Everything you need to know about orthodontic referrals

Many people ask for a referral from their dentist before beginning any orthodontic treatment, but this additional step (and additional consultation) isn’t necessary.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No. You can make an appointment with an orthodontist at any time without previously having a referral from another dental professional. You can use our Finder Tool to search for ASO registered specialist orthodontist near your home, school or office.

Why get a referral from my dentist?

If you maintain regular appointments with your family dentist throughout the year, you may ask them to refer you to an orthodontist before you begin orthodontic treatment. Generally, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist in the area with whom they have a good working relationship. However, some dentists may have several orthodontic options that they refer their patients to so that they can feel confident in referring you to an orthodontic provider who can meet your unique requirements.

Do I have to see the orthodontist my dentist refers me to?

Definitely not. You are under no obligation to see the orthodontist referred to by your dentist – in fact all specialist orthodontists will ensure they’re working as a team with your general dentist to care for your overall oral health throughout your treatment period, regardless of how you found them.

Can I have multiple consultations?

If you’d like to consult a number of orthodontists before commencing treatment, you can do so with or without a referral from your general dentist. It’s important to note that each provider will generally charge you for the initial consultation so it should be factored into your budget.

Do I get my treatment at my first appointment?

During an initial assessment with an orthodontist, you will normally receive x-rays of your mouth, photos and have a 3D scan of your teeth to help with the planning of your treatment. Your orthodontist will diagnose any irregularities and let you know which treatment type will be best for your case, before providing you with a treatment plan outline and costs.

Depending on the type of appliance which is suitable for your case. It can take two to four weeks to prepare your appliance from the time you’ve confirmed that you’d like to go ahead with your treatment, so you will need to take that into consideration if you want to get started as quickly as possible.

To get started on your orthodontic journey, you can search by location to find a registered specialist orthodontist near you now.