Before you see a specialist, like a dermatologist or cardiologist, you may need a referral from your primary care provider (depending on your insurance plan.) So does that apply to orthodontists too? What is required for you to schedule a free orthodontic consultation?
As your board-certified orthodontist in Gardendale and Alabaster, we have clear answers for you! Here’s everything you need to know to get braces or clear aligners near you.
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 Gardendale or Alabaster!
- You can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with Dr. Angie and Dr. Chris at Canales 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 achieve a stunning new smile! 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 Drs. Chris and Angie Canales and our team at Canales Orthodontics in Gardendale and Alabaster is complimentary, and includes:
- Comprehensive smile exam with any necessary records: x-ray, smile scan and diagnostic photos
- One-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie or Dr. Chris (both are Board Certified Gardendale and Alabaster orthodontists)
- Finance and insurance review to create a custom payment plan
- Review of your treatment options, including Spark™ and Invisalign® for teens and adults, custom KLOwen® braces, clear braces or metal braces (with Same-Day Braces to get braces placed on your very first visit!)
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 at (205) 621-1111 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.
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 children’s orthodontists never suggest unnecessary treatment. We take a conservative approach to 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 Gardendale or Alabaster, 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 Gardendale or Alabaster — easily, online!
We would love to see you! Our Gardendale orthodontist office is located at 305 Mitchell Hill Rd (35071), and our Alabaster orthodontist office is currently located at 100 South Colonial Dr., Suite 800 (35007).
Our new Alabaster location is coming soon in Fall 2026! We’ll just be 2.5 miles down the road from our current location.
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.
At Canales Orthodontics, we make the treatment process easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Angie or Dr. Chris Canales – or start from home with a virtual consultation first – and see why so many families in Gardendale and Alabaster choose us for their orthodontic care!
