Your First Visit at Riolo Orthodontics

We’re excited to welcome you to Riolo Orthodontics, your local orthodontist in Seattle, WA. Your first visit is the start of your orthodontic treatment toward a confident smile. From the moment you walk into our office, our friendly team makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for. At this appointment, Dr. Christopher Riolo will take time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.

What Happens at Your First Orthodontist Consultation?

Before your visit, we’ll send you a welcome email with a link to complete your New Patient Health History Form online. Filling it out in advance helps us prepare for your arrival and shortens your appointment time. On the day of your visit, we’ll also review your HIPAA form and confirm your health history. Our team will check your insurance benefits so we can give you an accurate estimate of your out-of-pocket cost right at your exam.

When you arrive, you’ll check in with our front desk team before meeting Dr. Riolo for a comprehensive orthodontic exam. This is more than a quick look, it’s a one-on-one consultation where we review your smile, your bite, and your goals.

The purpose of this exam is to answer:

• Is there an orthodontic problem? If so, what kind?

• When should treatment begin? Sometimes it’s best to wait, while in other cases, early care prevents bigger issues.

• What type of treatment is recommended? Braces, Invisalign, lingual braces, or another option.

• How long will treatment take? Each smile is unique, so timelines vary.

• How much will treatment cost? We’ll explain fees clearly and walk you through payment options.

Next Steps After the Exam?

If it’s the right time to start treatment, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment for Diagnostic Records. Sometimes, if your schedule allows, these records can even be taken during your first visit.

Diagnostic records give us the information we need to create your personalized treatment plan. They may include:

• Digital scans or impressions of your teeth (study models or mounted plaster models).

• Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays, including tracings and growth analysis.

• Clinical photographs of your teeth and face.

These records are carefully studied by our doctor to design the right treatment plan for your smile.

If you choose Custom Lingual Braces, we’ll schedule a setup consultation. At this special visit, we use digital models of your teeth to preview the alignment and fit before treatment begins. Often, we review several different “setups” to find the best course of treatment for your unique case.

First Visit for Kids vs. Adults

Orthodontic needs can look very different depending on your age. At Riolo Orthodontics, we customize every first visit so kids, teens, and adults each get the care and guidance they need.

First Visits for Kids

For children, the goal is early evaluation and growth monitoring. We assess how the teeth and jaws are developing, check for crowding or bite concerns, and determine whether treatment is needed now or sometime in the future. Most kids simply join our observation program until the ideal time to begin care.

First Visits for Adults

For adults, the focus is on understanding current concerns and long-term goals. We review bite function, alignment, past dental history, and any changes that may have occurred since childhood. Adults often explore esthetic options such as clear aligners or lingual braces, and we work with you to outline a plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

No matter your age, your first visit is designed to answer your questions, address your concerns, and give you a clear path forward.

Our Office Hours

We value your time and work hard to keep appointments running smoothly. Our office is open Sunday through Friday with convenient evening hours on Wednesdays, some Tuesdays and Fridays, and select Sundays (about every other week). Please arrive on time so we can:

• Complete your scheduled procedure.

• Answer your questions.

• Keep the day on track for all patients.

Your cooperation helps us provide the best experience for you and everyone scheduled after you.

Ready to Get Started?

Your first visit is the first step toward a smile you’ll love for life. We make orthodontics comfortable, affordable, and personalized with advanced options like Invisalign and lingual braces for patients who want a more aesthetic treatment choice.

Call today to schedule your first orthodontic exam and take the first step toward your best smile!