At the first visit to the orthodontist,
diagnostic records are made to determine the best course
of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include
a medical/dental history, clinical examination; plaster
study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face
and teeth, and X-rays. 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.
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss
your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for
your particular case.
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces,
expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours.
You'll then see us at regular intervals 8 weeks apart
for adjustments, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our
regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 7
AM to 5 PM and Fridays from 8 AM to 12 PM. 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.
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, including
a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment
from most insurance plans, and file the necessary papers
to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics
affordable.
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,
Discover, and American Express.
- In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be
discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate
patients with temporary difficulties.
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 (see above). Professional care is provided
to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus,
the insurance company is responsible to the patient and
the patient 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.
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