If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile, scheduling your first visit with an Austin orthodontist is the best place to start. Whether you’re a parent bringing in your child, a teen ready for braces, or an adult curious about Invisalign, that first appointment sets the tone for your entire treatment. At Rise + Smile Orthodontics, Dr. Mathue Faulkner—a board-certified orthodontist in Austin—and our team take the time to make this experience welcoming, informative, and tailored to your needs.
Here’s exactly what you can expect.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome
From the moment you walk into our South Austin office, you’ll notice the difference. Our team will greet you, get you checked in quickly, and make sure you’re comfortable. If you’ve filled out your forms online, great. If not, we’ll help you finish them before your exam.
This first step may seem small, but it matters. When you feel at ease from the beginning, the rest of your appointment flows more smoothly.
Step 2: Digital Records and Photos
Next, we’ll gather the information Dr. Faulkner needs to evaluate your smile. That usually means taking digital X-rays and photos of your teeth, bite, and jaw, as these tools let us see what’s happening below the surface and help us plan the most effective treatment.
Unlike the old-school impressions you may remember, we use advanced imaging that’s quick, comfortable, and highly accurate. You’ll be able to see your own records right away, which makes it easier to understand what’s going on with your teeth and bite.
Step 3: A Thorough Exam
Once we have your records, Dr. Faulkner will meet with you one-on-one for a complete exam. He’ll look at your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite, and then review the X-rays and photos with you.
Here’s what makes this step so important: we take the time to spot problems and identify opportunities. Maybe your child’s jaw is still developing, and early treatment could save time and money later. Maybe you’ve lived with crowding for years, and orthodontic treatment can finally give you the confidence you want. Whatever your situation, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what’s happening in your smile and what we can do to help.
Step 4: Personalized Treatment Options
After your exam, Dr. Faulkner will explain the treatment options that fit your needs. For many patients, that could mean traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign. Each choice has pros and cons, and you’ll get to talk through what works best for your lifestyle, goals, and budget.
This is also the time to ask questions. Want to know how long treatment might take? Wondering if you’ll need rubber bands or other appliances? Curious about the cost difference between braces and Invisalign? We’ll walk through every detail so there are no surprises.
Step 5: Financial and Scheduling Guidance
We know orthodontic treatment is a big investment, and we want it to be as stress-free as possible. That’s why our team explains costs clearly, reviews your insurance benefits, and offers flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
Once you feel confident in your choice, we’ll get your treatment scheduled. In some cases, you may even be able to start the same day as your consultation.
The Benefits of Seeing an Austin Orthodontist
Now that you know what happens during your first visit, let’s talk about why choosing an Austin orthodontist matters to your overall care.
Specialized Expertise
Orthodontists like Dr. Faulkner go through years of advanced training after dental school, but not all orthodontists achieve board certification. As a board-certified orthodontist in Austin, Dr. Faulkner has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge, clinical skill, and commitment to patient care. This distinction sets him apart and gives you confidence that your smile is in the best hands.
Personalized, In-Person Care
You’ve probably seen online ads for direct-to-consumer aligners. While they may look convenient, they skip the critical in-person exam and ongoing monitoring that make treatment safe and effective. At Rise + Smile Orthodontics, you’re not left guessing if your treatment is working. You get regular check-ins with Dr. Faulkner, who can adjust your plan as needed.
Community Connection
Choosing an orthodontist in Austin means being part of a practice that invests in the community where you live, work, and raise your family. From supporting local schools to celebrating Austin events, Rise + Smile Orthodontics is proud to be rooted here.
Why Families Love Rise + Smile Orthodontics
At the end of the day, your first visit is about building trust. Dr. Mathue Faulkner is a board-certified orthodontist in Austin known for his down-to-earth approach, clear communication, and genuine care for every patient. Patients love that they leave their first visit not only knowing what their treatment will look like, but also feeling excited and confident about the process. That’s the Rise + Smile difference.
Ready for Your First Visit?
Your smile journey starts with one simple step: scheduling that first appointment with an Austin orthodontist who puts your needs first. At Rise + Smile Orthodontics, you’ll get expert care, honest guidance, and a team that makes you feel right at home.
Don’t wait another year wishing you loved your smile. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Mathue Faulkner, a board-certified Austin orthodontist, and see why families across Austin trust Rise + Smile Orthodontics.
