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GP Orthodontic Guide

When to Treat In-House vs Refer 

Fast Guide

Your quick-guide to smarter ortho decisions. Learn what you can treat in-house, when to team up, and when a full ortho referral delivers the best result. More clarity, better workflows, stronger production.

 

Use clinical judgment and patient preference. When in doubt, Elite will review records and advise within 24–48 hours.


Clinical Scenarios

ScenarioExamplesRecommendation
Mild crowding / spacing≤3 mm per arch, minor rotations, anterior esthetics onlyIn-house. Limited aligners with clear goals & retention plan.
Pre-restorative alignmentUprighting for implant/bridge, minor alignment before veneersIn-house or Co-manage for movement planning.
Anterior crossbite (single tooth)No skeletal discrepancy; good posterior supportIn-house or Co-manage for predictability.
Relapse casesLost retainer; previously completed comprehensive treatmentIn-house when movements are small & documented.
Moderate crowding/spacing≈4–6 mm per arch, multiple rotationsCo-manage or Refer depending on anchorage/control needs.
Class II / Class III patternsSagittal skeletal or dental base discrepancyRefer (growth guidance, mechanics, or surgery planning).
Open bite / Deep bite (>2 mm)Vertical problems, tongue posture, habitsRefer for comprehensive planning and stability.
Crossbites / ExpansionPosterior crossbite, transverse deficiency, RME/SARPERefer (growth vs. adult strategies).
Impactions / Ectopic eruptionPalatal canines, traction, exposureRefer (interdisciplinary timing with OS/Perio).
Periodontal/ABF riskFenestrations, recession risk, reduced periodontiumRefer (light forces, sequencing with Perio).
Airway / TMD / Complex habitsMouth breathing, bruxism, parafunction, painRefer (multidisciplinary care).

Great In-House Wins

Fast, predictable, profitable cases:

  • Limited aligners: anterior alignment, small diastema, minor rotations, clear retention plan.
  • Pre-prosthetic setup: molar uprighting, space redistribution, minor intrusion/extrusion.
  • Relapse refinement: short-course aligners after retainer loss, quick retention refresh.

Refer to Orthodontist When You See…

  • Growth & Skeletal: Class II/III, open/deep bite > 2 mm, transverse deficiency.
  • Complexity & Control: moderate–severe crowding, impactions, heavy anchorage cases.
  • Biologic Risk: reduced periodontium, recession, fenestrations, poor oral hygiene.

Optional Co-Management Support

Use when you want a second opinion; otherwise manage in-house.
 Step 1: Share records (photos, pano/CBCT, goals).
 Step 2: Receive a 1–2 day treatment outline or referral recommendation.
 Step 3: Chair-time ROI – keep predictable cases.
 Step 4: Shared follow-up; Elite handles refinements or complex mechanics.

Co-Management Review Options

ServiceDescriptionFee
Ortho Case Review24–48 hr turnaround; candidacy, objectives, IPR & retention idea$499
Ortho Case BlueprintDeeper plan with attachment map & staging detail$599
Live Co-Plan30-min video consult with follow-up note$250


Why General Dentists Choose Elite Orthodontics

  • Consults offered within 48 hours.
  • Optional case reviews/blueprints for GP-managed cases.
  • Works with Invisalign, Angel, and Spark.
  • Clear co-branded communication.
  • Conservative, perio-conscious, stability-focused care.

How to Refer

Digital Referral: Complete the form below.
 Call or Email:
 14300 Gallant Fox Ln #112, Bowie MD 20715
 (301) 262-8500
 eliteorthogroup.com
 Elite can review case photos and goals within 24–48 hours.


Elite Orthodontics – Partnering with General Practitioners for predictable, profitable outcomes.
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Patient Referral Form

Please complete the form below and upload any pano/ceph images.