Getting a signature smile is easier than ever. At Coreil Orthodontics we are helping people achieve lasting smiles with a boutique concierge experience that puts their comfort first. But sometimes patients don’t know the right time to contact an orthodontist. And even then they may have trouble knowing who they should turn to for guidance.
Does a Dentist Have to Refer You to an Orthodontist?
You do not need a referral to make an appointment at Coreil Orthodontics! While many orthodontists still require a referral from a dentist, we do not require a referral for our complimentary consultation.
Many people are surprised to learn that the bulk of our patients come from people who have contacted our office directly.
Direct-to-consumer marketing by the orthodontist has been instrumental in creating this trend, which is very beneficial to patients and parents.
Should I wait for my dentist to refer me or my child to an orthodontist?
If you have questions or concerns about your teeth or your child’s teeth, you do not need to wait for your next dental visit to make an appointment with an orthodontist. In fact, even if your dentist says you or your child does not need to see an orthodontist, I recommend that you make an appointment with the orthodontist anyway.
The orthodontic specialist has 2-3 years of additional training in growth, tooth development, and occlusion (bite), so they often can identify even the slightest hint of a bire problem. The specialist can identify the early signs of problems that require attention in both children and adults.
Can I get an orthodontic opinion without going to the orthodontic office?
Patients can now get an evaluation of their teeth by the orthodontist without even driving to the office. Orthodontic specialists use a variety of methods to provide patients with a virtual consultation. Most orthodontists have tabs on the website that launch the virtual consultation software which will instruct you how to capture photos of teeth and face then upload them for viewing by the orthodontist. The transfer of your photos is encrypted for your safety and can only be viewed by the orthodontist and their team. Once viewed the orthodontist can then review problems identified in the photos, provide treatment options and in many offices offer you an estimate on treatment time and price. Virtual consultations have become very popular since the start of the pandemic and they are expected to remain very popular due to the time savings associated with less travel time. One additional benefit of virtual patient interaction is the ability of the orthodontist to monitor treatment without the need for an in-person appointment. This is very popular with patients who want to avoid spending time in traffic and allowing them to save valuable time.
If my dentist offers Invisalign, should I still see an orthodontist for a second opinion?
Patients can get a second opinion from an orthodontist even if their family dentist recommended Invisalign in their office. Many family dentists provide excellent results with Invisalign, clear aligners or braces. However, you the consumer can take advantage of the advanced training of the orthodontic specialist by obtaining a second opinion.
Often the second opinion will clarify needs as well as offer an alternative method of correction. I highly recommend that you not choose your aligner provider based on the lowest price. Focus more on doctor credentials and office team communication. Even if you are in treatment you can still obtain another opinion from a specialist.
