The path to a healthier smile begins long before brackets are placed or aligners are fitted. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation gives patients and families a complete picture of their orthodontic health, identifies developing problems before they become serious, and lays the groundwork for a treatment plan that fits their life. Whether you are a parent watching your child’s teeth come in, a teenager ready to make a change, or an adult finally addressing a bite concern, knowing what to expect from an evaluation takes the uncertainty out of that first step.
At McCullum Orthodontics, we offer comprehensive evaluations for patients of all ages in Jeffersonville and the surrounding communities of Charlestown, Sellersburg, and Utica. Led by Dr. Heather McCullum, a University of Louisville-trained valedictorian specialist, our practice combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, compassionate care. Evaluations are offered as free consultations so that cost is never a barrier to getting started.
A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation examines how teeth align, how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another, and how the bite functions as a whole. Dr. McCullum reviews your dental and medical history and conducts a thorough clinical exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints. Digital X-rays and photographs are taken giving a precise view of tooth roots, bone structure, and development of unerupted teeth — allowing Dr. McCullum to identify concerns invisible during a visual exam alone, including impacted teeth, skeletal discrepancies, and airway considerations.
One key differentiator at McCullum Orthodontics is the airway and functional assessment. Where appropriate, Dr. McCullum evaluates the relationship between jaw development, breathing, and rest posture — a comprehensive view that the American Association of Orthodontists supports and that few practices in Southern Indiana offer with the same depth of focus.
The AAO recommends children receive their first check-up by age 7. Catching issues while a child is still growing opens treatment options not available once growth is complete. That said, evaluations are valuable at any age — adults who have never been evaluated often discover bite problems or crowding quietly contributing to tooth wear, gum stress, and difficulty cleaning. Common findings include crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, delayed eruption, and jaw misalignment. Depending on findings, Dr. McCullum may recommend starting treatment, monitoring growth, or returning in six months.
The full range of options at McCullum Orthodontics includes: metal braces, clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, palatal expanders, dentofacial orthopedics, TMD/TMJ splint therapy, and habit correction appliances. Dr. McCullum walks through every applicable option before any decision is made.
McCullum Orthodontics accepts most major PPO insurance plans and reviews your coverage at the consultation so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins. For patients without insurance or with out-of-pocket balances, a range of flexible financing and payment options are available, including interest-free payment plans. We work with patients using Flexible Spending Accounts and are happy to help you maximize your available benefits.
McCullum Orthodontics serves Jeffersonville, Charlestown, Sellersburg, Utica, and the greater Southern Indiana area. Ready to take the first step? Schedule your free consultation with Dr. McCullum today — no referral, no pressure, just honest answers. Contact our office to get started.
Dr. Heather McCullum graduated as valedictorian from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, earned her DMD degree summa cum laude, and is the recipient of the American Association of Orthodontists Award. She brings a uniquely integrative perspective to every evaluation — assessing not just teeth, but jaw development, airway function, facial balance, and long-term health outcomes together. Schedule your complimentary evaluation today to see the McCullum difference firsthand.
McCullum Orthodontics serves patients throughout Jeffersonville, Charlestown, Sellersburg, Utica, and Southern Indiana. Every evaluation is completely free. No referral required. Flexible financing options are available. Contact us today to schedule.
McCullum Orthodontics is conveniently located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, serving patients throughout southern Indiana and the greater Louisville area.
