 Your First Visit
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.
Consultation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.
Regular Appointments
When you get your braces (or other appliances), plan to spend between one to two hours at this appointment. You'll then see us at regular intervals four to eight weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the school year. 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.
Payment & Office Policies
Cost
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.
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.)
- 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.
Insurance & Financing
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.
Treatment can be financed through the CARE CREDIT COMPANY. This company does not require an initial payment. A low fixed rate of 13.9% annual percentage rate will be added.
We also offer a payment plan through our office and we do not charge any finance fees unless the account becomes delinquent. Because major costs are involved when treatment begins, we will ask for an initial payment of one-fourth of your share of the fees. We will arrange a monthly payment plan for the balance. |
