Why Second Opinions in Orthodontics Are Worth It

Every week, I meet parents who sit down looking a little uncertain. They’ve already seen another orthodontist—maybe even two—and they’re quietly wondering if it’s okay to ask, “Is there another way?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re absolutely right to ask.

One of the smartest things you can do before committing to orthodontic treatment is to get a second opinion—especially when the plan involves extractions, jaw surgery, expanders, or long and complex timelines. Not because anyone is “wrong,” but because orthodontics isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are often multiple paths to a healthy, beautiful, stable result.

I’m Dr. Jeremy Manuele, Board Certified Orthodontist in Las Vegas and co-founder of Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics. Here’s why second opinions matter—and how they’ve changed treatment outcomes for families every single week.

When a Second Opinion Changes Everything

A mom recently brought in her 12-year-old son who had been told he needed four permanent teeth removed to “make space.” She wasn’t comfortable with that and wanted to be sure before making a major, irreversible decision.

With 3D CBCT imaging, it was clear his upper jaw was simply too narrow. The issue wasn’t too many teeth—it was too little space.

Instead of removing teeth, we used a skeletal expander to gently widen the upper jaw and balance the bite. Within months:

• The crowding resolved naturally.
• His smile broadened and became more balanced.
• He kept all of his natural teeth.

His mom said, “I’m so glad we checked first—I almost agreed to something that couldn’t be undone.”

That’s the power of a second opinion.

Avoiding Jaw Surgery With the Right Diagnosis

Another teen was told she’d likely need jaw surgery for an underbite and facial imbalance. But when we reviewed her 3D scans, the story was different.

Her upper jaw wasn’t just narrow—it was underdeveloped and set back.

We used MARPE (Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) to expand and reposition the upper jaw forward and downward.

The result:

• We corrected her bite without surgery.
• Her facial balance improved dramatically.
• Her airway opened, and her sleep improved.

This wasn’t a shortcut—it was a more biologically guided path based on her skeletal anatomy.

When Patients Come In After Treatment Elsewhere

Sometimes patients visit after finishing treatment elsewhere—and they’re disappointed. One young woman had straight teeth but still wasn’t happy with her smile. A full evaluation showed the underlying skeletal imbalance had never been addressed.

We re-treated: expanded the upper jaw, realigned the bite, and improved facial harmony. She loved her final result, but she told me:

“I wish I’d gotten a second opinion first. I could’ve avoided two rounds of treatment.”

Second opinions don’t question another doctor’s expertise—they simply ensure you’re aware of every treatment path.

Why Orthodontic Opinions Differ

Orthodontics is both a science and an art. Doctors bring different:

• Training and clinical philosophies
• Comfort levels with expansion or non-extraction approaches
• Diagnostic tools (2D vs. 3D CBCT imaging)
• Experience with airway-focused orthodontics and MARPE

As technology advances and research evolves, so do the treatment possibilities.

A second opinion isn’t about mistrust—it’s about making sure you’ve explored all options.

What to Ask During an Orthodontic Second Opinion

Here are key questions that help uncover the true root cause of an orthodontic issue:

• Root cause: Is the problem tooth size/position—or jaw size/position?
• Alternatives: Are extractions or surgery the only options? What are the non-extraction or nonsurgical approaches?
• Airway & stability: How will this plan affect breathing, sleep, and long-term stability?
• Timeline & predictability: How long will it take? What outcomes are expected?
• Diagnostics: Does the recommendation rely on 3D imaging, digital planning, and airway evaluation?

You deserve clear, confident answers—not confusion or pressure.

Virtual Second Opinions for Out-of-Town Families

You don’t have to be local to get clarity. If you’re outside Las Vegas, you can still get honest, accurate feedback. Visit VegasOrthoDoc.com to securely upload photos and records.

My team and I personally review every case and provide a clear explanation of:

• What the root issue is
• Which treatment paths are possible
• Whether it’s worth starting soon—or monitoring growth

The Bottom Line

Orthodontic treatment affects far more than a smile. It influences breathing, sleep, facial balance, and long-term stability.

A second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust your orthodontist—it means you care enough to be certain, especially when the first plan includes extractions or surgery.

If you’re in the Las Vegas area, we’d love to meet you at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation and a clear discussion of your options.

The right second opinion can help you:

• Avoid unnecessary extractions
• Sidestep jaw surgery when appropriate
• Find more biologically guided alternatives
• Prevent a second round of treatment years later

When it comes to your child’s health, that kind of clarity is worth everything.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Second Opinions

Is it normal to get a second opinion before braces?

Absolutely. Especially if the first recommendation includes extractions, jaw surgery, or a very long treatment plan.

Does getting a second opinion offend my orthodontist?

No. Most orthodontists support second opinions—it ensures families feel confident moving forward.

Can a second opinion change the treatment plan?

Yes. With 3D imaging and airway-focused diagnostics, many patients discover alternatives they didn’t know existed.

Do second opinions cost anything?

At Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, second opinions are complimentary.