Office Policies

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.		 Office Policies

Health Histroy Forms Please complete the forms below and bring to your appointment.
Regular Appointments
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 4 to 6 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4 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. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 6 weeks in advance.

Finances

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. 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.)
  • 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 and MasterCard.
  • In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance
Your dental plan may offer orthodontic coverage but have eligibility requirements. Orthodontic benefits are not the same as your general dental benefits. There is usually a lifetime maximum benefit; however, some benefits renew yearly. Orthodontic benefits are rarely paid in one payment. Usually partial payments are issued throughout the length of treatment. As a courtesy, we will be happy to complete and file insurance forms relative to our treatment. However, our professional services are rendered to you, not the insurance company. Therefore, you are directly responsible to us for the obligation of payment for treatment. Your insurance company will variably reimburse us. Only in this manner can we achieve the best interpersonal relationship and optimum treatment demanded.