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 and the amazing opportunities that come with your newfound confidence!

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 Cool Braces! 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 family orthodontist, Dr. Tahir
• Finance and insurance benefit review to create a custom payment plan
• Review of your cool treatment options, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, SPEED braces, advanced Damon® self-ligating braces, advanced SmartClip™ self-ligating braces, WildSmiles®designer brackets and Cool Invisalign® 

Once your consultation and exam are complete, we can begin your treatment journey! You’ll be on your way to becoming a magnet for life’s amazing opportunities. 

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 Oak Lawn or Berwyn in Illinois, come visit us at Cool Braces! We have two convenient orthodontist offices 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?

Dr. Ejaz Tahir is proud to be an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Board of Orthodontics and American College of Dentists. 

He continues to attend orthodontist conferences, meetings, and seminars throughout the year to stay up-to-date on recent developments in orthodontics and to ensure that his patients receive the best care possible.

With our team, you’re in exceptional hands. Results are predictable with Cool Braces!

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, less noticeable and cooler than ever before. 

At Cool Braces, we use the most advanced technologies to ensure our patients’ comfort and to ensure precision in our results. 

We also offer different types of advanced braces, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, SPEED braces, advanced Damon® self-ligating braces, advanced SmartClip™ self-ligating braces, WildSmiles®designer brackets and Cool Invisalign®.

Your treatment choice is up to you! Dr. Tahir has 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 our 5-star orthodontist at the coolest orthodontist office in Berwyn and Oak Lawn!