Your First Visit
Your first visit to our office is an important one, because it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship…. a partnership, in fact. At that visit, partial diagnostic records (medical/dental history, panoramic x-ray, and clinical exam) are made to determine the best course of treatment. We’ll utilize the latest in orthodontic technology, including a state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine, which delivers 75% less radiation than the traditional x-ray machine. If treatment is recommended, then complete diagnostic records will need to be made, including plaster study models of the teeth, digital photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and a lateral cephalometric x-ray with computer analysis. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
Consultation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we’ll discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case and the approximate length of treatment. Now is the time to ask questions, make sure you’re comfortable with all aspects of the orthodontic problem and the recommended treatment.
Appointments
Our regular office hours are Monday - Friday, with early and late appointments available. The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc) placed usually takes from one to two hours. You’ll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20-30 minutes. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It may be difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
Payment and Office Policies
Costs
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
Financial Arrangements
We offer a number of flexible options to make things easier on you. For your convenience, we accept VISA and MASTERCARD. Arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months, with a down payment made at the beginning of treatment. Third party financing is also available.
Insurance
Today, most insurance companies cover part of the cost of orthodontic treatment. If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay. Please remember that the contract for your insurance is between you and the insurance company, and our office has no part in determining your benefits. The assistance we provide you is strictly a courtesy. It is to your advantage to discuss any questions you may have about your benefits with your benefits coordinator at your place of employment or call the insurance company directly. It is important to maintain your orthodontic insurance during the entire orthodontic treatment in order to receive maximum coverage from your existing policy. If insurance is dropped or discontinued during treatment, it is the patient’s responsibility to pay the remaining balance for your orthodontic expenses, including the portion no longer covered by insurance.