By Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Koga Orthodontics · Monroe & West Monroe, Louisiana
If you or your child might need braces, the first question is usually “How much will this cost?” The second is “Do I really need it?” A free orthodontic consultation in Monroe is designed to answer both — without committing you to anything.
At Koga Orthodontics, every initial consultation at our Monroe and West Monroe offices is free. No insurance verification hurdles. No deposits. No pressure. This guide walks you through exactly what happens, who should book one, and how to prepare.
What a free consultation actually includes at Koga
A true free orthodontic consultation should give you four things: a diagnosis, treatment options, a realistic timeline, and a transparent cost estimate. Here’s what that looks like in practice at our Monroe office:
Diagnostic records
Depending on the treatment being considered, we take either orthodontic impressions — still the standard method for traditional and Pitts21 brackets — or a digital scan, which we use for Spark clear aligner cases. Either way, Dr. Koga gets a complete picture of your teeth, bite, and jaw relationship. The right tool for the right case.
Dr. Liseane Koga examines you personally
Unlike corporate practices where you might meet a different doctor each visit, your free consultation at Koga is with Dr. Liseane Koga, the doctor-owner. She personally reviews the scan, examines your bite, and talks through what she sees — in plain language, not jargon.
A specific treatment plan
By the end of the visit, you’ll know:
– Whether you or your child actually need orthodontic treatment right now (sometimes the answer is “let’s wait 12 months and recheck”)
– Which treatment options make sense — Pitts21 braces, Spark clear aligners, early interceptive treatment, or a combination
– Why one option might be better for your case than another
– The realistic treatment timeline in months
An honest cost estimate
This is the part many offices hedge. We don’t. You leave with a specific dollar figure for your case, a breakdown of what your insurance will likely cover, and several payment-plan options if needed — including in-house, no-interest financing.
Who should book a free consultation?
Parents of children ages 7 and up
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, regardless of whether their teeth look crooked. At that age, an orthodontist can spot growth and bite issues early — when they’re simpler and less expensive to correct. Many times we tell parents everything looks fine and schedule a follow-up in 12 months. That’s a win.
Teens and young adults
If you’re approaching high school graduation or college with concerns about your smile, a consultation is a smart starting point. Spark clear aligners fit a busy teen schedule — removable for photos, sports, and big events.
Adults who thought they missed the window
Roughly one in four of our new patients is an adult. Crooked teeth don’t have an age limit. Clear aligners and ceramic braces make adult treatment nearly invisible. If you’ve been putting it off, a free consultation is a zero-risk way to learn what’s possible.
Medicaid families with eligible children
Louisiana Medicaid covers medically necessary orthodontic treatment for qualifying children. We’ll verify coverage during the consultation and explain exactly what’s included.
Step-by-step: what happens during your visit
1. Check-in(5 min) — You’ll fill out a short health history form, or complete it online before arriving to save time.
2. Records (10–15 min) — Orthodontic impressions if braces are the likely path, or a digital scan if Spark clear aligners are being considered. Your treatment coordinator walks you through whichever is right for your case.
3. Photos (5 min) — Standard orthodontic photos so we can track progress over time.
4. Doctor examination (15 min) — Dr. Koga examines you, reviews the scan, and discusses findings.
5. Treatment consultation (15 min) — We review treatment options, timeline, and cost. This is your time for questions — ask anything.
6. Wrap-up (10 min) — You leave with a written treatment plan and cost estimate. No pressure to decide on the spot.
Total visit time: about 60 minutes.
What the free consultation doesn’t include
To be fully transparent: a free consultation is a clinical evaluation, not the start of active treatment. It doesn’t include X-rays beyond what a digital scan provides; if full cephalometric X-rays are needed (for complex bite cases), that’s part of the pre-treatment records done after you’ve decided to proceed. A small records fee applies at that point, which is fully disclosed during your consultation.
How to book
Three ways to schedule a free consultation at Koga:
– Book online at kogaortho.com — choose your office and a time that fits
– Call us during business hours (we answer Spanish calls too)
– Walk in — while appointments are preferred, we can usually squeeze in a short exam
Our four Louisiana offices: Monroe (2124 Forsythe Ave), West Monroe (4900 Cypress St, Ste 16), Rayville (1107 Louisa St), Columbia.
Frequently asked questions
Is the consultation actually free, or is there a hidden fee?
Truly free. No insurance required. No card on file. No deposit. You leave without owing anything unless you choose to start treatment.
How long until I can get an appointment?
We usually have same-week availability for free consultations across our four offices.
Can I bring my child if I’m the one being evaluated — or vice versa?
Yes. Many families do both in the same visit. Just book a slot for the primary patient and let us know you’d like a quick look at a family member too.
Will I feel pressured to start treatment the same day?
No. We want you to make a thoughtful decision. Many families go home, discuss, and come back a week or two later to start.
What if you recommend waiting?
About one in five kids we see is better served by waiting 6–18 months before starting treatment. We’ll schedule a follow-up at no cost.
Ready to book?
Call us or visit kogaortho.com to schedule your free orthodontic consultation in Monroe or West Monroe.
— Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Doctor-Owner · Koga Orthodontics