A free orthodontic consultation at Speaks Orthodontics is a complete initial exam with Dr. Clif Speaks, a board-certified orthodontist, at our office at 3141 Irving St. #201 in Denver. You meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, get an oral exam with X-rays to determine if treatment is necessary, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs. There is no charge for the visit.
Our team will be glad to answer any questions you have and give you the information you need to decide which treatment option is right for you.
What Is Included in a Free Orthodontic Consultation?
Every initial consultation follows the same process, whether you are coming in for yourself or for your child. During the visit, we will:
- Review your dental and medical history forms
- Provide a complete oral exam, with X-rays, to determine if treatment is necessary
- Help you create a customized treatment plan
- Discuss financial information, insurance options and payment plans
- Answer any questions you may have
Records are digital. With the iTero digital scanner, we take three-dimensional images of your teeth and bite, so there are no impression trays with sticky putty. A CBCT scan is used only when standard X-rays can’t show everything Dr. Speaks needs to see. With Digital Treatment Simulation, we can show you a rendering of how your smile could look after different treatment options, side by side with your current smile. Tools like these are part of the orthodontic technology we use to make the treatment plans we propose easier to understand.
Who Should Book a Free Braces Consultation?
We offer treatment options for every age and lifestyle, and the consultation is the starting point for children, teens and adults alike. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Children often show early signs of jaw problems as they grow. A child over the age of six with an upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow may be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment, and for a child around age eight with crowded front teeth, early treatment can avoid the need to extract permanent teeth later. That is the role of two-phase treatment.
For teens, the consultation compares braces for teens, from traditional metal brackets to tooth-colored ceramic brackets, with clear aligners. For adults, it’s never too late. Many adults are choosing orthodontics to feel better about their smile, and straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease. Discreet options designed with adults in mind include ceramic braces for adults and Invisalign clear aligners.
Common reasons to book include crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, an overbite, underbite or crossbite, teeth that have shifted since earlier treatment, difficulty chewing or biting, and jaw pain. If jaw pain is your main concern, ask about TMJ and TMD treatment at your visit.
What Happens Step by Step at Your Denver Consultation?
- Request a time. Complete the complimentary exam request form and a team member will reach out to schedule your visit.
- Fill out your forms. Take some time to fill out the new patient paperwork before your visit. There are separate forms for patients 18 and under and for adults, plus a Spanish version.
- Meet the team and get your exam. Dr. Speaks provides a complete oral exam, with X-rays, to determine if treatment is necessary.
- Talk through your options. If treatment is recommended, we’ll work with you to identify which option, from traditional metal braces to ceramic braces or clear aligners, best fits your needs.
- Review cost and insurance. Our staff goes over financial information, insurance options and payment plans, so you know what to expect before beginning treatment.
In-Office or Virtual: Which Consultation Fits You?
If coming to the office first isn’t practical, you can start with a virtual exam from the comfort of your home. Here is how the two compare:
| In-office complimentary exam | Virtual exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Our Denver office, 3141 Irving St. #201 | From home |
| How it starts | Complete the online form and a team member reaches out to schedule | Complete the virtual consult form and receive info about submitting photos |
| Records | Complete oral exam with X-rays and digital scans | Photos you submit |
| What you get | A complete exam and a customized treatment plan | A first step without leaving home |
How Much Does Treatment Cost After the Free Consultation?
The cost of your orthodontic treatment may vary depending on your individual needs, the type of braces you choose and your insurance coverage. At the consultation, our staff discusses financial information, insurance options and payment plans, so that you can make the best choice for you and your smile.
- Payment plans: We’ll work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, and you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.
- Insurance: We accept most insurance plans. If your insurance will cover any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our staff can help you understand your coverage and file claims and paperwork to receive your orthodontic benefit.
- Credit cards: We accept most major credit cards.
Why Have Your Consultation With an Orthodontic Specialist?
Denver is home for Dr. Clif Speaks. It is his wife Ginger’s hometown, and the couple chose The Highlands neighborhood to live and raise their family. He practiced general dentistry in Colorado for two years, then completed three years of specialty training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he received his certificate in Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics in 2011.
He is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary step that required a long written examination, case reports of patients he personally treated, and oral examinations and interviews. Speaks Orthodontics is a non-corporate practice, and each patient we treat receives the level of care that meets our high orthodontic standards.
What Happens After the Consultation?
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first appointment. Knowing what to expect at your first visit helps: Dr. Speaks places your initial braces or delivers your initial clear aligners, the appointment generally takes about 90 minutes, and our team is available to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. After that, you’ll come in for regular visits so Dr. Speaks can monitor your progress. Most of those appointments are short and can be scheduled after school.
Ready to take the first step? Request your complimentary exam online or call our office at 303.292.1780.
Free Orthodontic Consultation FAQs
What if I need to reschedule my consultation?
Contact the practice directly at 303.292.1780. The online form is for requesting an appointment, so cancellations and rescheduling go through the office, and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.
Do I have to start treatment at the consultation?
No. The consultation is there to provide the information you need to determine which treatment option is right for you. Choosing orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel.
Will you work with my family dentist?
Yes. Continue to visit your family dentist once every six months during treatment for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most insurance plans and most major credit cards, and our staff is available to help you understand your insurance and file claims and paperwork.
When is the office open?
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm, with Friday appointments based on availability.