Medically Reviewed by Dr. Golnaz Samimifar, DMD on August 5, 2026
Your first clear aligner consultation is more than just a quick, generic appointment. It’s a chance to explore how straightening your teeth can fit into your life, answer questions you might have, and see if clear aligners are right for your smile goals. You can expect a thorough evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and an honest conversation about what the process involves.
At Sopris Smiles, we approach clear aligner consultations with the same care and attention we bring to every aspect of our practice. Dr. Golnaz Samimifar and our team take time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic care.
The consultation begins with a detailed examination of your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We utilize advanced digital scanning technology to create precise 3D images of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy impressions or uncomfortable trays. This digital approach gives us accurate measurements and helps you visualize your potential results.
Dr. Golnaz will assess whether clear aligners can address your specific concerns, including crowding, gaps, or bite issues. Not every case is suitable for clear aligners, and we’ll be upfront about what can be achieved. If clear aligners aren’t the best option for your situation, we’ll discuss alternatives to help you reach your smile goals.
We also evaluate your oral health during this visit. Any existing problems like cavities or gum disease need attention before starting orthodontic treatment, so we may recommend addressing these concerns first.
Once we determine you’re a good candidate, we’ll create a customized treatment plan. Using digital treatment planning software, we can show you a preview of how your teeth will shift throughout treatment. This visual helps you see the expected outcome before you even begin, which many patients find helpful when making their decision.
Your treatment plan will include an estimated timeframe; however, the actual duration may vary based on your specific needs. Some people complete treatment in six months, while others may need 18 months or longer. We’ll explain what factors influence your timeline and set realistic expectations.
Cost is another crucial part of this discussion. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide a clear breakdown of treatment costs. We also discuss payment options and financing plans to make treatment more accessible. Many patients utilize flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts to cover the cost of orthodontic care, and we can help you navigate these options.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll take detailed records and place your order for custom aligners, as the creation process typically takes a few weeks. We will also schedule your next appointment to receive your first set of aligners and learn how to use them properly.
During this follow-up visit, we’ll ensure your aligners fit correctly and teach you how to insert and remove them. We’ll also discuss care instructions, what to expect during the first few days, and how often you’ll need to switch to new aligners. As recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, you should wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene purposes. We’ll provide enough sets to last between check-in appointments, and you’ll typically switch to new aligners every one to two weeks.
At Sopris Smiles, we partner with BeSmyle and board-certified orthodontist Dr. Matt Stout for clear aligner treatment. This collaboration means you benefit from both general dental care and orthodontic knowledge throughout your journey.
Come to your consultation prepared with questions. Here are some common concerns patients bring up:
Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you’re unsure about. We want you to feel confident and informed about your orthodontic care.
A little preparation helps you get the most out of your first visit. Bring a list of any current medications, note any TMJ or jaw discomfort you have noticed, and think through your daily schedule so you can talk through wear-time expectations with Dr. Golnaz. If you have had orthodontic treatment before, mentioning it helps the team understand how your teeth have shifted over time.
Bring to your consultation:
Cost should never be the reason you put off a straighter smile. Sopris Smiles offers several ways to make clear aligner treatment more manageable, including our Dental Wellness Plan for patients without insurance, in-house financing options, and Cherry financing for flexible monthly payments. Our team reviews your insurance benefits with you during the consultation so there are no surprises before treatment begins.
At Sopris Smiles, we combine advanced dental technology with personalized care to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Golnaz Samimifar brings over 1000 hours of continuing education to her practice and maintains memberships in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Colorado Dental Association, the Metro Denver Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. Our state-of-the-art technology, including digital scanners and comprehensive imaging, allows us to provide precise treatment planning and excellent results.
We take a holistic approach to dental care, considering your overall health and well-being as we build your treatment plan. Our team is here to support you throughout every step of your clear aligner journey, from your initial consultation to your final results. Ready to explore your options for a straighter smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation for clear aligners.
Consultation fees vary, and our team can confirm current pricing when you schedule. Many patients find the fee is applied toward treatment if they move forward, and financing options are available for those without dental insurance.
Most consultations include digital images or X-rays so Dr. Golnaz can evaluate root positions and bone health beneath the gumline, in addition to the 3D digital scan used to plan your aligner treatment.
In many cases, yes. Once braces have addressed the more complex movements, some patients transition to clear aligners to finish treatment more discreetly. Dr. Golnaz can evaluate whether this approach fits your specific case.
If clear aligners are not the right fit, we discuss alternatives such as traditional braces or a referral to our partnering board-certified orthodontist. Our goal is to recommend the option best suited to your bite and smile goals, not a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your custom aligners typically take a few weeks to be created. Many patients begin treatment at their next scheduled appointment after their aligners arrive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lead Dentist, Sopris Smiles
Dr. Golnaz Samimifar brings over 1,000 hours of continuing education to her practice at Sopris Smiles and maintains memberships in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Colorado Dental Association, the Metro Denver Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.
