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 a trusted local orthodontic office serving the Upstate for over 50 years, we have clear answers for you. We provide high-quality care at our orthodontic offices in Spartanburg, Duncan, Gaffney and Union — and we’ll be opening our doors in Woodruff very soon at 7 SJ Workman Highway, Woodruff, SC, 29388!
Here’s everything you need to know to get braces or clear aligners (Invisalign®/Spark™).
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 Woodruff, Spartanburg, Duncan, Gaffney or Union!
- You can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with our team at Nth Degree 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 boost your smile to the Nth Degree! 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 — or you can choose a virtual consultation first. We’ll take care of the rest from there!
Your first visit to Dr. Nease, Dr. Thomas or Dr. Patrick at Nth Degree Orthodontics is complimentary, and includes:
- Comprehensive smile exam with any necessary records: x-ray, smile scan and diagnostic photos
- 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 clear aligners, and high-efficiency, self-ligating Damon® braces (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 while we take care of you.
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 in Woodruff, Spartanburg, Duncan, Gaffney and Union.
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 our orthodontists never suggest 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.
If your child needs a little more growth before starting orthodontic treatment, they’ll automatically be enrolled in the Nth Degree Kid’s Club for free observation appointments every six months. We want your family to have access to trusted doctors who genuinely want the best for you.
Why come directly to an orthodontist?
By booking directly with one of our orthodontic offices near you, 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 our orthodontists are trained to detect bite and alignment issues, and complex conditions below the surface.
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation — easily, online!
We would love to see you at our Woodruff orthodontic office soon! Our newest orthodontic office will be located at 7 SJ Workman Highway, Woodruff, SC, 29388, just north of downtown, minutes from the Woodruff Greenway Trail and the Woodruff Leisure Center.
We’ll be ready to serve our amazing communities in Rutledge Estates, Sycamore Cove, Pinebrook, Magnolia Park, Ivy Grove, Hunters Ridge, Waverly Springs, Varner Station, Vickery Station, and Lakestone — along with families all throughout the Woodruff area and beyond.
Until then, we welcome you to one of our five orthodontic offices. Our Duncan orthodontic office at 1785 E Main St (Duncan, SC 29334) is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Woodruff!
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 achieving your best smile and living life to the Nth Degree!
At Nth Degree Orthodontics, we make the treatment process easy, comfortable, and stress-free.
You can start with a virtual consultation from home if you prefer — and once you start treatment, you’ll be able to choose virtual care through DentalMonitoring for fewer visits throughout your transformation.
Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment fit seamlessly into your life. Book your complimentary consultation today and see why so many families through the Upstate choose us for their orthodontic care!
