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GP Orthodontic Guide
Great Smiles Start Here
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
| Scenario | Examples | Recommendation |
| Mild crowding / spacing | ≤3 mm per arch, minor rotations, anterior esthetics only | In-house. Limited aligners with clear goals & retention plan. |
| Pre-restorative alignment | Uprighting for implant/bridge, minor alignment before veneers | In-house or Co-manage for movement planning. |
| Anterior crossbite (single tooth) | No skeletal discrepancy; good posterior support | In-house or Co-manage for predictability. |
| Relapse cases | Lost retainer; previously completed comprehensive treatment | In-house when movements are small & documented. |
| Moderate crowding/spacing | ≈4–6 mm per arch, multiple rotations | Co-manage or Refer depending on anchorage/control needs. |
| Class II / Class III patterns | Sagittal skeletal or dental base discrepancy | Refer (growth guidance, mechanics, or surgery planning). |
| Open bite / Deep bite (>2 mm) | Vertical problems, tongue posture, habits | Refer for comprehensive planning and stability. |
| Crossbites / Expansion | Posterior crossbite, transverse deficiency, RME/SARPE | Refer (growth vs. adult strategies). |
| Impactions / Ectopic eruption | Palatal canines, traction, exposure | Refer (interdisciplinary timing with OS/Perio). |
| Periodontal/ABF risk | Fenestrations, recession risk, reduced periodontium | Refer (light forces, sequencing with Perio). |
| Airway / TMD / Complex habits | Mouth breathing, bruxism, parafunction, pain | Refer (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
| Service | Description | Fee |
| Ortho Case Review | 24–48 hr turnaround; candidacy, objectives, IPR & retention idea | $499 |
| Ortho Case Blueprint | Deeper plan with attachment map & staging detail | $599 |
| Live Co-Plan | 30-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.
© 2025 Elite Orthodontics. One-page clinical and marketing handout.
Patient Referral Form
Please complete the form below and upload any pano/ceph images.