WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT THE ORTHODONTIST
Initial Examination Visit
Please notify our receptionist upon your arrival. You will be greeted by our treatment coordinator who will begin acquainting you with our office. At future appointments, our patients simply “sign in” with a finger scan at the computer monitor on the reception desk. Patients are asked to go to the tooth brushing area to clean your teeth, if needed. After their teeth are clean, patients may go to the movie room, video room or reception area.
A staff member will shortly seat the patient for their scheduled appointment. Siblings and friends are encouraged to enjoy the entertainment available to everyone in our office. Seating for parents is available with the patient during all orthodontic procedure appointments, if they wish to stay with their child.
After the treatment coordinator has acquainted you with our office, she will take digital photographs and a complimentary digital panoramic X-ray, if indicated. The doctor will conduct a thorough clinical examination after he reviews the X-ray.
The purpose of the initial examination is to provide you with immediate answers regarding orthodontic treatment:
- What sort of problem is present, if any?
- When is the proper time to begin treatment?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will the treatment cost?
What is the cost of the initial examination?
There is no charge for the initial examination and panoramic X-ray.
What’s next?
If orthodontic treatment is indicated at this time, an appointment for additional Diagnostic Records is scheduled. If time allows, these diagnostic records can be taken at the new patient visit.
What is the cost of the treatment?
The cost of treatment depends upon the severity of the patient’s problem. The treatment coordinator will discuss fees and payment options, during the initial exam, if treatment is required. We have different payment plans to suit your budget and we accept assignment from most insurance plans. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable for every family.
What does my investment include?
Your investment includes:
- Orthodontic records, which consists of a 3-Dimensional CT Scan of your teeth and jaws, study models (if needed) and a personalized growth study workup to determine the best treatment option to solve the orthodontic problem. Additional X-rays, CT Scans and photographs taken throughout and upon completion of treatment are also included in your investment.
- Active treatment fee includes Phase I appliances or Phase II (full braces); Each orthodontic treatment Phase is a separate investment. The fee for each Phase of treatment includes all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed, in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if instructions are followed by the patient.
- One set of final retainers for patients with full braces will be provided when treatment is completed.
What doesn’t my investment include?
- Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
- If an accident or injury occurs during treatment which results in TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular-Joint) complications, additional orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, etc., a fee adjustment may be required to complete treatment.
Direct Assignment of Insurance Benefits
Our practice accepts assignment of benefits for most insurance plans. By doing this, the family’s out-of-pocket expense is substantially lower. If we do not accept assignment of benefits from your plan, we will be happy to file claims so that the insured can be reimbursed directly. Should there be any change in your employment prior to full payment of the insurance benefit, please contact our office immediately so adjustments may be made to your contract.
Office Hours
Our office is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. It is our goal to see you, on time, for your appointment. Time is scheduled for every patient to complete the scheduled procedure, discuss what treatment was completed, and answer any questions you may have.