These days, it seems like you need a referral for just about every healthcare service under the sun. If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic care for your child, you’ve probably wondered whether or not you’d need a referral from your dentist first. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans don’t require a dental referral, and most orthodontists won’t require one, either. In fact, you can request a free consultation with Clauss Orthodontics at any time… no dentist referral needed! Even if your dentist does make a referral, you don’t have to schedule a visit with that particular orthodontist. You’re free to choose any orthodontist you feel comfortable with and confident in. We recommend you ask friends or family about their experiences
This doesn’t mean that your dentist doesn’t play an important role in your child’s care. They definitely do! Before visiting an orthodontist, it’s a good idea to have your dentist check to be sure their teeth and gums are healthy enough for any orthodontic treatment that may be needed. A second opinion is never a bad thing, and you can consider their thoughts when making your choice on treatment options.
Why your child should see an orthodontist by age 7
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should have their first orthodontic exam by around the age of 7. This often comes as a surprise to parents, since children this age still have baby teeth and developing jaws, but that’s actually the point!
The primary teeth set the foundation for permanent teeth, and for their eventual position in the mouth. Having an orthodontic exam in early childhood means that any existing or potential problems can be caught soon enough to prevent any negative impact on the future permanent teeth. An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Clauss will be able to see if the proper number of teeth are forming and erupting into the correct locations, and will also check for any common orthodontic issues. Although the vast majority of children won’t need any treatment at this age, they’ll still benefit from regular monitoring of any current or suspected problems.
How to find the perfect orthodontic fit for you and your family
When it comes to finding providers you’re comfortable with, word of mouth is one of the best tools you have available to you! Ask around locally, and speak with family, friends, and coworkers that you know and trust. Getting a personal referral from a satisfied patient is a great first step in finding an orthodontist who’s the right fit for your family. Check out Google, Yelp, and Facebook reviews, too. Still unsure? Many practices have testimonials on their website, along with examples of their work. You can find ours here!
Consider your family’s particular needs in this stage of planning
You’ll likely want an orthodontist’s office that’s close to work, home, or your child’s school. We have two state-of-the-art offices that are conveniently located in Watertown Woodbury, so we’re able to serve patients from these locations and the surrounding communities.
As a parent, we know you want to give your child the best smile possible. We’ve invested in the latest orthodontic technology in order to make treatment more comfortable and more efficient. To keep things upbeat, we designed Dr. C’s Rock ‘n Roll Kids Club for patients in our observation program who are not yet ready for active treatment, and the Patient Reward Hub for those who are. We’ve also tailored our office environment to be relaxing for parents but exciting for younger patients! Enjoy free wifi and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, while your kids entertain themselves with the video game room console or watching a show on TV.
If you have dental insurance that will cover orthodontic care, Clauss Orthodontics is a participating provider with most major insurance plans, and will be happy to help you maximize your benefits. No insurance? No problem! We offer the following options for all of our patients.
- 0% interest in-house financing plan
- Monthly auto-draft from your bank or credit card
- 5% discount for paid in full treatment
- No pre-approvals needed
- Family and sibling courtesy discount
Our team is committed to providing affordable orthodontic care for every budget. We’ll always work with you to find the best solution to the investment needed for your child’s smile.
Find your child’s best smile at Clauss Orthodontics
Whether you find us through a dental referral, a friend’s recommendation, or by googling orthodontists near you, we’re proud to offer you the highest level of patient care and customer service! It’s our goal to provide patients of all ages with a rewarding and stress-free orthodontic experience, and that begins with a free consultation in our Woodbury or Watertown office.
During this first visit, your child will receive a full evaluation, including diagnostic x-rays and a thorough examination by Dr. Clauss. We’ll discuss the results with you, answer any questions you might have, then go over the recommended treatment plan and various treatment options. We’re proud to offer traditional metal braces, clear braces, and the Invisalign clear aligner system to our patients.
If you have a child you believe would benefit from orthodontic care, we encourage you to get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE exam. There’s never been a better time to get your child started on the path to a perfect smile!