First Visit & Financing

EXAM

At the first visit to our office, information is gathered that will aid the doctors in assessing the need for orthodontic treatment. This information includes a medical/dental history, a clinical examination, and a brief consultation. At this visit, the doctor can determine if treatment is indicated at this time. If treatment is indicated, he will give a general idea regarding the type of treatment needed and will recommend diagnostic records. If treatment is recommended, the treatment plan will be discussed as well as treatment length and cost. The initial exam visit is always free in our office.

RECORDS

Diagnostic records are generally made at the second visit 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 design a custom treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

REGULAR APPOINTMENTS

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expander, etc.) usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You will then likely be seen at regular intervals of 4 to 6 weeks for your "adjustment" which will usually take from 15 to 30 minutes. We typically reserve morning and late afternoon appointments for your brief monthly adjustments. Our longer appointments (i.e. placing braces and expanders) are reserved for less demanded times. We also allow emergency appointments throughout the day. If you do need to cancel an appointment, please contact us immediately. Our regular office hours are normally Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm.

PAYMENT AND OFFICE POLICIES

COST

Since the doctors develop individual treatment plans for each patient, it is impossible to determine treatment fees prior to seeing the patient or over the phone. The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options at the initial examination.

FEES

Our office has established the following 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 on your portion of the fee that will not be covered by the insurance).

• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.

• We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover Card for your convenience.

• For your convenience, we offer third-party financing through many different credit companies. In an effort to save you time, you may log on to any of their websites and apply online before or after your appointment. Here is a list of companies we offer you:

  
  
  • 
    CareCredit
  
  
  • 
    Citi Health Plan
  
  
  • 
    Springstone

INSURANCE

If you have orthodontic insurance, we will take care of all of the necessary paperwork for you. Please provide all the necessary insurance information so that we can help you process the claim. Please be aware of the following insurance facts.

• Orthodontic insurance is a separate rider to dental insurance. Having dental insurance does not automatically mean that you have orthodontic insurance.

• Orthodontic coverage is usually different from your dental insurance. Most orthodontic insurance is 50% of the total fee up to a lifetime maximum.

• Orthodontic insurance is usually not paid in one lump sum.