Health Partners of Fredal Orthodontics
Dr. Thomas Fredal Jr. works with general dentists, gum specialists and oral surgeons on shared patients. He also works with ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctors.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.
For Referring Doctors
Dentists and dental specialists can refer a patient in four ways. They can use the secure online form, email, phone or a paper referral slip. Most referrals are acknowledged within one business day. The team then contacts the patient promptly to book a visit. New patient visits are typically booked within one to two weeks, depending on availability.
After the visit, the referring doctor gets a summary of the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Digital records and images are sent when requested. During treatment, the practice sends progress updates. It also shares any major findings and any advice that involves other providers. These updates go by secure email, phone or letter.
Interested in Becoming a Health Partner?
Fredal Orthodontics welcomes referring dentists and healthcare partners. To start a referral relationship, contact the office or email info@fredalortho.com.
How Fredal Orthodontics Works With Other Providers
Dr. Fredal designs and oversees every treatment plan himself. In the areas below, other providers handle part of the care.
Airway screening: Dr. Fredal screens the airway at every comprehensive orthodontic consultation. If he finds concerning symptoms or structural findings, he refers the patient to an ENT, typically Dr. Thottam. His screening is not meant to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
Tongue posture and oral habits: Fredal Orthodontics does not offer myofunctional therapy (exercises for the muscles of the mouth and face) in the office. When supervised retraining is indicated, Dr. Fredal refers patients to local myofunctional therapists.
Early treatment for children: Dr. Fredal treats children from age 7, and dentists may refer a child to him. When airway concerns are found, he coordinates with ENT and myofunctional specialists.
Impacted canine: An impacted canine is an eye tooth that is stuck and has not come in. Dr. Fredal uses CBCT imaging (a 3D X-ray) to check the tooth and where its root sits. When surgical exposure (surgery to uncover the tooth) is needed, treatment is coordinated with an oral surgeon or periodontist (gum specialist). He then guides the tooth into place with orthodontic treatment.
Surgical-orthodontic coordination: When moving teeth alone cannot correct a jaw problem, surgical orthodontic treatment may be discussed. Surgical cases are coordinated with oral surgeons. On every surgical case, Dr. Fredal uses Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP). VSP is 3D computer planning of the surgery. The practice does not do surgery first. The orthodontic fee and the surgery are billed separately.
Jaw joint (TMJ) symptoms: Dr. Fredal screens the bite, jaw joints and muscles at the consultation. TMD means problems of the jaw joint and its muscles. Some patients have active or concerning TMD symptoms. They do not start orthodontic treatment until a qualified specialist has evaluated and cleared them. That may be an orofacial pain specialist or an oral surgeon. It may also be Dr. Abigail Schmidt, DDS, MS, or the TMD and orofacial pain service at the University of Michigan. Braces and Invisalign are not recommended or presented as treatments or cures for TMD. Once cleared, a patient may start orthodontic treatment when it is needed in its own right. No one can predict or promise that TMD symptoms will improve.
How to refer a patient: the referral form and steps for dentists and dental specialists.
About Dr. Thomas Fredal Jr.: credentials and clinical philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Referrals and Coordinated Care
Which cases does Fredal Orthodontics accept referrals for?
All cases. Dr. Fredal welcomes referrals from general dentists and dental specialists. They can refer children, teens and adults for an orthodontic evaluation. That covers braces and Invisalign. It also covers dentofacial orthopedics (treatment that guides jaw growth), airway orthodontics and surgical orthodontics. The youngest age he treats is 7.
Does a dentist have to be a health partner to refer a patient?
No. Fredal Orthodontics welcomes referrals from all general dentists and dental specialists. Dr. Fredal practices only orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He cares for patients of all ages. Many complex cases are managed in the practice itself. He works closely with outside providers when a case needs one.
Who builds the treatment plan when two offices share a patient?
Dr. Fredal. He designs and oversees the orthodontic plan. He conducts every consultation himself. Where another provider gives part of the care, that part stays with them. Fredal Orthodontics is a private, single-doctor practice. A shared patient sees the same orthodontist from start to finish, not a rotation of providers.
Questions About Coordinated Care?
Dr. Fredal leads every consultation himself. When a patient needs care from other specialists, he works closely with them.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.