Very often, new and potential patients ask if they need a referral from their general dentist in order to see an Invisalign dentist. The answer is no - anyone can call and make an appointment for an initial consultation. With or without a referral, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you take your child to an orthodontic appointment before age 7.Examining young children before all their permanent teeth come out can allow the orthodontist to correct problems that would be more difficult and expensive to treat later on. Dentists often refer patients who they think should receive orthodontic treatment.
However, orthodontists generally do not require a referral from a dentist to diagnose and treat a malocclusion. If you think that you or a member of your family will need a realignment or correction, you can call an orthodontist and schedule an initial consultation. In many cases, the orthodontist will do it for free.
Finding the Right Invisalign Dentist
When looking for an Invisalign dentist, it's important to ask people you trust if they would recommend a particular orthodontist.Ask them about their particular experience and about the pros and cons of the dentist that they can share. Your regular dentist is also a good person to ask for a referral - see if they'll share who they chose for orthodontic work for their own children. While not everyone is looking for the same criteria, collecting references will at least give you a better idea of your options. When searching for an Invisalign dentist, it's important to look for someone who is experienced in providing this type of treatment. Ask potential dentists about their experience with Invisalign, how long they have been providing this type of treatment, and what kind of results they have achieved with their patients.
It's also important to make sure that the dentist is certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). This certification ensures that the dentist has met certain standards of excellence in providing orthodontic care.
