La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – There are so many questions when you’re considering orthodontic treatment. One common question some patients have is whether it is necessary to have a referral prior to seeking out treatment. Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics offers insight into what to expect when starting your orthodontic journey.
Is a referral necessary to seek out orthodontic treatment?
The quick answer to this question is no, a referral isn’t necessary. In most cases, you don’t need your dentist to refer you for treatment. That means if you have an orthodontic concern for yourself or your child, you can seek out an orthodontic practice and schedule a consultation on your own.
Are there times when a referral might be recommended?
Referrals are not required, but there are many times when a dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment to a patient. Your dentist sees you regularly and will be the one to most likely notice bite issues or other discrepancies that could benefit from orthodontic treatment. They are often the best person to start your smile journey with because they can spot these issues and help you find the treatment you need to address them promptly.
And oftentimes, your dentist will have orthodontists that they work with, so you can rest assured they are highly capable. If your dentist recommends them, they most likely provide excellent care.
But you do not have to seek orthodontic care from an orthodontist that your dentist recommends. Sometimes, it may be necessary to look at other practices for a variety of reasons, like in-network insurance needs, office location and hours, and your overall comfort.
Referral for Early Orthodontic Evaluation in Children
It is recommended that children have their first orthodontic consultation around the age of 7. This may seem young, but it’s the ideal age for several reasons. Your orthodontist will be able to see how the smile is taking shape, as most children at this age have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It also allows the orthodontist to identify any issues in jaw growth and make recommendations for when orthodontic treatment might be advised. Treatment can then begin when it will have the most beneficial impact on the smile.
It may be a good idea for you to reach out to some local orthodontists to schedule a consultation if your child sees a dentist regularly and is past the age of 7, and an orthodontic consultation hasn’t been recommended. Some dentists are still in the mindset that you need to wait for all the baby teeth to come out prior to seeing an orthodontist, but in some cases, that may be too late. Phase I or early treatment may prevent the need for extensive treatment such as permanent tooth removal or even surgery.
Are there any advantages to scheduling a consultation without a referral?
Dr. Gire says there are a few advantages to scheduling your own consultation. The first of which is no waiting on red tape.
“Scheduling your consultation puts your orthodontic care in your own hands,” says Dr. Gire. “You don’t have to wait for your next dental appointment to ask about it, and then you don’t have to wait on paperwork from the office. You can research local orthodontists, schedule on your time, and be on your path to a new smile much quicker.”
And the good news is, your initial consultation at Gire Orthodontics is always complimentary. That means you can get answers to your questions about your smile with no commitment and make the decision that’s best for you.
To schedule your complimentary consultation, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).