Thinking about braces or aligners but not sure where to start? A free orthodontic consult is the easiest first step. You’ll meet the team, see your own scans, and get real answers about your smile — all at no cost and with no commitment.
Here’s exactly what to expect when you book your free consult at Ward Orthodontics.
What Is a Free Orthodontic Consultation?
A free orthodontic consult is a no-cost first visit where a board-certified orthodontist reviews your smile, captures digital records, and walks you through your treatment options. At Ward Orthodontics, your visit with Dr. Nick Ward includes 3D scans, X-rays, intraoral photos, and a full bite evaluation. There’s no charge and no obligation to move forward.
“Free” means exactly that. The exam, imaging, and personalized treatment plan review are all covered. If you decide the timing isn’t right or you’d like to think it over, you leave with helpful information and zero pressure.
You can visit us in person at our Irving office, or start with a virtual consult from home. Both options are open to kids, teens, and adults. And no, you don’t need a dentist referral to book.
Whether you’re exploring metal braces for your child, clear aligners for yourself, or answers about jaw discomfort, this visit is designed to give you clarity from day one to done.
How a Free Consultation Works: Step by Step
Your free consult at Ward Orthodontics usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Here’s how the visit flows from start to finish:
- Check-in and paperwork (about 5 minutes). You’ll fill out a short medical history and insurance form. If you completed forms online, this step is even faster.
- Digital records (about 10 minutes). Our team captures a 3D digital scan of your teeth, digital X-rays, and intraoral photos. No messy impressions. The scan is quick, comfortable, and gives Dr. Ward a precise view of your bite.
- Clinical exam with Dr. Ward. Dr. Ward personally examines your teeth, bite, and jaw. He’ll check alignment, spacing, jaw function, and any signs of TMD or wear.
- Treatment plan review. This is where it all comes together. Dr. Ward walks you through your options, whether that’s metal braces, clear braces, or Angel Aligners, along with the expected timeline and results. You’ll see your own scans on-screen while he explains what’s happening.
- Insurance and payment options. Our treatment coordinator checks your insurance benefits and walks you through our in-house payment plans, so you have everything you need to make a decision.
- Next steps. Ready to start? We can often schedule your first appliance visit right away. Not ready? No problem. Take the info home, talk it over with your family, and come back when you’re ready.
That’s it. Clear, thorough, and built around you.
Benefits of Booking a Free Consultation
Why book a free consult? Because it gives you real answers without the guesswork. Here’s what you gain.
What practical value do you get from a free consult?
- Zero financial risk. You get a full diagnostic workup (exam, scans, X-rays, and a written treatment plan) at no cost. Whether you start treatment or not, the visit is free. There’s no deposit required to hold your spot and no fee if you decide to wait.
- Understand insurance and payment options upfront. Our team verifies your orthodontic benefits and walks you through our in-house payment plans. No surprises, no hidden fees.
What clinical insight will you walk away with?
- See your own scans and X-rays. Dr. Ward reviews your images with you on-screen. You’ll see exactly what he sees and understand why he’s recommending a specific treatment path.
- Learn which treatment actually fits your case. Metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners each have strengths. Some cases work beautifully with aligners; others do better with braces. You’ll get an honest recommendation based on your bite, not a sales pitch.
- Meet Dr. Ward and the team. Choosing an orthodontist is a two-year (or longer) relationship. The consult lets you get a feel for the office, ask questions, and decide if we’re the right fit for your family.
Families have trusted this office for nearly 50 years, first under Dr. Patrick Ohlenforst and now with Dr. Nick Ward continuing the legacy of excellence and convenience. It all starts with a simple, free visit.
In-Person vs. Virtual Consultation: What’s the Difference?
Ward Orthodontics offers both formats, and both are free. Which one is right for you? It depends on your case and your schedule.
| Feature | In-Person Consult | Virtual Consult |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| 3D scan & X-rays | Yes, on-site | No, photos only |
| Hands-on exam | Yes | No |
| TMD/TMJD evaluation | Yes | Not recommended |
| Same-day treatment start | Possible | No |
| Best for | Kids, complex cases, and adults ready to start | Busy adults, initial screening, and out-of-town families |
| Time commitment | 45–60 minutes on-site | Submit photos from home; hear back within a few business days |
Choose in-person if: you’re bringing a child in for a first evaluation, you have jaw discomfort or clicking, your case looks complex, or you want to potentially start braces or aligners at the visit.
Choose virtual if: you want a preliminary candidacy check for clear aligners, your schedule is packed, or you’re exploring options before committing to an office visit.
Many families start virtually and then come in for a full workup once they’re ready. Either way, you’re getting real feedback from Dr. Ward, not an automated response. If you’re dealing with jaw clicking or headaches, an in-office evaluation is the better starting point.
Is the Consultation Really Free? What Happens Next
Yes, the consult is genuinely free. That covers the exam, 3D scans, X-rays, intraoral photos, and your personalized treatment plan review. If you decide not to move forward with treatment, you owe nothing. No deposit, no hidden fees, no fine print.
If you decide to move forward, our treatment coordinator reviews your insurance benefits, in-house payment plans, and FSA/HSA options with you right there in the office.
You leave with a written treatment plan. Take it home, review it with your family, and come back when you’re ready. That’s how a family-first practice should work.
Who Should Book a Free Orthodontic Consultation?
Wondering if it’s time to book? Here’s who benefits most from a free consult at Ward Orthodontics:
- Children age 7 and up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early screening helps catch issues while the jaw is still growing.
- Teens with crowding, spacing, or bite concerns. The teen years are the classic window for braces or clear aligners. A consult confirms timing and treatment fit.
- Adults considering clear aligners or clear braces. It’s never too late. Many adults choose Angel Aligners or clear braces for a barely-there appearance during treatment.
- Anyone with jaw clicking, headaches, or TMD/TMJD symptoms. These signs deserve an in-person evaluation with a board-certified orthodontist.
- Families comparing offices or seeking a second opinion. A free consult gives you a solid basis for comparison. No pressure, just information.
- Families new to the area. Whether you just moved in or have been here for generations, we welcome families of all ages.
No dentist referral is needed. Just call or book online at your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are orthodontic consultations usually free?
At Ward Orthodontics, yes. Every new-family consult is free, including 3D scans, X-rays, the exam, and a treatment plan review. Policies vary by office, so always confirm when you book elsewhere.
How long does the consultation take?
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for an in-person visit. This covers check-in, digital records, your exam with Dr. Ward, a treatment plan review, and a review of your insurance and payment options. Virtual consults are much shorter since you submit photos from home.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and any previous orthodontic X-rays or records if you have them. If your child is the one being seen, bring their dental history if available. That’s really all you need.
Do I need a dentist referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly with Ward Orthodontics whether or not you have a current dentist. That said, we’re happy to coordinate with your dental office if you’d like.
Will I be pressured to start treatment the same day?
Not at all. Our approach is information first, decision second. You’ll leave with a written treatment plan to review at home. Come back when you’re ready, whether that’s next week or next year.
A free consult is simply a chance to get clear information about your smile from a board-certified orthodontist — no strings attached. When you’re ready to learn more, you can schedule a free consult at a time that works for your family.
