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| Office Policies |
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Your First Visit
A healthier mouth and more beautiful smile begins with an initial examination.
We do not charge for the initial examination because we want to encourage people
to seek advice regarding the need for orthodontic treatment without worrying
about an examination fee. At the first visit, the patient will be evaluated and a
preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed.
Consultation
If orthodontic treatment is indicated, further diagnostic information will be
required. Frequently our patients opt to have their diagnostic X-rays taken
at their first visit in order to save time and travel. There is a charge for this
service and, if orthodontic treatment is initiated, this payment will be applied
to your total treatment fee. 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.
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 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our
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regular office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (office depending), plus alternating Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 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 8 weeks in advance.
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.) Discount applies to two year treatment plans only.
- 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, 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
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.
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