A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation is a close look at your bite, teeth, and jaws before anyone talks about braces or aligners. It is the starting point for every new patient, whether your child is around age 7 with a mix of baby and permanent teeth, your teen has crowding, or you are an adult curious about straighter teeth.
Hambleton Orthodontics welcomes patients for evaluations at our Pasadena office — you get answers first, with no commitment required, and you decide what happens next.
Before we recommend anything, we collect records that show what is happening above and below the gumline. In orthodontics, a typical set includes facial and dental photographs along with specific X-rays. The exact records vary from patient to patient, so we choose only what your case calls for.
Once your records are ready, we review them with you and explain what we found in plain language. You will hear which options may fit your goals, how long each one is expected to take, and what to expect along the way. If treatment is not needed yet, we tell you that too, and we may suggest a follow-up visit to watch how your smile develops.
Our practice opened its doors in Pasadena in 1955, and our family has spent decades learning that good orthodontics starts with good conversations. We would rather answer every question at the first visit than leave you guessing, so we slow down, show you what we see, and let you decide when you feel ready. Meet the people who will care for you on our team page.
An evaluation should tell you what is right for your smile, even when the answer is to wait. After reviewing your records, we’ll share what we see, which options may fit, and whether to start treatment now or later. If your child is still growing, we may suggest a check-in at a future visit instead of starting early. You make the decision with full information and no pressure.
Children, teens, and adults have different needs, so we tailor the evaluation to the person in front of us. For a younger child, we focus on how teeth and jaws are developing. For a teen, we look at alignment and timing around school and activities. For adults, we review your teeth and gums and discuss your goals. Whatever your age, you leave knowing what we found and what comes next.
Every evaluation is shaped around the patient in the chair, but most visits include the same core pieces. Together, they give us a complete picture, so your treatment plan is based on facts, not guesses.
We check how your teeth fit together, how your jaw moves, and whether habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing may be affecting your bite.
Dental X-rays show tooth roots, jaw structure, and teeth that have not come in yet. In children, they can show how permanent teeth are developing under the gums.
Photos of your face, smile, and teeth give us a baseline to compare against as treatment progresses. They also help us study how your smile looks at rest and when you laugh.
Depending on your case, we may record the shape of your teeth with a scan or impressions. These records help us plan tooth movement carefully and map out your treatment from start to finish.
Many people feel unsure about what a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation involves, and that is completely normal. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
In many cases, no. Parents often notice first when something looks off with their child’s teeth or bite, and you are welcome to contact us before your dentist brings it up. If your dentist has already shared a concern, we are happy to talk it through at your visit.
Yes. Adults follow the same process, and it helps us choose between options like braces and Invisalign. Because adult teeth and gums have different needs, we carefully assess your oral health before recommending a plan.
If you have recent X-rays from your general dentist, let our team know. You can also complete your patient forms ahead of time so we can spend more of your visit on questions and conversation.
Yes. We cover which options may fit, roughly how long they take, and what they cost, and we also explain payment plans so you can plan with confidence. We offer payment plans for orthodontic treatment.
Three generations of our family have cared for Pasadena-area smiles for more than 70 years. We treat children, teens, and adults with braces, ceramic clear braces, and Invisalign, and we walk you through every step so you always know what to expect.
Hambleton Orthodontics offers a free consultation — a good way to understand your options and get honest answers before making any decisions. Take the first step and contact our office to schedule yours.
