Your first step
Smile Analysis consultation
The Smile Analysis is your first visit to Luminary Orthodontics. It is complimentary and designed to give you something valuable before you make any decisions: clarity.
We begin by listening to what brought you in, what you have noticed about your smile or bite, and what you would like to change. Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong then evaluates your teeth, bite, jaws, and overall orthodontic needs and explains what she sees in clear, straightforward language.
By the end of your visit, you should understand whether orthodontic treatment is recommended, whether the timing is right, which treatment options may be appropriate, and what each option would involve.
Sometimes the recommendation is to begin treatment. Sometimes it is better to wait and monitor growth or tooth development. Occasionally, no orthodontic treatment is needed at all.
There is no obligation to begin treatment and no pressure to make a decision that day.
Our role is to give you the information you need to make a confident, informed decision about your care.
THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.
Who is a Smile Analysis for?
A Smile Analysis is a good first step for anyone who has questions about their teeth, bite, or orthodontic options.
That may include:
- Adults considering clear aligners or braces for the first time.
- Adults whose teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment.
- Teens and parents wondering whether now is the right time to begin treatment.
- Children approaching age 7 for the first orthodontic check-up recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. The AAO recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation when a problem is first recognized and no later than age 7.
- Younger children when a dentist, pediatrician, parent, or caregiver has noticed something concerning.
- Patients referred by a dentist, pediatric dentist, physician, or another healthcare provider.
- Patients seeking a second orthodontic opinion.
- Anyone who wants an orthodontist's opinion before deciding whether treatment makes sense.
You do not need a referral to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
What happens at a Smile Analysis?
Your visit is designed to feel personal and unhurried. We reserve enough time so that you can ask questions, understand what we find, and never feel rushed through an important decision.
A warm welcome.
Our team welcomes you, confirms the information we need, and helps you get comfortable. For children and teens, parents or guardians are encouraged to be part of the conversation.
We listen first.
Before talking about treatment, we want to understand you. What do you notice about your smile? Is there something about your bite that bothers you? Have you had orthodontic treatment before? Is there something you have been thinking about for years?
For a child or teen, we listen to both the parent and the patient. Their concerns may not always be the same, and both matter.
Your orthodontic evaluation.
Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong evaluates your teeth, bite, jaw relationships, smile, and overall orthodontic needs.
We take the photographs and digital records that are clinically appropriate to help us understand your case and explain what we see.
We show you what we found.
Rather than simply telling you that you "need braces" or "need aligners," Dr. Rose explains what she sees and why it matters.
We discuss your tooth alignment, bite, available space, jaw relationships, and any other findings relevant to your treatment.
Your options are explained.
If treatment would be beneficial, Dr. Rose explains the options that are appropriate for your case.
Depending on your needs, that may include:
- Metal braces.
- Tooth-colored ceramic braces.
- Champagne braces.
- Clear aligners.
- Hybrid treatment using more than one orthodontic approach.
- Early orthodontic treatment for selected children.
- Observation when the right treatment is not to treat yet.
We explain the advantages, responsibilities, and limitations of the options that apply to you.
You receive clear next steps.
If treatment is recommended, we review the proposed approach, estimated treatment time, available insurance benefits, and payment options.
You then have the information you need to decide what feels right for you or your family.
There is no expectation that you must begin treatment simply because you came for a Smile Analysis.
How long does a Smile Analysis take?
We reserve up to one hour for your Smile Analysis so you never feel rushed.
Many consultations are completed in less time, but we would rather reserve enough time for a thoughtful conversation than make you feel that you are being moved through an appointment.
The exact length of the visit depends on your individual needs, the records required, and the questions you would like to discuss.
If you decide to move forward with treatment, we explain what happens next. Depending on your individual treatment plan and scheduling, treatment may begin at a separate appointment.
What should I bring?
To help us make your visit as useful as possible, please bring:
- Your dental insurance information, if you have coverage, so our team can review any available orthodontic benefits.
- A current medication list and relevant health information, including medical conditions that may affect your dental or orthodontic care.
- Any questions you have. If something has been on your mind, ask us. Writing your questions down before the visit can be helpful.
- Information about previous orthodontic treatment, if applicable.
- A parent or legal guardian for a minor, particularly when treatment decisions or consent may be discussed.
If you have recent dental or orthodontic records that you believe may be helpful, let us know. We can tell you whether we need them.
What do I leave with?
Our goal is for you to leave with clarity, whether or not you decide to begin treatment.
You should understand:
- What Dr. Rose found during your evaluation.
- Whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.
- Whether treatment makes sense now or whether waiting would be better.
- Which treatment options are appropriate for your teeth and bite.
- Why one treatment option may be recommended over another.
- The estimated treatment timeline if treatment is recommended.
- Your available orthodontic insurance benefits, when applicable and available to us.
- The payment options for your proposed treatment.
- What happens next if you choose to move forward.
If treatment is not needed, we will tell you.
If the right approach is to monitor growth or development, we will explain what we are watching and when we would like to see you again.
If another dental or medical specialist should be involved before orthodontic treatment, Dr. Rose will explain that as well.
A valuable consultation should help you understand your options, not simply sell you treatment.
What if I am not ready to decide?
That is completely fine.
Orthodontic treatment can be a meaningful decision for an individual or a family, and we want you to feel comfortable with the recommendation before moving forward.
You are welcome to take the information home, discuss it with your spouse or family, review the financial options, and contact us with additional questions.
If an important decision-maker was unable to attend the consultation, let us know. We can help make sure they understand the recommendation as well.
Our goal is not to pressure you into starting treatment.
Our goal is to make sure that if you do choose treatment, you understand why you are doing it and feel confident about the decision.
What if treatment is not needed yet?
Then we will tell you.
This is particularly important for younger patients.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but an evaluation at age 7 does not mean a child needs braces at age 7. An early evaluation may result in no treatment, periodic observation, or early treatment when a developing problem would benefit from intervention.
If observation is the appropriate choice, Dr. Rose will explain what she wants to monitor and when your child should return.
This allows us to watch growth, tooth eruption, available space, and bite development so treatment can be recommended at the appropriate time if it becomes necessary.
How does Dr. Rose approach your Smile Analysis?
Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong takes a health-first, individualized approach to orthodontic care.
Every recommendation begins with your teeth, gums, bite, jaw relationships, and overall oral health.
The goal is not simply to make teeth look straighter. It is to understand what is happening, determine whether treatment would provide a meaningful benefit, and recommend an approach appropriate for the individual patient.
That means Dr. Rose may recommend treatment.
She may recommend waiting.
She may recommend monitoring a child as they grow.
She may recommend that another dental or medical concern be addressed first.
And if orthodontic treatment is not indicated, she will tell you that too.
We believe trust begins with giving you the same recommendation we would want for someone in our own family.
What is it like to have a Smile Analysis at Luminary?
At Luminary Orthodontics, your first appointment is not designed to feel like a sales presentation.
It is designed to feel like a conversation.
We want to understand why you came in, what matters to you, and what you hope to accomplish.
We show you what we see.
We explain your options in language you can understand.
We answer your questions before asking you to make a decision.
And if you need time to think, you have it.
Our approach is simple:
Listen carefully. Evaluate thoughtfully. Explain clearly. Recommend honestly.
That is what your Smile Analysis is meant to provide.
How do I reserve my visit?
You can reserve your complimentary Smile Analysis online or call or text Luminary Orthodontics.
If you are scheduling for a child, please let us know their age when you reserve.
If a dentist, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, physician, or another healthcare provider referred you, please let us know so we can coordinate appropriately.
A dental referral is not required to see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that you can contact an orthodontist directly, without waiting for a referral.
Common questions
Is the Smile Analysis really complimentary?
Yes.
Your Smile Analysis at Luminary Orthodontics is complimentary, and there is no obligation to begin treatment.
The purpose of the visit is to evaluate your orthodontic needs, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No.
You can schedule directly with an orthodontist without a referral from your dentist.
If your dentist, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or another provider recommended the evaluation, please let us know.
With your permission, we can communicate with the referring provider when coordination of care is helpful.
Will I find out whether I need braces or aligners?
Yes, if the information available at your evaluation allows Dr. Rose to make that recommendation.
The more important question is not simply whether you can wear braces or clear aligners. It is which treatment approach is appropriate for your teeth, bite, goals, and lifestyle.
If more than one option is reasonable, Dr. Rose explains the differences so you can make an informed choice.
Will I find out the cost of treatment?
If treatment is recommended, our team reviews the financial information associated with your proposed treatment before you make a decision.
That includes:
- The treatment fee.
- Available orthodontic insurance benefits, when applicable.
- Payment options.
- Any relevant financial terms associated with your plan.
Because orthodontic treatment is individualized, fees can vary according to the treatment required.
You will understand the financial side before deciding whether to move forward.
Will you check my insurance?
If you provide your dental insurance information, our team can review the orthodontic benefit information available to us and explain how it may apply to your proposed treatment.
Insurance benefits are determined by the insurance carrier and the terms of your individual plan, so we distinguish between benefits that have been verified and amounts that remain estimates.
We want the financial information you receive to be as clear and transparent as possible.
Does my child need an orthodontic check-up at age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first orthodontic evaluation occur when a problem is first recognized and no later than age 7.
That does not mean treatment automatically begins at age 7.
Many children simply need periodic observation as their permanent teeth erupt and their jaws continue to develop.
The purpose of the early evaluation is to identify problems that may benefit from early attention and to determine the appropriate timing for treatment if treatment becomes necessary.
Can adults schedule a Smile Analysis?
Absolutely.
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers.
Adults commonly visit us because:
- They never had orthodontic treatment when they were younger.
- Their teeth have shifted after previous treatment.
- They are interested in clear aligners.
- They would like a more discreet type of braces.
- Their dentist has identified a bite or alignment concern.
- They simply want to know what is possible.
Age alone does not determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate. The health of your teeth, gums, supporting bone, bite, and overall treatment goals matter more.
Can I bring my child and ask about myself too?
Yes.
Please let us know when you schedule so we can reserve enough time to give each person the attention their evaluation deserves.
We do not want either consultation to feel rushed.
Can my spouse or another parent join the consultation?
Yes.
When treatment involves a child or teenager, we welcome parents or guardians who would like to participate in the conversation.
If someone important to the decision cannot attend in person, let us know. We can discuss reasonable ways to help make sure they receive the information they need.
Do I have to start treatment the same day?
No.
There is no obligation to begin orthodontic treatment on the day of your Smile Analysis.
If you are ready and the appropriate next steps are available, we can explain how to proceed.
If you would rather take time to think, discuss the recommendation with your family, or ask additional questions later, that is entirely appropriate.
A good treatment decision should feel informed, not rushed.
What if I only want a second opinion?
You are welcome.
If you have already received an orthodontic recommendation elsewhere and would like another perspective, bring whatever information you have.
Dr. Rose will evaluate your case independently and explain what she sees.
The purpose of a second opinion is to give you greater clarity and confidence in whatever decision you ultimately make.
What if Dr. Rose thinks I should not start treatment?
She will tell you.
There are situations where the right recommendation may be to wait, continue monitoring, complete dental treatment first, improve gum health, see another specialist, or not pursue orthodontic treatment at all.
Our goal is not simply to start more cases.
Our goal is to recommend treatment when it is appropriate and to help you understand why.
How do you work with my dentist?
As a partner in your care.
With your permission, we send your dentist progress reports and x-rays during treatment, including notes on how your teeth and gums are being cared for along the way.
Your dentist always knows where your treatment stands, and you keep your regular cleanings and check-ups with them throughout.
Sources
- Why Kids Should See an Orthodontist by Age 7American Association of Orthodontists. Read September 30, 2026.
Your next step
The simplest way to find out what is right for you is a complimentary Smile Analysis. Reserve a time online, or call or text us and we will be glad to help.