You and the OrthodontistConsultation
At the first visit you will be greeted by our treatment coordinator who will give you a tour of our office. You will meet our wonderful staff and the doctors. The doctor will then examine you or your child and present you with comprehensive diagnostic findings and an individually designed treatment plan. The treatment coordinator will explain the cost for your treatment, discuss various treatment options available, and where applicable the insurance process.
RecordsIf you are ready to begin treatment, we will take diagnostic records which include photos of the patient’s face and teeth, x-rays of the teeth and jaws, and molds of your teeth to make plaster study models.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes 60 minutes. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 10 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some additional early morning and late evening hours. We are also open one Saturday morning of each month. Patients are seen by appointment only. 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 is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 10 weeks in advance.
Patient Participation and Cooperation
Orthodontic treatment can only be successful if the patient is a willing and cooperative participant. We strive to educate and encourage each patient, we reward great progress and we celebrate results. All the clinical assistants consistently report to parents on progress and recruit their help when youngsters have problems. We use contests, postcards, phone calls and surprises as incentives.
Payment Cost & Office Policies
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 payments plans to suit different budgets. We also accept direct reimbursement from some insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontic care affordable.
Fees
In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:
* If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
* To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
* For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER.
* In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.
Insurance
If you have insurance we will help you determine the coverage you have available. You are responsible for providing one completed claim form and for informing us of any changes in your insurance. Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the insured and the insured individual is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.
