Do I Need a Referral | Braces & Clear Aligners
If you’re thinking about getting braces, or even clear aligners, you might be wondering how to begin the process. Do you need to go speak to your dentist first? Or can you just find an orthodontist, and schedule an appointment?
We’re here to help.
It’s a common misconception that you need a referral from your dentist to get braces. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, you can begin the process with a free consultation.
Today, we’ll break down the process, answering common questions we see.
What is a Referral?
A referral is what it sounds like – it’s when your dentist refers you to an orthodontist. This could be an orthodontist that is local, is a specialist in your specific dental goals, or is somebody your dentist knows personally.
This is not mandatory to receive treatment from an orthodontist. While we appreciate when dentists refer patients to us, anybody can come to Advanced Orthodontic Specialists for assessment and treatment.
Do Orthodontists Offer Walk-In Appointments?
Orthodontists typically do not offer walk-in appointments, because we need our full team on hand to properly assess your bite and determine an appropriate treatment plan. If you’re eager to get started on your teeth straightening journey though, you can absolutely reach out to our team for a same day appointment.
How Quickly Can I Get Started?
Depending on the severity of your bite, you can typically get started on your journey to straighter teeth within two appointments. These can be scheduled at your convenience, as soon as the same day you inquire.
In your first appointment, we pull out all the stops. We give every new patient a special welcome gift upon arrival. It’s a small token of our appreciation and a way to welcome you to the family. Next, we’ll give you a tour of the office and introduce you to our team.
Once you feel comfortable with who we are, we dive into your records. We’ll do a full set of photos, x-ray and any needed digital scans. After the doctors have had a chance to evaluate your case, they’ll walk you through treatment goals, what your treatment options are, and approximately how long you can expect to be in treatment.
In appointment two, treatment commences!
If you’re looking to begin the process, don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get you into our office.
