A free orthodontic consultation at Franklin Orthodontics is a relaxed, no-pressure visit. You meet the team, get a digital iTero scan instead of messy impressions, have an exam with Dr. Brittney Franklin, and leave with a personalized plan and clear payment options.
Many families in Chambersburg put off that first appointment because they are not sure what to expect, or they worry they will be pushed into treatment on the spot. That is not how our consults work. The visit exists so you can ask questions, see your own teeth on screen and decide on your own timeline. This guide walks through each part of the appointment so you can walk in prepared.
What Happens When You First Arrive?
A welcome from the front desk
Your visit starts with our front desk team, who check you in and answer any quick questions about paperwork or insurance. If you are bringing a child or teen, this is a good moment to mention anything that makes them nervous, so the team can plan around it.
A quick tour of the office
We show new patients around the office so the space feels familiar before anything clinical happens. Kids in particular settle down once they have seen where treatment happens and met a few friendly faces. Our office is family-friendly, and the team speaks both English and Spanish, so parents can ask questions in whichever language is most comfortable.
How Does Dr. Franklin Examine Your Teeth?
The iTero digital scan
Instead of trays filled with impression putty, we use the iTero scanner, a small handheld wand that captures a high-resolution 3D image of your teeth in a few minutes. There is no goop and no gagging. You can read more about it on our technology page. The scan gives Dr. Franklin an accurate model of your bite, and it lets you see your teeth from angles you have never seen before.
The clinical exam
Dr. Franklin then looks at how your teeth fit together, how the jaws line up and whether there is crowding, spacing or a bite problem worth correcting. She earned her orthodontic specialty certificate and a master’s degree in oral biology at Temple University, where her research focused on 3D imaging and facial esthetics, so the scan and the exam work together.
Questions worth asking during the exam
Bring your list. Families often ask whether treatment is needed now or later, how long it might take, and what daily life will look like. Adults often ask about discreet options. Nothing is off-limits, and there is no such thing as a silly question at a consult.
What Will Your Treatment Plan Include?
Your options, explained in plain language
If treatment makes sense, Dr. Franklin explains which options fit your case. At our office that usually means traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces or 3M Clarity clear aligners. She will tell you why one option suits your bite better than another, rather than handing you a brochure.
A realistic sense of timing
You will get an idea of how long treatment could take and how often you would come in. Timelines depend on the case, so treat this as an honest estimate, not a promise. For younger children, the answer may be that no treatment is needed yet and it is better to keep an eye on growth.
What happens if you are not ready to decide
Nothing. The consult is yours to use however you like. Some patients start soon after, some take a few weeks to think, and some come back when the timing is right for the family.
How Are Cost and Insurance Handled?
Money is one of the most common reasons people delay treatment, so we cover it at the first visit instead of leaving it as a surprise. Our patient resources page lists the details, and the team walks through them with you in person.
Payment options at a glance
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| 0% interest financing | Spread the cost of treatment over monthly payments with no interest |
| Low down payments | Down payments start at $500 |
| Insurance | The team verifies any orthodontic coverage you have |
| CareCredit | A healthcare credit card with special financing options |
| Other payment | All major credit cards, cash, personal checks and Apple Pay |
Checking your insurance
If you have dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, bring your card. The team can verify coverage and explain how it applies to your plan so the monthly number you see is the number you actually pay.
How Should You Prepare for the Visit?
What to bring
- Your insurance card, if you have orthodontic coverage
- A list of questions or concerns about your smile or bite
- Any notes from your family dentist about crowding, spacing or bite issues
- For children, a parent or guardian who can discuss options and consent
Timing your appointment
Our Chambersburg office at 39 St. Paul Dr. is open Monday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Families coming from Shippensburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro and the rest of Franklin County often book early or late slots around school and work.
What Happens After the Consultation?
If treatment is recommended now
If Dr. Franklin recommends starting, the next step is usually scheduling the appointment when your braces go on or your first 3M Clarity aligners are delivered. For braces, we use 3M Digital Bonding: your bracket positions are planned digitally from the iTero scan and transferred with a custom tray, which keeps that first appointment shorter and more comfortable.
If it’s better to wait
For many younger children, the best plan is to watch growth. In that case the team sets up periodic check-ins so Dr. Franklin can track how adult teeth are coming in and recommend the right time to start. There is no cost pressure and no rush; the goal is treating at the moment it will do the most good.
If you want a second look
Some families like to go home, talk it over and come back with more questions. That is completely normal. Call the office anytime and the team will help you pick up where you left off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to start treatment afterward.
How old should my child be for a first visit?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age Dr. Franklin can spot jaw growth or eruption issues early, even if treatment waits until later.
Will I start treatment the same day?
Usually the consult is about information and planning. If you are ready and your plan allows it, the team will talk with you about next steps and scheduling.
Can the consult be in Spanish?
Yes. Our Spanish-speaking team members can help explain the exam, the plan and the payment options so every parent and patient fully understands.
Book Your Free Consultation in Chambersburg
If you have been wondering whether you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, the easiest way to find out is to see it for yourself. Request your free consult online or call (717) 262-4002, and we will look forward to meeting you.