Before you see a health specialist, you typically need a doctor referral from your primary care provider or family doctor. So does that apply to orthodontists too?
Spoiler alert: No, you do not need a dentist referral to begin your orthodontic journey. Nothing has to stand in the way of your beautiful new smile!
You get to take control of your future and decide when you want to see an orthodontist.
How to visit an orthodontist without a referral
The process is simple. All you have to do is request a complimentary exam with Blue Wave Orthodontics! We’ll take care of the rest.
Your first visit to us is 100% free, and it includes:
- • Comprehensive exam, including a physical exam, digital x-rays, digital impressions and diagnostic photos
- • Personal, one-on-one consultation with a 5-star orthodontist
- • Finance and insurance review to create a custom payment plan
- • Review of your treatment options, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners
Once your consultation and exam are complete, we can begin your treatment journey!
Your dentist’s role in your orthodontic treatment
While it’s not necessary for you to get an orthodontist referral from your dentist, your dentist still plays a critical role in your orthodontic treatment and your dental health. Before you begin orthodontic treatment, it’s important that your dentist assesses your teeth and gums to ensure that they’ve healthy and ready to support your braces.
You will still need to visit your dentist every six months, or as often as instructed by your dentist, in order to keep your smile clean and to help us achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.
How do you decide which orthodontist to visit?
Since you don’t need a referral from a dentist, how do you decide which orthodontist to entrust with your smile? Here are a few factors to help guide your search:
1. Location
You’ll want to visit an orthodontist located near you. You’ll be seeing your orthodontist regularly, every 6 to 8 weeks or so, and you won’t want to travel an hour there and back every time.
If you live near Tampa or East Bradenton, come visit us at Blue Wave Orthodontics! We have 4 convenient locations near you in South Tampa, North Tampa, East Bradenton and Wesley Chapel.
2. Experience
Choosing an orthodontist for you or your child is a big decision! It’s not one to take lightly. When deciding which orthodontist to get started with, consider the orthodontist’s skill and experience. How many years has the orthodontist been practicing? Are they a member of professional associations?
Our orthodontists, Dr. Chris Cetta and Dr. Robertzon Guloy, are both board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Not every orthodontist is board-certified, and this isn’t a requirement for orthodontists, so we’re proud to have orthodontists who go above and beyond to provide expert care.
Dr. Cetta is a published author in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and an inventor of a companion product for Invisalign (the Precision Aligner Button). Dr. Guloy is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the AAO, SAO, ADA, FDA, and ABO!
As Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign providers, we’re proud to be the most experienced Invisalign practice in Tampa Bay. With our team, you’re in exceptional hands. Results are predictable with us.
3. Do they offer modern treatment options?
You deserve options! You shouldn’t be limited to one type of braces in 2023. Modern advancements in orthodontics have made treatment options more convenient, more efficient, and less noticeable than ever before.
At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technologies to ensure our patients’ comfort and to ensure precision in our results.
We also offer different types of braces, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. Your treatment choice is up to you! Our orthodontists have the experience necessary to treat you with your preferred option.
Staying up-to-date with modern technologies is deeply ingrained in the core of our practice.
Still have questions about visiting an orthodontist?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. At your complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and examine your smile to create a 100% personalized treatment plan for you.
Request your complimentary exam with 5-star orthodontists in Tampa Bay and East Bradenton. We’ll help you look good, do good and feel good.
