Every orthodontic treatment at Leiker Orthodontics starts the same way: with a complimentary exam at our office in The Woodlands or Conroe. It’s not a sales appointment. It’s a full evaluation of your teeth, jaws and bite, done by one of our doctors, that ends with clear answers about what you need, when, and what it will cost. Sometimes the answer is that you don’t need treatment yet.
Here is what the exam includes, what we are looking for, and how to get the most out of it.
Who Should Get an Orthodontic Exam?
- Children around age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most kids still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets us spot crowding, crossbites and jaw-growth concerns while they are easiest to guide.
- Teens with crooked or crowded teeth, a bite that doesn’t line up, or a dentist’s recommendation to see an orthodontist.
- Adults who have always wanted straighter teeth, whose teeth have shifted since childhood braces, or whose dentist has noticed bite-related wear.
- Anyone with jaw discomfort, clicking, or teeth that don’t meet evenly when they bite.
You don’t need a referral. You can schedule directly.
What Happens During the Exam
A conversation first
We start with you: what bothers you about your smile or bite, what you have been told before, and what you want from treatment. We also review your dental and medical history so any plan is safe and fits your overall health.
A clinical evaluation of teeth, jaws and bite
Dr. Leiker or Dr. Leiker II examines how your teeth line up, how your upper and lower jaws relate, and how your bite comes together when you close and chew. Our practice treats with the Roth/Williams philosophy of functional jaw positioning, so we look past the front teeth to how your bite and jaw joints work together. Dr. Brad Leiker completed a two-year program at the Roth/Williams Center for Functional Occlusion focused on functional occlusion, TMJ health and comprehensive orthodontic care.
Digital records
Depending on your needs, we may take:
- Digital X-rays, which use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are ready to review immediately.
- iCat 3D radiographs, a cone-beam CT scan that shows teeth, roots, jaw structure, airway passages and unerupted teeth in three dimensions.
- An iTero 3D intraoral scan, a quick digital impression taken with a handheld wand instead of impression putty. It also lets us show you a simulation of how your teeth could move.
What We Are Looking For
| Finding | What it can mean |
|---|---|
| Crowding or spacing | Teeth that are hard to clean or gaps that may widen |
| Overbite, underbite or crossbite | Uneven wear, chewing problems or strain on the jaw |
| Jaw growth imbalance (children) | A chance to guide growth with early treatment |
| Impacted or missing teeth | Teeth that may need help erupting, or space planning |
| Thumb sucking or other habits | Habits that can affect how teeth and jaws develop |
| Bite and joint concerns | A bite that isn’t working in harmony with the jaw joints |
| Airway clues on 3D imaging | Narrow airway passages worth discussing with your physician |
Your Results and Treatment Options
Before you leave, we sit down with you and explain what we found in plain language. You will hear one of three things:
- No treatment needed right now.
- Monitor: common for younger children. We schedule check-ins to watch growth and tooth eruption and step in at the right time.
- Treatment recommended: we explain the options that fit your case, which may include braces (mini silver, mini gold or clear), Invisalign or Spark clear aligners, or early orthodontic treatment for a growing child, along with the expected timeline.
If both braces and aligners would work, we tell you so and walk through the trade-offs so you can choose.
Cost, Financing and Insurance
The exam is free. If treatment is recommended, we review the cost before anything starts and explain our flexible financing, including 0% interest payment plans. Leiker Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans, and our team helps you get the most from your orthodontic benefits. More detail is on our patient resources page.
How to Prepare
- Write down your questions and what you want to change about your smile.
- Bring your dental insurance information and a list of medications.
- If your dentist sent recent X-rays or a referral note, bring those too.
- For a child, bring the parent or guardian who will make treatment decisions.
- Brush before you come. We will be looking closely.
Why Families Choose Leiker Orthodontics
Leiker Orthodontics is a family-owned practice led by a father-and-son team. Dr. Bradley J. Leiker, DDS, MS, brings more than 30 years of experience and completed his orthodontic training at The University of Oklahoma. Dr. Bradley J. Leiker II, DDS, grew up in North Spring and The Woodlands and joined the practice in 2020. Both have completed advanced Invisalign training. Meet them on our doctors page.
Schedule Your Free Exam
We see patients at our offices in The Woodlands and in Conroe at 1003 Longmire Road, including families from Spring, Magnolia, Montgomery and Willis. Request your free consultation online, call our Woodlands office at (281) 643-0658 or our Conroe office at (936) 310-3752, or text (281) 907-9023.
Orthodontic Exam FAQ
Is the orthodontic exam really free?
Yes. Your first visit is a complimentary consultation that includes the evaluation and a personalized treatment discussion, with no obligation to start.
At what age should my child have an orthodontic exam?
By age seven, as the American Association of Orthodontists recommends. Most children seen at that age don’t need treatment right away. The exam is about timing.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. You can book directly. We are happy to coordinate with your family dentist.
Will I find out the cost at the exam?
Yes. If treatment is recommended, we review the cost, financing options including 0% interest plans, and your insurance benefits before you decide.