nervous) about what actually happens.
Good news: an orthodontic consultation at Aubrey Barrett Orthodontics is simple, friendly, informative, and completely stress-free.
Whether you visit our El Cerrito or Pittsburg office, the goal is the same:
Give you clear answers, real options, and a positive experience — without pressure.
Here’s exactly what you and your child can expect.
| Step | What to Expect |
| Welcome | Friendly check-in and explanation of the visit |
| Photos | Quick digital photos of your child’s smile |
| Digital Scan | Goop-free 3D scan showing teeth and bite |
| X-Rays | Taken or reviewed to check growth and tooth position |
| Exam | Dr. Barrett evaluates teeth, bite, and development |
| Treatment Plan | Clear explanation of braces or Invisalign options |
| Cost & Payments | Transparent pricing + flexible plans |
| No Pressure | Free consult; start treatment only if you’re ready |
1. A Warm, Friendly Welcome
From the moment you walk through the door, our team makes it a point to help your child feel comfortable.
We know that seeing a new doctor can be intimidating, especially for younger kids, so we keep things fun, calm, and easygoing.
You’ll meet our front-desk team, get settled in, and we’ll walk you through what will happen during the visit. Parents often tell us this first step alone takes away most of the stress they arrived with.
2. Digital Photos to Understand Your Child’s Smile
The first part of the consultation includes a series of quick, simple digital photos. These help us see your child’s smile from different angles — front, side, and bite views.
The photos are painless and take only a minute or two. They give Dr. Barrett an important starting point for understanding:
- How the teeth line up
- Whether there are spacing or crowding issues
- How the upper and lower jaws relate
- Any early bite concerns
You’ll be able to see all the photos too, which makes the conversation clearer and easier to follow.
3. A Digital Scan (No Goopy Impressions!)
Next, we take a digital 3D scan using a small handheld wand. This creates a highly accurate model of your child’s teeth and bite — all without the messy putty impressions that most parents remember from their own childhood.
Kids actually think the scanner is pretty cool.
The scan shows:
- Tooth positions
- Bite alignment
- Areas with crowding
- Space available for permanent teeth
It also helps us predict how your child’s smile can change with treatment.
4. X-Rays (If Needed)
Depending on your child’s age and whether recent X-rays are already available from your dentist, we may take a quick orthodontic X-ray. This allows Dr. Barrett to see:
- Tooth roots
- Jaw growth
- Permanent teeth that haven’t erupted yet
- Tooth position below the gums
X-rays give us the full picture, ensuring nothing is missed.
5. A Thorough, Kid-Friendly Exam With Dr. Barrett
Once we have all the records, Dr. Barrett will meet with you and your child for a clear, friendly, easy-to-understand discussion.
She’ll look at:
- Tooth crowding or spacing
- Bite alignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
- Jaw growth and symmetry
- Timing of baby tooth loss
- Overall development
Parents love how Dr. Barrett explains everything in simple language. No confusing terminology — just helpful guidance and honest recommendations.
This is your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, or talk about goals for your child’s smile.
6. A Personalized Treatment Plan (If Treatment Is Needed)
If your child or teen would benefit from orthodontic care, Dr. Barrett will outline a plan tailored to their specific needs.
This includes:
- Whether braces or Invisalign would work best
- A preview of how treatment will help
- How long treatment will take
- When to start (now or later)
- Any early steps to keep things simple
We treat kids as unique individuals — no one-size-fits-all plans, no unnecessary treatment, and no pressure.
Many kids do not need treatment right away, and in that case, we simply monitor growth with free periodic check-ins.
7. A Same-Day Quote and Flexible Payment Options
One of the most helpful parts of the free orthodontic consultation is the financial conversation — handled clearly, kindly, and without awkwardness.
You’ll receive:
- A transparent fee quote
- A breakdown of what’s included
- Insurance benefit review (if applicable)
- Flexible payment options
- Customizable monthly plans
Most families are pleasantly surprised by how manageable treatment can be, especially with our flexible options.
8. No Pressure to Start Treatment
This part is important:
Your orthodontic consultation is free. There is no pressure to begin treatment the same day.
Some families start immediately because they’re ready — others want time to think or prefer to begin later in the year.
Whatever works best for you is perfectly fine with us.
Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence you need — not to rush decisions.
9. A Great Experience for Both Parents and Kids
We know orthodontic treatment is an investment — not just financially, but emotionally and time-wise too. That’s why our consultations are designed to be:
- Warm
- Informative
- Kid-friendly
- Efficient
- Judgment-free
- Completely transparent
Whether your child is excited, nervous, or hesitant, we meet them exactly where they are.
Parents often leave saying,
“That was way easier than I expected.”
Why Families in El Cerrito & Pittsburg Choose Us
Dr. Barrett owns her practice, which means she takes the time to truly get to know each family. Her calm, friendly personality helps kids (and parents) feel comfortable from the first appointment.
What sets us apart:
- Digital scans instead of impressions
- Two convenient locations
- Personalized treatment plans
- Braces and Invisalign for all ages
- Clear communication
- No-pressure environment
- A fun, friendly team that kids love
When you’re in our office, you’ll feel like part of our orthodontic family.
Ready to See What Your Child Needs? Book a Free Orthodontic Consultation.
Whether you’re wondering if your child needs braces, curious about Invisalign, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Your free orthodontic consultation includes:
✨ Digital photos
✨ Digital scan
✨ X-ray (if needed)
✨ A complete orthodontic exam
✨ A personalized treatment plan
✨ Transparent pricing
✨ Flexible payment options
✨ A friendly, low-stress experience
Schedule your free consultation at our El Cerrito or Pittsburg office
We can’t wait to meet you and help your child start their best smile journey.
