Before you see a specialist, like a dermatologist or cardiologist, you may need a referral from your primary care provider or family doctor (depending on your insurance plan.) So does that apply to orthodontists too? What is required for you to schedule a free orthodontic consultation near you?
As your orthodontist in Alexandria, we have clear answers for you! Here’s everything you need to know to get braces or clear aligners.
TLDR: Do you need an orthodontist referral?
- No, you do not need a referral from your dentist or primary care provider to see an orthodontist in Alexandria!
- You can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with Dr. Lu at First Impression Orthodontics.
- Most dental insurance plans don’t require a referral for orthodontic benefits, but our team will review your coverage for you.
- We welcome patients of all ages, whether it’s your child’s first orthodontic checkup or you’re starting treatment for yourself!
No orthodontist referral necessary!
No, you do not need a dentist referral to begin your smile transformation and become your best self! You get to take control of your future and decide when to see an orthodontist, or when to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment.
If you want to see an orthodontist near you, the process is simple: All you have to do is book a complimentary consultation online by filling out a quick form on our appointment booking page. We’ll take care of the rest from there!
Your first visit to Dr. Lu and our team at First Impression Orthodontics in Alexandria is complimentary, and includes:
- Comprehensive smile exam with any necessary records: x-ray, smile scan and diagnostic photos
- One-on-one consultation with Dr. Lu, a 5-star orthodontist
- Finance and insurance review to create a custom payment plan
- Review of your treatment options, including clear aligners and high-efficiency, self-ligating braces in clear or metal
We’ll guide you through your first visit, from the moment we welcome you into our practice! We want you to feel comfortable in our office, confident in your choice to transform your smile with us, and completely at-ease as we walk you through the process.
Dentist referrals are still possible.
While it’s not necessary for you to get an orthodontist referral from your dentist, your dentist can still refer you to us!
In fact, many dentists will recommend an orthodontic visit if they notice crowding, bite issues, or other concerns during your regular checkup, but we also encourage you to reach out to us directly, no referral required.
Throughout orthodontic treatment, you’ll still visit your dentist regularly — every six months or as often as they instruct. Your dentist performs deep cleanings of your teeth, removing hardened plaque and tartar that can’t be removed with your regular dental hygiene routine at home.
What about insurance coverage?
Most dental insurance plans don’t require a referral for orthodontic benefits, but coverage always depends on your specific policy.
If you have questions about your insurance benefits for orthodontic treatment, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to review your benefits and explain your coverage clearly! We’re proud to be an orthodontist who accepts dental insurance, including all PPO insurances and United Concordia.
We don’t want there to be any surprises when it comes to cost, and our team will fill your insurance paperwork to help you maximize your coverage. We’ll explain how dental insurance for braces or clear aligners works, and what your plan covers.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7 — whether they’re referred by your family dentist or not.
This doesn’t mean your child will start treatment right away. Many kids are simply monitored until the timing is right, and Dr. Lu never suggests unnecessary treatment! This early visit gives us a chance to catch potential issues early, and develop a treatment plan to guide jaw growth if needed.
Why come directly to an orthodontist?
By booking directly with our orthodontic office in Alexandria, you can:
- Address bite issues before they get worse
- Prevent the need for more complex treatment paths (like jaw surgery) in many cases
- Get a clear understanding of your treatment options sooner
- Start treatment at the right time for your smile and lifestyle
Even if your dentist hasn’t brought it up, you can still schedule a visit with us. Orthodontists are trained to detect bite and alignment issues, not just apparent dental issues (like crooked teeth and crowded teeth.)
Your dentist can spot dental issues like crooked teeth, spaced teeth and crowded teeth, but we orthodontists are trained to detect bite and alignment issues, and complex conditions below the surface.
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation in Alexandria — easily, online!
We would love to see you at our Alexandria orthodontic office! Our orthodontist office is located at 6479 Old Beulah Street in Alexandria, and we see many patients who live in Alexandria (DMV, DC/MD/VA), Lorton, Franconia, Mount Vernon, Fort Belvoir, Kingstowne, and Springfield.
Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or you’re taking the first step on your own, nothing should stand in the way of experiencing your best smile and becoming your best self.
At First Impression Orthodontics, we make the treatment process easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Lu today and see why so many families in Alexandria choose us for their orthodontic care!
