Rockwall
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If you’ve been contemplating an orthodontic visit for your child, you may be wondering if there are any hoops you’ll have to jump through to get a referral from their dentist first. These days, it seems like there’s a whole referral process that has to happen before you can be seen by any sort of specialist. Fortunately, that’s not the case when it comes to orthodontics! Most dental insurance plans don’t require a referral, and most orthodontists don’t, either. That means you’re free to request a consultation with Shaw Orthodontics any time you’re ready!
Even though you don’t need a dental referral to seek and receive orthodontic care, your child’s dentist still plays an important role in maintaining their oral health. In addition to their regularly scheduled check-ups, you may want to have your child’s teeth and gums inspected before you schedule an orthodontic visit. This can help ensure that their mouths are healthy enough for any treatment that may be needed.
Why we encourage early evaluations
While many people tend to associate orthodontics with teens, the truth is that patients of all ages can benefit from an orthodontic evaluation, including children. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first visit with an orthodontist by around the age of 7. Since most kids this age still have baby teeth and a developing mouth, it may not be clear why we encourage them to see an orthodontist so soon, but these visits are actually an important part of the preventive approach we take to improving oral health.
All baby teeth are lost eventually, anyway, so it can be easy to dismiss them as unimportant. However, these are the place holders for our permanent teeth, so where they’re located and when they’re lost matters more than you might think. Because the primary teeth are what set the foundation for the permanent teeth to emerge, an orthodontic exam in early childhood allows us to catch any existing or potential problems before they become more serious. This can be helpful in reducing or eliminating any negative impact on the future permanent teeth.
When you schedule your child for an examination with Dr. Shaw, he’ll be looking to see if the proper number of teeth are forming and if they are erupting into the correct locations. He’ll also check for any present orthodontic issues, or if there are signs of them developing. Although the vast majority of children won’t need any treatment at this age, they will still benefit from regular monitoring by an orthodontist.
Finding the perfect orthodontic fit for your family
What if your child’s dentist does refer you to an orthodontist, but picks a specific one you aren’t sure about? If that’s the case, don’t worry! You are always welcome to choose an orthodontist you and your child feel comfortable with, and not just the one you’ve been referred to.
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the orthodontist’s office throughout the treatment process, so it’s important to find a provider that’s a good fit for your family right up front. Word of mouth is a great tool for this, so don’t be shy about asking family, friends, and coworkers for their recommendations. Getting a personal referral from a satisfied patient can be the first step in finding a practice you love! Reading reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can be helpful, too. If you’re still feeling unsure, many orthodontists share examples of their work and patient testimonials on their website. You can find our Smile Studio here!
Take time to find a provider who meets all of your orthodontic needs
When you want to give your child the best chance at a healthy smile, an initial consultation with our expert team is a good place to start. Our practice is proud to offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that considers all aspects of smile design, including symmetry, harmony, balance, and proportion. No two smiles are the same, and this 360-degree approach allows us to customize every treatment plan for the patient’s specific needs.
Our office environment is fun, friendly, and inviting, and we work hard to make every visit with us a rewarding experience. Your family will always be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. We don’t rush our exams, and each member of our team will do their best to ensure you understand everything about your child’s treatment plan as it progresses. If either of you have any questions or concerns, we’ll be happy to walk you through them. At Shaw Orthodontics, it’s our goal to provide top-quality care and customer service for your family from your first appointment to your last!
We value your time
We know it can be a struggle to fit school, work, extracurricular activities, and orthodontic appointments into an already busy schedule. It’s our goal to always be on time, so we’re careful not to overload our own calendar with an unrealistic amount of appointments. We’ll work with you to find check-up times that meet your needs, and once you arrive, we’ll get your child in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible!
Investing in your child’s smile
We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, and never want money to be the reason someone can’t receive the orthodontic care they need. That’s why we offer flexible payment options for every budget, including in-office financing plans. If you have insurance, we’ll help you maximize the available coverage and file the paperwork with your insurance company. A payment plan can be arranged for any remaining balance.
No referrals needed for a healthy smile at Shaw Orthodontics
Whether you find us through a dental referral, a personal recommendation, or a review you read online, Shaw Orthodontics is here to provide your family with the highest quality care and long-lasting results. That journey begins with a complimentary consultation in our Rockwall or Watauga office!
During this first visit, your child will receive a full orthodontic evaluation by Dr. Shaw. Afterwards, we’ll discuss the results of that examination with you, and explain the customized treatment plan we’ve created for their specific needs. We have a variety of treatment options available to correct orthodontic issues from mild to complex. We’ll only ever recommend the right treatment at the right time, even if that means no treatment or treatment at a later date.
When it comes to creating a healthy, beautiful smile, there’s no referral necessary! To learn more about how orthodontics could benefit your family, get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation.