How Many Orthodontic Consultations Should I Get?

February 12, 2026

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision - for you, your child, and your family. You’re not just selecting braces or Invisalign®.

You’re choosing the doctor and team who will carefully shape your smile, guide facial development, and be trusted with changes that last a lifetime. It’s a big deal!

So it’s natural to ask:

Should I get a second opinion before choosing an orthodontist?

And the short answer is: Yes, absolutely!

Getting a second orthodontic consultation is one of the smartest steps you can take before committing to treatment.

Let’s break down why second opinions matter, what to expect from an orthodontic consultation, and how to make sure you’re choosing the right Simi Valley, CA orthodontist for your family.

Is It Normal to Get a Second Orthodontic Opinion?

Yes, and reputable orthodontists actually encourage it.

Orthodontic treatment plans can vary based on:

Doctor experience and philosophy
Available technology and treatment options
Timing recommendations (especially for kids and teens)
Cost, financing, and insurance handling

A second opinion gives you perspective. It helps confirm whether a recommended plan truly fits your needs, or whether there may be another approach worth considering.

In other words, it’s not about distrust. It’s about confidence.

Are Orthodontic Consultations Free?

This is one of the most common questions to ask when learning about consultations, especially when you consider how much goes into your first visit - between your consultation and full smile exam.

Some practices do offer free orthodontic consultations, and Soul Orthodontics is proud to be one of them!

We want all of our Simi Valley, CA families to receive an expert smile exam and have the option of a second opinion with Dr. Albert, our board-certified orthodontist, with no pressure.

A complimentary consultation typically includes:

A smile and bite evaluation, using advanced imaging technology for x-rays and a smile scan
A one-on-one consultation with an experienced board-certified orthodontist
A discussion of treatment options
Cost and financing overview

It’s always okay to ask a practice upfront:

“Do your orthodontist consultations cost money?”

Transparency is a good sign you’re in the right place.

How Long Is an Orthodontic Consultation?

Most orthodontic consultations last about 1 hour.

That time is used to:

Get to know you (and your family!)
Show you around the office and help you feel settled before we dive into anything
Evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw development
Discuss goals, concerns, and lifestyle needs
Review treatment options, like braces or Invisalign®
Answer all of your questions with no rushing and no pressure

If a consultation feels hurried or impersonal, that’s valuable information to have before committing.

Why a Second Opinion Can Make a Big Difference

A second orthodontic consultation isn’t just about comparing treatment plans. It’s about evaluating the entire experience.

Here’s what a second opinion can help you assess:

The Doctor’s Experience & Approach

At Soul Orthodontics, families benefit from board-certified expertise and a modern, VIP-level experience. Not every doctor goes the extra mile to earn their board certification, but Dr. Albert took his training one step further to deliver you the best care and results.

Dr. Albert has extensive experience treating patients of all ages, from early orthodontic treatment for young patients to innovative solutions for adults. That level of experience matters!

The Office Environment & Team

Does the office feel welcoming?
Is the team patient, friendly, and organized?
Do you feel comfortable asking questions?

These details matter, especially for kids and teens who may be more apprehensive about treatment! At our Simi Valley orthodontic office, we create an experience that feels more like a moment of relaxation than a doctor’s visit.

We have personal, ceiling-mounted TVs above every exam chair, with a beverage bar and iPad bar in our waiting area.

Check out our Facebook and Instagram to get a sense of our day-to-day, our team energy, and how we interact with the families we care for.

Treatment Options That Fit Your Life

Not every orthodontic office offers the same solutions, and nowadays, you have more treatment options than ever before.

It’s important that you have a treatment option that fits your lifestyle and makes you feel comfortable.

At Soul Orthodontics, we offer:

Invisalign® for kids, teens, and adults
Ceramic clear braces
Traditional metal braces
Same Day Braces so you can have braces placed on your first visit, or start your custom Invisalign journey by taking your smile scan

Having options means treatment can actually fit your life, not force you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Financing & Insurance Support

A second opinion is also your chance to compare affordability and flexibility.

At Soul Orthodontics, we want to make orthodontics affordable and accessible for every family. We offer flexible financing plans with:

0% interest, in-house financing
Complimentary insurance benefit checks
Insurance filing handled for you
HSA and FSA accepted
Family and pay-in-full discounts

Not every practice offers flexible financing options, and not every practice accepts insurance and handles the paperwork for you.

When comparing orthodontists, this level of support makes a real difference.

Does Insurance Cover Second Opinions?

Insurance plans vary, but here’s the good news:

Many orthodontic consultations are free regardless of insurance
A free insurance benefit check can clarify coverage before you commit

At Soul Orthodontics, we help you understand your benefits so there are no surprises later.

How to Get a Second Opinion From an Orthodontist

Getting a second orthodontic opinion is easier than most families expect.

Here’s how:

Schedule a consultation (look for offices that offer them free, like us!)
Bring any previous recommendations or X-rays if you have them
Ask questions: about treatment, timing, cost, and experience
Trust how the office makes you feel

You’re not obligated to start treatment. A consultation is simply information, and information empowers good decisions.

How Many Orthodontic Consultations Should You Get?

For most families, two consultations is ideal.

One helps you understand what’s recommended. The second helps you confirm whether it’s the right fit.

If both opinions align, you can move forward with confidence. If they don’t, you’ll know exactly what questions to ask next.

If you or your child is dealing with a more complex orthodontic issue, and an invasive procedure like jaw surgery is recommended, it’s a good idea to seek a second (or even third) opinion. You want to feel 100% confident that the treatment route you choose is the best decision for you or your child.