It is not necessary to get a referral to receive orthodontic treatment.
If you suspect that you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if you need to get a referral from your dentist. While your dentist may very well pick up on an alignment or bite-related issue and recommend that you see an orthodontist for further treatment, it is possible — and perfectly fine — to consult with an orthodontist without a referral. So, when might you see an orthodontist? And what are the benefits?
When should you see an orthodontist?
While your dentist is qualified to treat a broad range of oral issues, orthodontists specialise in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of teeth and jaw irregularities. They work with patients of all ages to address alignment and bite-related issues and straighten the teeth and jaws for better function and overall oral health. While both your dentist and orthodontist are concerned with helping you achieve a healthy mouth, your orthodontist has special training that allows them to correct bite problems that could be causing harm to your teeth and gums.
If you have noticed that your teeth appear crooked or crowded, or you have unwanted gaps between your teeth, it is worth consulting with an orthodontist. You might also consider a consultation if you have protruding teeth, a bite-related problem, or persistent jaw pain.
What are the benefits of seeing an orthodontist?
Undergoing orthodontic treatment has a range of cosmetic and health benefits. Many people choose to straighten their teeth in order to enhance the appearance of their smile, but there are plenty of physical benefits to correcting alignment and bite-related issues. Straighter teeth tend to be easier to clean than crooked teeth, so you can expect improved oral health once your treatment is complete. It is also possible to resolve problems related to chewing, speech and breathing with the help of orthodontic treatment.
When it comes to children, seeking orthodontic treatment at an early age can help to promote proper jaw development, assist with speech and reduce the need for further intervention down the line.
What are the options?
When it comes to orthodontic solutions, there are a number of options available. The best starting point is to consult with an orthodontist who will assess your teeth and jaws and let you know what treatment plan is most suitable for you.
Traditional braces remain a highly effective treatment as they can often resolve even the most complex orthodontic issues, but patients who would prefer a more discreet option might consider lingual braces or clear aligners.
In the case of children, your orthodontist might recommend am early treatment in the form of passive or functional appliances. These appliances can often assist with tooth eruption, guide facial growth and prevent more serious problems from occurring in the future.
How can we help?
At South East Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Whether you would simply like a straighter smile for cosmetic reasons, or you are concerned about a more serious issue, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can learn more about your particular needs. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, and because we understand that each patient is different, we will personalise your treatment plan based on your concerns, lifestyle, budget and aesthetic goals.
Some of the treatments that we offer include SureSmile braces, which can be applied to either the inside or outside surface of the teeth; clear aligners; retainers and early assessments and interventions for children. We also provide orthognathic surgery for patients who have severe skeletal discrepancies.
To find out more about what we do at South East Orthodontics, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us here or give us a call on 03 9330 0702.