Do You Need a Dentist Referral to See an Orthodontist?

No. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says you do not need to wait for a dentist referral to see an AAO orthodontist. If you have questions about your teeth, your bite, your child's smile, or whether treatment may be needed, you can contact an orthodontic office and schedule a consultation yourself. This guide covers why people wait, what the AAO says, and what to ask before you book.

Why people wait for a referral

Plenty of families assume the dentist will speak up when it is time. That is a reasonable guess, but it can leave you waiting on a referral that never comes.

Common reasons people hold off:

• You assume your dentist will bring it up if something needs a look.
• You are not sure whether your question is for a dentist or an orthodontist.
• You think you need a referral slip or paperwork first.
• You are not sure your concern is big enough to ask about.
• You are an adult and figure orthodontic care is mainly for kids.

The AAO points out that a referral might not happen if the dentist is not evaluating the bite. Dentists and orthodontists have different roles, and our guide to orthodontist vs dentist explains how they differ.

What the AAO says

Here is the public patient guidance from the AAO, in plain terms:

• You do not have to wait for a dentist to refer you or your child to an orthodontist.
• You can schedule a consultation directly if you have questions about teeth, bite, or your child's smile.
• Parents are often the first to notice that something seems off with a child's teeth or jaws.
• The AAO recommends a child's first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.
• Adults can benefit from orthodontic care, too.
• You may meet with more than one orthodontist before starting treatment.

None of this takes your dentist out of the picture. Your dentist is still your home base for checkups and cleanings, and many families see both.

Things parents sometimes notice

The AAO lists signs that may lead a parent to ask about a child's bite. Only an orthodontist can tell you what they mean, but they are worth mentioning when you call.

• Front teeth that do not come together when the back teeth are closed
• Upper teeth that sit inside the lower teeth
• Baby teeth lost early or late
• Trouble chewing or biting
• Jaws that shift or make sounds

You do not need to name the problem. Describing what you see is enough to start the conversation.

Questions to ask your dentist

Your dentist can still be a helpful part of the decision. These questions keep the conversation simple.

• Do you check my bite (or my child's bite) at regular visits?
• Have you noticed anything about the bite or alignment that might be worth an orthodontic look?
• If I book an orthodontic consultation, can your office share recent X-rays or records?
• Is there an orthodontist you would suggest I call?

A suggestion from your dentist is a fine place to start. You can still choose which office to book with.

Questions to ask the orthodontic office

When you call to book, a few questions up front can save you a surprise later.

• Do I need a referral to book a consultation with you?
• Is the doctor an orthodontist and a member of the AAO?
• Is there a fee for the consultation?
• What should I bring to the first visit?
• If I plan to use dental insurance, what do you need from me?
• Would you like my dentist's contact information?

If you plan to use dental insurance, it is also smart to ask your plan whether it has any referral or approval steps of its own. The office and your plan are the right sources for that answer.

What to do next

You can make the first call yourself. A short plan helps.

• Write down what made you want to ask, in your own words.
• Pick one or two offices to call.
• Bring your questions to the visit. Our consultation questions checklist is a good list to start from.
• If you like, let your dentist know you booked a consultation.

If you want to compare offices, use Orthodontists near you on this page or browse the directory.

Ready to reach out?

When you are ready, browse orthodontists in the LocalSmileFinder directory and contact an office directly. Bring your questions, and let the orthodontist take it from there.