Your Dentist Referred You to an Orthodontist… Now What?

Quick answer

A referral to an orthodontist is a routine, common step — it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, and it doesn't mean you're starting treatment right away. Your first visit is mostly about gathering information: your orthodontist will look at your teeth and bite, take some records, and talk through what they're seeing. Nothing is decided or committed to at this stage.

• A referral is a normal, common next step — not a sign of a serious problem.

• Your general dentist stays involved in your regular dental care; the orthodontist handles anything related to alignment and bite.

• Your first visit is a consultation, not the start of treatment — nothing gets decided without you.

• Expect questions, a visual exam, and often some x-rays or photos, not big commitments.

• You'll leave with a clearer picture of what your options are, so you can decide what's next.

Your Dentist Referred You… Now What?

Don't panic! A referral doesn't automatically mean you need braces. It simply means your dentist noticed something that could benefit from an orthodontic evaluation — here's what to do next.

See What This Means ↓

1

Why Did My Dentist Refer Me?

Your general dentist checks your teeth, bite, and overall oral health during routine visits. Sometimes they notice something that would benefit from an orthodontist's evaluation. Common reasons for a referral may include:

Crowded Teeth

Gaps Between Teeth

Overbite or Underbite

Crossbite

Teeth Not Coming In Correctly

Jaw Growth or Development Concerns

Other Bite or Alignment Concerns

Important: A referral doesn't necessarily mean you need braces. It means your dentist believes an orthodontist should take a closer look.

2

Does a Referral Mean I Need Braces?

No. A referral is a recommendation for an orthodontic evaluation. The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite and determine whether treatment is necessary and, if so, when it should begin.

A REFERRAL ≠ BRACES

Your dentist notices something

→

An orthodontist evaluates your smile

→

The orthodontist recommends the next step

Possible outcomes could include:

Braces or Aligners

Treatment may be recommended.

Observation

Monitoring growth or waiting for more permanent teeth to come in.

Treat Another Issue First

Something else may need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment begins.

No Treatment Needed Right Now

The orthodontist may determine that treatment isn't currently necessary.

Every smile is different.

3

Do I Have to Go to the Orthodontist My Dentist Recommended?

No — you have options

A referral is a recommendation, not necessarily a commitment to that particular office. Sometimes your general dental office may have an orthodontist within the same practice — you can absolutely schedule with that orthodontist if you're comfortable doing so, but you can also research other orthodontists and schedule consultations elsewhere. Your insurance coverage is also worth considering before choosing an office.

If You Have Private Dental Insurance:

  • Call the number on your insurance card.
  • Ask which orthodontists participate in your network.
  • Ask whether your plan includes orthodontic benefits.
  • Ask about any lifetime orthodontic maximum.
  • Ask whether a referral or prior authorization is required.

Having insurance doesn't automatically guarantee orthodontic coverage — confirm your specific benefits with your insurer before scheduling.

If You Have Medicaid / a Medical Card:

  • Call the member-services number for your Medicaid plan.
  • Ask which orthodontists participate with your specific plan.
  • Ask whether you meet the plan's orthodontic eligibility requirements.
  • Ask whether prior authorization is required.

Being in-network or having a Medicaid plan doesn't automatically guarantee coverage — eligibility and benefits vary by plan, so confirm before scheduling.

4

Can I See More Than One Orthodontist?

Yes!

It's completely okay to schedule consultations with more than one orthodontist before making your decision. Orthodontic treatment can last many months and sometimes years — you'll be seeing this doctor and their team regularly, so you should feel comfortable with them. When comparing offices, ask yourself:

Office #1

Office #2

Office #3

You're not just choosing a treatment — you're choosing a team you'll be working with throughout your orthodontic journey.

Don't choose an orthodontist based only on who has the lowest price. Cost matters, but so do the doctor's training, proposed treatment, communication, office location, insurance participation, policies, and how comfortable you feel with the team.

5

How Do I Choose the Right Orthodontist?

Use this checklist to help you find the best fit for you or your child — check off each item as you go.

Find Your Orthodontic Match

It's about more than just price.

6

What Happens Next?

Once you've chosen an orthodontist, the next step is your orthodontic consultation. This is when the orthodontist gets a closer look at your teeth and bite, reviews the necessary records, and begins determining whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you.


Next Up in Denterity Academy

Your First Orthodontic Consultation: What Actually Happens?

We'll walk you through what to expect, what records may be taken, why orthodontists use x-rays and photos, what questions to ask, and what happens if you're ready to begin treatment.

Read Next →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a referral mean something is wrong with my teeth?

Not necessarily. Referrals often happen simply because your case falls into an orthodontist's area of specialty — crowding, spacing, bite alignment, or jaw development — not because something is seriously wrong. Many referrals are routine.

Will I still see my regular dentist?

Yes. Your dentist continues to handle cleanings, checkups, and general oral health — the orthodontist's role is specific to alignment and bite.

Is the first consult the same as starting treatment?

No. The first visit is a conversation and an evaluation. You'll leave with information about your options, not a treatment already underway.

What should I bring to my first orthodontic visit?

Most offices ask for basic insurance information and any records sent over from your dentist, though they'll often request these directly. It's also worth bringing a list of any questions you have.

Is there a cost for the initial consult?

This varies by practice — some orthodontists offer a free initial consultation, while others charge a fee. It's worth asking when you book the appointment so there are no surprises.

Do I need a new referral if I decide to see a different orthodontist?

Not usually. A referral is more of a recommendation than a formal requirement — you're generally free to choose which orthodontist you'd like to see.

Key Takeaways

  • A referral to an orthodontist is a common, routine step — not a sign that something is seriously wrong.
  • Your regular dentist stays involved in your everyday dental care; the orthodontist's role is specific to alignment and bite.
  • The first visit is a consultation and evaluation, not the start of treatment.
  • Expect a hands-on exam, some photos or x-rays, and a conversation about what the orthodontist sees.
  • You'll leave with a clearer picture of your options, with time to decide what's next.