At the first visit to our office, a friendly and knowledgeable new patient coordinator will give you a tour of the office, help you with the initial paperwork and record any immediate questions you or your child may have. Medical and dental histories are filled out and diagnostic records are taken to assist the doctor in discussing yours or your child’s orthodontic needs. These records may include radiographs and photos followed by a clinical examination. The doctor will then discuss any findings and whether or not treatment is recommended. After any questions concerning orthodontic treatment are answered to your satisfaction, the new patient coordinator will further explain treatment recommendations, timing of appointments and fee structures. Any questions regarding insurance coverage will either be answered at that time, or directed to our insurance coordinator for further investigation.

Study Records

If treatment was recommended at the first visit, further study records are taken so that your doctor has an opportunity to do some “homework” prior to finalizing the treatment plan. These records may include an x-ray from the side (cephalogram), impressions of the teeth to create study models, and more photographs. Occasionally, a hand-wrist film is taken to assess growth potential. Depending on which appliance is being used, separating elastics may be placed between the back teeth at this appointment.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You will then see us at regular intervals, 4 to 8 weeks apart for adjustments, which typically take from 20 to 40 minutes. We offer regular office hours from Monday to Friday and a few Saturdays. 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. Please cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule an appointment since most appointments are made well in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem and the time it will take to correct it. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets. We also work with several insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable for you and your family.

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 book-keeping credit. (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 Discover, VISA and MASTERCARD.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.