Starting your orthodontic journey begins with one comfortable, no-pressure appointment. Your first visit to American Braces & Smile Center Orthodontics is a free, no-obligation consultation — an opportunity to meet Dr. Ron Hessamfar and our team, receive a complete oral examination, and learn which treatment options are the right fit for your smile and your life. We have served thousands of patients across Ashburn, Woodbridge, and Alexandria, VA — and we understand that walking in for the first time can feel like a big step. We make that step as easy as possible.
Your First Visit to ABSC Orthodontics — What to Expect & Patient Forms
What Happens at Your First Orthodontic Visit at ABSC?
Your first ABSC appointment is a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation — not a treatment session. Dr. Hessamfar will review your dental and medical history, perform a thorough clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw, take digital X-rays and an iTero™ 3D digital scan of your teeth, and present you with a fully personalized treatment plan — along with a complete breakdown of costs, insurance benefits, and payment options. The entire visit is designed to answer every question you have before you make any decision. If you are ready to begin and there are no scheduling conflicts, treatment can often begin the same day as your consultation.
Complete Your Patient Forms Before Your Visit
To make your first visit as smooth and efficient as possible, please download and complete the correct form for your situation before you arrive. Completing your forms in advance allows Dr. Hessamfar to review your medical and dental history before your appointment and spend more of your time discussing your smile — not paperwork.
Download Your New Patient Form
- Patient Form for Kids (PDF) — for pediatric patients
- Patient Form for Adults (PDF) — for adult patients
- Patient Form for Kids and Adults (PDF) — for families with multiple patients
Complete whichever form applies to you and bring the printed copy with you to your appointment. If you are unable to print your form, please arrive a few minutes early and our front desk team will assist you.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Along with your completed patient form, please bring the following to help us build the most accurate and safe treatment plan for you:
- Any recent dental X-rays — if your general dentist has taken X-rays within the past year, bring copies or ask your dentist to send them to us in advance
- A full list of current medications — prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements
- Your dental insurance card — our team will verify your orthodontic benefits on-site and file all claims on your behalf
- Information about any current or past medical conditions — including but not limited to: diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves or joints, rheumatic fever, or any other condition your doctor has noted
- A parent or legal guardian — required for all patients under 18. The guardian will be involved in treatment planning and financial arrangements
- Your questions — there is no such thing as too many questions. Bring a list, bring curiosity, and know that our team is here to answer everything
During Your First Visit, We Will:
- Welcome you and review your forms — our front desk team will check you in and confirm your health and dental history before you meet Dr. Hessamfar
- Perform a complete oral exam — Dr. Hessamfar examines your teeth, jaw alignment, bite, and facial structure to assess your full orthodontic picture
- Take digital X-rays — to evaluate tooth roots, jaw bone structure, and any underlying issues not visible in a visual exam
- Capture an iTero 3D digital scan — a fast, comfortable, radiation-free 3D scan of your teeth replaces messy putty impressions and generates an immediate digital model of your smile
- Show you a Smile Simulation — for Invisalign candidates, the iTero system can generate a digital preview of what your smile could look like after treatment — before you commit to anything
- Create your personalized treatment plan — Dr. Hessamfar presents his clinical recommendation and explains your full options, timelines, and expected outcomes
- Walk through all financial details — your insurance coverage, out-of-pocket estimate, and available monthly payment plan options are reviewed clearly and completely before you leave
If you are ready to move forward and scheduling allows, treatment can begin on the same day as your first visit — with braces placed or aligners ordered at that appointment.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most common — and most useful — questions our patients ask at their first consultation with Dr. Hessamfar. Consider this your ready-made list:
- What treatment options will work best for my specific teeth and bite?
- How long will treatment take from start to finish?
- How do I care for my teeth during treatment — especially with braces?
- How often will I need to come in for progress appointments?
- What is the total cost of treatment for my case?
- Do you offer flexible monthly payment plans?
- Does my dental insurance cover this treatment?
- What happens after treatment is complete — do I need a retainer?
- Are there any restrictions on eating, sports, or activities during treatment?
- Is my child old enough to start treatment, or should we wait?
Have more questions? Browse our full list of common orthodontic questions answered by the ABSC team.
How Often Will I Need to Visit After My First Appointment?
Once treatment is underway, most ABSC patients come in for progress appointments approximately every four to eight weeks. The exact interval depends on your treatment type and where you are in your plan — Invisalign patients typically visit every six weeks, while patients with traditional braces may come in every four to six weeks for wire adjustments. Longer and more intensive appointments are scheduled in the afternoons so Dr. Hessamfar can give you his complete, undivided attention.
We understand that life does not always go to plan. If you need to reschedule or are running late, please call our office as soon as possible — we will do our best to accommodate you with minimal disruption to your treatment timeline. Online appointment booking is also available at any time.
Three Convenient Locations Across Northern Virginia
- Ashburn, VA — serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly, and Reston
- Woodbridge, VA — serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dale City, Dumfries, and Lake Ridge
- Alexandria, VA — serving Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, McLean, and Annandale
Call us at 703-726-6561 or book your free consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions — Your First Visit to ABSC
Is my first consultation really free?
Yes, completely. Your first visit to ABSC is a 100% free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee to meet Dr. Hessamfar, receive your clinical examination, take your iTero scan, or review your treatment plan and financial options. You will leave with all the information you need to make a confident decision — with zero pressure.
Do I need to bring my patient forms, or can I fill them out at the office?
We strongly encourage you to download, complete, and bring your patient forms before your visit — it saves time and allows Dr. Hessamfar to review your health and dental history in advance. If you are unable to print them, please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and our team will assist you with completing them at the front desk.
Can treatment start on the same day as my first visit?
Yes, in many cases. If Dr. Hessamfar has a clear clinical picture, your treatment plan is decided, and scheduling allows — braces can be placed or Invisalign aligners ordered at the same appointment. If same-day start is not possible, your second appointment will typically be scheduled shortly after and will consist of braces placement or impression/scan for your prescribed appliance.
Does my child need to come with a parent?
Yes. All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the first consultation. The guardian will be involved in reviewing the treatment plan, understanding the timeline, and completing financial arrangements. We encourage parents to come with their own list of questions — we welcome family involvement throughout the process.
What if I have a complex medical history?
Please note all current medications and medical conditions on your patient form before your visit. If you have a complex medical history — including conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves or joints, or rheumatic fever — Dr. Hessamfar will review this carefully before recommending a treatment plan. In some cases, we may coordinate with your primary care physician or cardiologist to ensure your orthodontic treatment is fully safe for your health profile.
How long does the first appointment take?
Most first consultations at ABSC take approximately 45 to 60 minutes from check-in to checkout. This allows enough time for your examination, X-rays, iTero scan, treatment plan presentation, and financial review — without feeling rushed.
Your Comfort and Confidence Come First
“Walking in for my first appointment I was nervous and had a hundred questions. The team at ABSC put me completely at ease — Dr. Hessamfar took his time to explain everything, showed me exactly what my teeth looked like on the screen, and walked me through all my options without any pressure. I left feeling completely confident in my decision.”
— ABSC Orthodontics patient, Woodbridge, VA
Dr. Ron Hessamfar has been practicing orthodontics in Northern Virginia for over 20 years. He is a recognized Top Orthodontist by Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine, and ABSC is consistently voted Best Orthodontist in Prince William and Loudoun County. Every patient — child, teen, or adult — receives the same level of individual attention and care from their very first visit.
Ready to Take the First Step? It Starts With One Free Visit.
Download your patient forms, bring your questions, and come meet the ABSC team. Your first consultation is free, comfortable, and completely without obligation — and it is the only thing standing between you and the smile you have always wanted.
