# The Patient Journey on Virtual Consultant: From First Click to First Appointment Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-06-19 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/patient-journey-virtual-consultant-first-click-to-appointment Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fpatient-journey-virtual-consultant-first-click-to-appointment Thinking about orthodontic treatment but not sure where to start? The process of going from "I want straighter teeth" to actually sitting in an orthodontist's chair can feel daunting if you do not know what to expect. There are questions about whether you are even suitable, how much it might cost, whether braces or aligners are the right option, and how to find a good practice near you. Most people spend weeks — sometimes months — researching online before they feel confident enough to take the first step. Virtual Consultant Online is designed to make that first step as easy as possible. Rather than walking into a practice cold, you can complete an initial assessment online, get a personalised response from a real clinician, and arrive at your first appointment already knowing the basics of your situation. This guide walks through the entire orthodontic patient journey — from your first visit to the website through to your first in-person consultation — so you know exactly what to expect at each stage. Key takeaway Starting orthodontic treatment does not have to begin with a phone call during business hours or a walk-in enquiry. Virtual Consultant Online lets you start the process on your own terms — completing an online assessment in your own time, receiving a clinician response within hours, and booking your consultation when it suits you. By the time you walk into the practice for your first appointment, you will already have a clearer picture of your treatment options, likely costs, and what the journey ahead looks like. ## Step 1: Understanding What You Want (and Whether You Need It) Most people who are considering orthodontic treatment have a general sense of what is bothering them — crooked teeth, a gap, an overbite, or just a smile they have never felt confident about. But they often do not know whether what they are bothered by is something that can be treated, how complex the treatment would be, or whether they are the kind of candidate an orthodontist would take on. The first thing Virtual Consultant Online helps you do is get clearer on this. The website includes information on the dental problems that can be treated with orthodontics , a breakdown of the types of treatment available — including fixed braces, clear aligners, and removable appliances — and tools to help you self-assess before you commit to anything. ### Could you qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment? If you or your child might be eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment, the NHS eligibility checker gives you an indication of whether your case is likely to meet the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) threshold that NHS treatment requires. NHS orthodontic treatment in the UK is generally available to children under 18 whose teeth meet a defined clinical need threshold — adults are rarely eligible except in unusual circumstances, and waiting lists can be long. If you are an adult, or if NHS eligibility is uncertain, the IOTN score checker helps you understand where your case sits on the standard clinical scale — giving you useful context before your first appointment, even if you ultimately go privately. 2–6 weeks Typical time from first website visit to booked first consultation when using an online assessment process 87% Of patients who complete a virtual assessment say it made them feel more confident and informed going into their first appointment 24 hrs Typical clinician response time to a virtual assessment — so you get real answers fast, without waiting weeks for an in-person slot ## Step 2: Using the Smile Visualisation Tool One of the most common uncertainties people have before starting orthodontic treatment is a simple one: what will my teeth actually look like at the end? You are committing to 12 to 24 months of wearing something on your teeth based on a description, some before-and-after photos from someone else, and your clinician's assessment. That can feel like a leap of faith. The smile visualisation tool on Virtual Consultant Online gives you a way to see a simulation of what your smile could look like after treatment — before you have committed to anything. This is not a clinical treatment plan and it is not a guarantee of your specific outcome, but it is a powerful way to move from abstract possibility to emotional connection with the idea of treatment. Patients who see a simulated outcome before their first consultation are significantly more likely to understand the value of treatment and to proceed with confidence. The technology behind smile simulation in orthodontics has advanced considerably in recent years. Modern tools use AI to apply clinically plausible tooth movement to a photograph of your actual smile — the result is personalised to your face and teeth rather than a generic "after" example. The science and technology behind smile visualisation is covered in detail if you want to understand how it works. ## Step 3: Completing Your Online Virtual Assessment The virtual assessment is the heart of the Virtual Consultant Online patient journey. It is the point at which you go from browsing to actively engaging with a real practice and a real clinician. Here is exactly what is involved. ### What you will need to complete an online assessment The virtual assessment requires photographs of your teeth — typically a front-on smile photo, a profile photo, and photos of your bite from the right and left sides, as well as photos of your upper and lower teeth. You do not need a professional camera; a smartphone is perfectly adequate, and the assessment guide explains how to take clear, usable photographs without any special equipment. You will also be asked some basic questions about your situation: your age, whether you have had orthodontic treatment before, any specific concerns you want to address, and your NHS eligibility situation if relevant. The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, and can be completed at any time of day — you do not need to call during business hours or wait for an appointment slot to open up. ### What happens after you submit your assessment Once you submit your assessment, a qualified clinician reviews your photographs and information and provides a personalised written response. This is not a computer-generated report — it is a clinician who has looked at your actual situation and given you their professional view on what treatment options are likely to suit your case. The response typically covers: Whether your case appears suitable for orthodontic treatment based on your photographs Which treatment types are likely to be most appropriate — fixed braces, clear aligners , or other options An indication of approximate treatment duration based on what is visible An initial cost indication or range A clear next step — usually an invitation to book an in-person consultation It is important to note that the virtual assessment response is an initial clinical view based on photographs only — it is not a formal treatment plan. A full treatment plan can only be produced after an in-person examination that includes clinical records such as X-rays and dental models. But the assessment response gives you genuinely useful information that most people cannot access without a paid consultation, and it gives you a far better-informed starting point for that first appointment. Important The virtual assessment photographs should be taken in good lighting with your teeth clean and your mouth in a natural position. Blurry, dark, or partially obstructed photographs will limit the clinician's ability to assess your case accurately. The assessment guide on the platform includes detailed instructions for getting the clearest possible photographs — taking an extra five minutes to follow these guidelines will result in a more accurate and useful response. Find out if you are suitable — today Complete a free online assessment and get a personalised response from a qualified clinician — no phone call needed, no waiting weeks for an appointment. Start your free assessment → ## Step 4: Understanding Your Cost Options One of the biggest reasons people delay starting orthodontic treatment is uncertainty about cost. The cost of orthodontic treatment in the UK varies considerably depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the practice location. As a rough guide: Treatment type Approximate UK private cost Typical treatment duration Metal fixed braces £1,500 – £3,500 12 – 24 months Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces £2,000 – £4,500 12 – 24 months Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign) £2,500 – £6,000 6 – 18 months Lingual braces (hidden behind teeth) £4,000 – £10,000 12 – 24 months NHS treatment (children eligible) Free (where IOTN threshold is met) 18 – 24 months typically These are indicative ranges — your actual cost will depend on your specific case and the practice you choose. The clinician response to your virtual assessment will typically include a cost indication for your situation. Monthly payment plans are widely available for private orthodontic treatment in the UK, making treatment more accessible even at higher price points. The article on paying monthly for braces covers the options in detail. ## Step 5: Finding a Practice and Booking Your Consultation If you have completed your virtual assessment through a specific practice on Virtual Consultant Online, your next step is booking an in-person consultation with that practice. Your patient portal will typically include a direct link to book, and your clinician's response will make the next steps clear. If you are still exploring practices, the find an orthodontist near you tool on Virtual Consultant Online helps you identify qualified orthodontic practices in your area, with information on the treatments each practice offers and how to make initial contact. Choosing a practice where the treating clinician is a specialist orthodontist — a dentist who has completed an additional three years of postgraduate training specifically in orthodontics — is generally the best approach for all but the simplest cases. ### What makes a good first consultation? Your first in-person consultation is the point at which the clinical relationship formally begins. A good first consultation should: Include a full clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw — not just a visual inspection Result in a specific treatment recommendation or a shortlist of suitable options — not just a general chat about possibilities Include photographs, and typically X-rays, to inform the treatment plan Include a written treatment plan and cost breakdown that you can take away and consider Give you the opportunity to ask questions — about the treatment, the process, the risks, and the alternatives Leave you feeling informed and confident, not pressured to commit immediately First consultations with private orthodontists in the UK may be free or may attract a fee of between £50 and £150 — this varies by practice. When you book through Virtual Consultant Online, you will typically have an indication of whether there is a consultation fee before you attend. ## Step 6: What Happens Between Your Assessment Response and Your Appointment The period between submitting your virtual assessment and attending your first in-person appointment is one that many patients underestimate. If you are considering treatment seriously, this is the time to: Sort out your oral health first: Before orthodontic treatment can begin, your teeth and gums need to be in good health. If you have outstanding decay, active gum disease, or significant tartar build-up, most orthodontists will ask your dentist to address these before treatment starts. The article on getting your oral health ready for braces or aligners explains what you need to do before your first appointment. Research your treatment options: If your assessment response has suggested both fixed braces and clear aligners as suitable options, use the time before your appointment to research the practical differences — not just the aesthetics. The article on braces versus clear aligners covers the key considerations in depth, including compliance requirements, suitability for different case types, and lifestyle factors. Think about your questions: Write down anything you want to know before your first appointment. Your clinician expects questions — the best patients to treat are those who are engaged, informed, and clear about what they want to achieve. Questions about treatment duration, risks, retention requirements, and what happens if you are not happy with the outcome are all entirely appropriate. Explore your finance options: If cost is a consideration, look into the payment plan options offered by the practice. Most private orthodontic practices offer 0% finance or low-interest payment plans that spread the cost over the treatment period. Understanding your monthly payment commitment before your first appointment means you can have an informed conversation about affordability without feeling put on the spot. ## Your Patient Portal: Support Throughout the Journey Once you have submitted your virtual assessment and begun engaging with a practice through Virtual Consultant Online, you will have access to your personal patient portal. This is a secure online space where you can view your assessment response, access information about your treatment plan once you have had your consultation, track your treatment progress during active treatment, and communicate with your practice team. The portal also holds your appointment schedule and sends you reminders before each visit — so you do not have to keep track of appointments manually or rely on calendar entries that can be easily missed. Throughout your treatment journey, the portal is the place where your practice team can share progress notes with you, and where you can ask questions between appointments without needing to phone during business hours. If you want orthodontic support at any stage of your journey — whether that is a question about your treatment, guidance on a specific concern, or help understanding what to do if something feels wrong between appointments — the support tools in Virtual Consultant Online are designed to give you access to the right information and the right people quickly. ## Common Questions Before Your First Appointment Patients approaching their first orthodontic consultation consistently have similar questions. Here are the most common, with direct answers. Good signs for your consultation Your gums are healthy and you have no active dental problems You have thought about what bothers you most and can describe it clearly You have a rough sense of which treatment type appeals to you You know roughly what your budget allows and whether finance is needed Things to sort before your consultation Outstanding dental decay or active gum problems — see your dentist first Wisdom teeth that may need removal — ask your dentist to advise Any dental work planned (crowns, implants) that may affect treatment options Children under 12 — most orthodontists prefer to wait for most adult teeth to be in before starting ### Is there a right age to start orthodontic treatment? The short answer is: it depends on the treatment and the case. For children, most orthodontists prefer to wait until the majority of adult teeth have come through — typically around 12 to 14 — before starting fixed brace treatment. Starting too early with complex fixed appliances can lead to longer total treatment time if baby teeth are still present. For adults, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. The best age to start orthodontic treatment is covered in detail, but the general principle is that healthy teeth can be moved at any age — bone biology does not exclude adults from achieving excellent outcomes. ### Will orthodontic treatment be painful? Some discomfort is normal, particularly in the first few days after braces are fitted or after each adjustment appointment. The teeth and jaw may ache as they adapt to new pressures, and the inside of the cheeks may be sore until they toughen up against the brackets. This discomfort typically peaks at 24 to 72 hours after each adjustment and then resolves. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually sufficient. Clear aligner patients typically experience similar discomfort when changing to a new set of aligners, though many find the overall experience more comfortable than fixed braces. ### How long will my treatment take? Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case and the treatment type. Minor alignment issues treated with clear aligners can sometimes be resolved in as little as 3 to 6 months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction with fixed braces typically take 18 to 24 months. Your clinician will give you an estimated duration at your first consultation based on your full clinical records — the virtual assessment response will give you a preliminary indication, but the formal timeline is set after the in-person examination. The typical treatment timelines for different brace types gives a useful overview before your appointment. Ready to Take the First Step? 😀 A virtual assessment takes around 15 minutes and gives you a personalised response from a real clinician — at no cost, with no commitment. Find out whether you are suitable, what your options look like, and what treatment might cost before you set foot in a practice. Start Your Free Assessment → ## FAQs ### How do I start the process of getting braces or aligners in the UK? The first step is to find out whether you are suitable for orthodontic treatment and what your options look like. You can do this by completing a free online virtual assessment through Virtual Consultant Online — submitting photographs of your teeth and answering a short set of questions. A qualified clinician will review your submission and respond with a personalised assessment of your suitability, likely treatment options, and initial cost indication, typically within 24 hours. You can then use this to book an in-person consultation with a practice in your area. ### What happens at a first orthodontic consultation? At your first orthodontic consultation, the clinician will conduct a full clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw — this typically includes photographs and X-rays as well as a visual examination. They will discuss the treatment options that are suitable for your case, provide an estimated treatment duration and cost, and answer your questions about the process. You should receive a written treatment plan and cost breakdown to take away. You are not expected to make an immediate decision at the consultation — most practices give you time to consider the plan before committing. ### Can adults get NHS orthodontic treatment in the UK? Adults are rarely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment in the UK. NHS orthodontic treatment is generally available to children under 18 whose teeth meet the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) threshold — a clinical scoring system that assesses how much their dental health would benefit from treatment. Adults may be eligible in a small number of exceptional circumstances, typically involving significant functional impairment rather than cosmetic concerns. Most adult orthodontic treatment in the UK is provided privately. ### What is a virtual orthodontic assessment and is it free? A virtual orthodontic assessment is an online process where you submit photographs of your teeth and answer questions about your situation, and a qualified clinician reviews your submission and provides a personalised written response. Through Virtual Consultant Online, the initial assessment is free — there is no cost and no commitment to proceed. The assessment gives you a clinician's view on your suitability for treatment, likely options, and a cost indication, which helps you decide whether to book an in-person consultation. ### Do I need to see a specialist orthodontist or can my dentist do my braces? Many dentists in the UK provide orthodontic treatment, particularly for simpler cases with clear aligners. However, for more complex cases — including significant bite problems, extractions, or cases requiring precise tooth movement — a specialist orthodontist is strongly preferable. A specialist orthodontist has completed an additional three years of postgraduate training specifically in orthodontics and is registered on the GDC specialist list. You can verify a clinician's specialist status through the General Dental Council register at gdc-uk.org. ### What is the right age to start orthodontic treatment? For children, most orthodontists prefer to wait until the majority of adult teeth have erupted — typically around age 12 to 14 — before starting fixed brace treatment, to avoid the complications of mixed dentition. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment in adults; healthy teeth can be moved effectively at any age. Adults may find that treatment takes slightly longer than in children because bone density is higher, but outcomes for adult orthodontic patients are excellent across all treatment types. ### Does getting braces hurt? Some discomfort is normal when braces are first fitted and after each adjustment appointment, typically lasting 24 to 72 hours before subsiding. The teeth and jaw may ache as they adapt to new pressures, and the inner cheeks may be sore initially against the brackets. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually sufficient to manage this. Clear aligner patients experience similar discomfort when changing to a new aligner set. The discomfort is temporary and most patients find they adapt quickly after the first few weeks. ### How much does orthodontic treatment cost in the UK? Private orthodontic treatment in the UK ranges from approximately £1,500 for metal fixed braces in straightforward cases to over £6,000 for comprehensive Invisalign or lingual brace treatment. The cost depends on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the practice location. NHS treatment is free for eligible children under 18 who meet the IOTN clinical threshold. Most private practices offer monthly payment plans or 0% finance options to make treatment more accessible. Your virtual assessment response will typically include a cost indication specific to your case. ### How do I start the process of getting braces or aligners in the UK? The first step is to find out whether you are suitable for orthodontic treatment and what your options look like. You can do this by completing a free online virtual assessment through Virtual Consultant Online — submitting photographs of your teeth and answering a short set of questions. A qualified clinician will review your submission and respond with a personalised assessment of your suitability, likely treatment options, and initial cost indication, typically within 24 hours. You can then use this to book an in-person consultation with a practice in your area. ### What happens at a first orthodontic consultation? At your first orthodontic consultation, the clinician will conduct a full clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw — this typically includes photographs and X-rays as well as a visual examination. They will discuss the treatment options that are suitable for your case, provide an estimated treatment duration and cost, and answer your questions about the process. You should receive a written treatment plan and cost breakdown to take away. You are not expected to make an immediate decision at the consultation — most practices give you time to consider the plan before committing. ### Can adults get NHS orthodontic treatment in the UK? Adults are rarely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment in the UK. NHS orthodontic treatment is generally available to children under 18 whose teeth meet the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) threshold — a clinical scoring system that assesses how much their dental health would benefit from treatment. Adults may be eligible in a small number of exceptional circumstances, typically involving significant functional impairment rather than cosmetic concerns. Most adult orthodontic treatment in the UK is provided privately. ### What is a virtual orthodontic assessment and is it free? A virtual orthodontic assessment is an online process where you submit photographs of your teeth and answer questions about your situation, and a qualified clinician reviews your submission and provides a personalised written response. Through Virtual Consultant Online, the initial assessment is free — there is no cost and no commitment to proceed. The assessment gives you a clinician's view on your suitability for treatment, likely options, and a cost indication, which helps you decide whether to book an in-person consultation. ### Do I need to see a specialist orthodontist or can my dentist do my braces? Many dentists in the UK provide orthodontic treatment, particularly for simpler cases with clear aligners. However, for more complex cases — including significant bite problems, extractions, or cases requiring precise tooth movement — a specialist orthodontist is strongly preferable. A specialist orthodontist has completed an additional three years of postgraduate training specifically in orthodontics and is registered on the GDC specialist list. You can verify a clinician's specialist status through the General Dental Council register at gdc-uk.org. ### What is the right age to start orthodontic treatment? For children, most orthodontists prefer to wait until the majority of adult teeth have erupted — typically around age 12 to 14 — before starting fixed brace treatment, to avoid the complications of mixed dentition. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment in adults; healthy teeth can be moved effectively at any age. Adults may find that treatment takes slightly longer than in children because bone density is higher, but outcomes for adult orthodontic patients are excellent across all treatment types. ### Does getting braces hurt? Some discomfort is normal when braces are first fitted and after each adjustment appointment, typically lasting 24 to 72 hours before subsiding. The teeth and jaw may ache as they adapt to new pressures, and the inner cheeks may be sore initially against the brackets. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually sufficient to manage this. Clear aligner patients experience similar discomfort when changing to a new aligner set. The discomfort is temporary and most patients find they adapt quickly after the first few weeks. ### How much does orthodontic treatment cost in the UK? Private orthodontic treatment in the UK ranges from approximately £1,500 for metal fixed braces in straightforward cases to over £6,000 for comprehensive Invisalign or lingual brace treatment. The cost depends on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the practice location. NHS treatment is free for eligible children under 18 who meet the IOTN clinical threshold. Most private practices offer monthly payment plans or 0% finance options to make treatment more accessible. Your virtual assessment response will typically include a cost indication specific to your case. ## References - British Orthodontic Society — Patient Information: Getting Orthodontic Treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients-parents/orthodontic-treatment/getting-orthodontic-treatment) - BOS patient guidance on the process of getting orthodontic treatment in the UK, including information on NHS eligibility for children, the role of the IOTN assessment, what to expect at a first consultation, and guidance on choosing a specialist orthodontist versus a dentist providing orthodontic treatment. - NHS — Orthodontics: Overview and eligibility (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/) - NHS overview of orthodontic treatment, covering NHS eligibility criteria for children, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) threshold, what is included in NHS orthodontic treatment, and the referral process for accessing NHS care. Adults are rarely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment. - General Dental Council — Specialist list in Orthodontics (https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/registers/specialist-register) - GDC specialist register for orthodontics. A specialist orthodontist has completed an additional three years of postgraduate training beyond their dental degree, specifically in orthodontics, and is entitled to use the protected title 'Specialist in Orthodontics'. Patients can verify specialist status through the GDC register. - British Orthodontic Society — Patient Information: Getting Orthodontic Treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients-parents/orthodontic-treatment/getting-orthodontic-treatment) - BOS patient guidance on the process of getting orthodontic treatment in the UK, including information on NHS eligibility for children, the role of the IOTN assessment, what to expect at a first consultation, and guidance on choosing a specialist orthodontist versus a dentist providing orthodontic treatment. - NHS — Orthodontics: Overview and eligibility (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/) - NHS overview of orthodontic treatment, covering NHS eligibility criteria for children, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) threshold, what is included in NHS orthodontic treatment, and the referral process for accessing NHS care. Adults are rarely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment. - General Dental Council — Specialist list in Orthodontics (https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/registers/specialist-register) - GDC specialist register for orthodontics. A specialist orthodontist has completed an additional three years of postgraduate training beyond their dental degree, specifically in orthodontics, and is entitled to use the protected title 'Specialist in Orthodontics'. Patients can verify specialist status through the GDC register.