Published September 2026
1 of 5Before braces start, this visit is about gathering records, not fitting anything
- Before braces start, this visit is about gathering records, not fitting anything
- The bite is checked and a side-view X-ray is taken
- Photos of the smile and a model or scan of the teeth go into the file
- All of it comes back as options and a likely length of treatment
- Nothing is fitted today. A plan comes out of this visit instead
Who usually does it
orthodontist. Done by the orthodontist; the X-ray may be taken in-house or ordered.
One question worth asking
If I start treatment, does this fee come off the total?
Side-of-head (cephalometric) X-ray
D0340. A side view of the whole head used to plan braces.
The visit before treatment starts, where the orthodontist examines you, takes a side-of-head X-ray and other records, and explains the plan.
The orthodontist measures the bite, takes a side-of-head X-ray along with photos and models, and comes back with options and a likely length of treatment. Nothing is fitted at this visit. Some offices fold the fee into the treatment total if you go ahead, and others do not.
Codes for this
D0340PreventiveSide-of-head (cephalometric) X-rayA side view of the whole head used to plan braces.per image · Done sometimesD0702PreventiveSide-of-head X-ray, picture onlyThe cephalometric picture is taken here but read elsewhere.per image · Rarely doneD8660MajorOrthodontic consultationThe visit before treatment where the orthodontist examines you and explains the plan; often free.per visit · Done often
Have this on your plan?
Upload it or type the lines. We read it and show what happened to other patients. Free, no account.
No dental office can pay to change what we show you.Part of these flowsFull braces or aligners, start to retainerBraces or aligners as an adultOrthodontic check at seven and phase one