Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Seminole or St. Pete?

Typically, before you see a health specialist, you need a doctor referral from your primary care provider or family doctor. 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 Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics! We’ll take care of the rest.

Your first visit to us is 100% free, and it includes:

• Comprehensive oral exam, digital x-rays, digital impressions (scan of your teeth) and diagnostic photos
• Personal, one-on-one consultation with one of our 5-star orthodontists
• Finance and insurance review to create a custom payment plan
• Review of your treatment options, including Damon™ self-ligating 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’re healthy and ready to support your orthodontic treatment.

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 for braces or every 12 weeks for Invisalign, and you won’t want to travel an hour there and back every time. 

If you do live farther away, Invisalign offers virtual visits for your convenience!

If you live near Seminole or St. Petersburg, come visit us at Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics! We have 2 convenient locations near you.

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?

Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics are dedicated to providing highly-personalized, quality orthodontic care for every patient who comes through our doors. 

Each of our orthodontists, Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst, is a professional member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, among other associations. We are truly dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies, through continuing education and meeting with other orthodontic leaders to share ideas!

We are proud to have earned Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider status, the highest distinction in Invisalign expertise. With our team, you’re in great hands.

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 Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics, we’re proud to use the most advanced technologies, from our digital x-rays to our iTero® digital impression system.

We also offer different types of braces, including modern self-ligating 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 exam, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and examine your smile to create a 100% personalized treatment plan for you as well as a digital simulation of your smile outcome!

Request your complimentary exam with 5-star orthodontists in Seminole or St. Petersburg.