If you’ve had to visit a specialist lately, you probably had to go through a whole referral process with your own doctor before you were able to schedule an actual appointment. It seems as though referrals are needed for almost every healthcare service out there these days! When contemplating orthodontic care for your child, you may be wondering if you’ll also need a referral from their dentist first. The good news is, most dental insurance plans don’t require a referral, and most orthodontists don’t require one, either. That means you’re free to request a complimentary consultation with Sawgrass Orthodontics at any time!
Even though a dental referral for orthodontic care is unnecessary, your child’s dentist still plays an important role in their overall oral health. In addition to regularly scheduled check-ups, it’s a good idea to have them check your child’s teeth and gums before you schedule an orthodontic visit. This will ensure their mouths are healthy enough for any potential treatment needed.
Early evaluations
It can come as a surprise to many parents to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have their first orthodontic exam by around the age of 7. Because most kids this age still have baby teeth and a developing mouth, you may not understand why they need to see an orthodontist so soon. However, these visits are actually an important part of using preventive care to improve oral health!
It’s easy to dismiss baby teeth since they eventually fall out anyway, but as the place holders for our permanent teeth, where they’re located and when they’re lost matters more than you might think. The primary teeth set the foundation for the permanent teeth to emerge into their eventual positions inside the mouth. When you schedule an orthodontic exam for your young child, it allows experienced orthodontists like Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny to catch any existing or potential problems before they become more serious. This helps to reduce or eliminate any negative impact on the future permanent teeth.
During an examination, our doctors will be able to see if the proper number of teeth are forming and if they are erupting into the correct locations. They’ll also check for any common orthodontic issues, or signs of them developing. Although the vast majority of children won’t need any treatment at this age, they will still benefit from regular monitoring by our orthodontists.
Finding the perfect orthodontic fit
If your child’s dentist does make a referral, but to a specific orthodontist, you may be unsure about what to do if there’s someone else you’d rather see. Don’t worry! You may choose any orthodontist you feel comfortable with and confident in, not just the one you’ve been referred to.
It’s important to find a provider who is a good fit for your family. Word of mouth can be an amazing tool, so don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, and coworkers about their experiences with local orthodontists. Getting a personal referral from a satisfied patient is a great first step in finding a practice you feel at home in! Reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Facebook can be helpful, too. If you’re still feeling unsure, many orthodontists have a place for patient testimonials on their website, and sometimes include examples of their work. You can find our testimonials here!
Meeting your family’s orthodontic needs
As a parent, we know you want to give your child the healthiest smile possible. When you bring your child in for a consultation, we appreciate the trust you place in our team and work hard to make every visit a positive experience. At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we’ve created an office that is a warm, friendly, inviting environment, and are proud to care for your family from your first appointment here to your last.
Our patients and their parents are like family to us, and you’ll find you and your child are always treated with compassion, understanding, and respect by our entire team. We don’t rush or exams, and do our best to ensure you understand everything about the treatment progress. When you have questions or concerns about your child’s treatment plan, we’re happy to walk you through it to give you peace of mind.
Does your family have a busy schedule? Whether you’ve have school, work, or extracurricular activities to squeeze into your calendar, we value your time and won’t keep you waiting. Our goal is to run on time, so we’re careful not to overload our own schedules with an unrealistic amount of appointments in any given day. We’ll always work with you to find appointment times that meet your needs, and once you arrive, we’ll get your child in and out of the chair as quickly and efficiently as possible!
At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we believe everyone should have access to the orthodontic care they need. We offer flexible payment options for every budget, including payment plans, most major credit cards, and insurance. Financing won’t ever get in the way of your child’s treatment because we believe beautiful, healthy smiles are for everyone.
No referral necessary for a stunning smile at Sawgrass Orthodontics
Whether you find our office through a dental referral, a personal recommendation, or a random review, you can count on our talented team to provide your family with the highest level of care and customer service. We want patients of all ages to have a positive orthodontic experience here, from the first visit to the last, and that begins with a consultation in our Sunrise office!
During this initial consultation, your child will receive a full orthodontic evaluation by one of our doctors. We’ll then discuss the results of that examination and details of the recommended treatment plan. We offer a variety of treatment options to treat orthodontic issues from mild to complex, and will only recommend the best plan for your child’s specific needs.
You don’t need a referral to experience the benefits of an orthodontic evaluation, so we encourage you to get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE exam!
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