Office Policies

Office Policies

Your First Visit

At the first visit to the orthodontist, an initial examination is made to determine your need for orthodontic treatment and the outcome you desire. If orthodontic treatment is required, 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.

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 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 12:00 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 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 several payment plans to suit different budgets. We do not accept assignment from most insurance plans, but will 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.
  • 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 suspended or even 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 will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf. 

If we accept assignment from your insurance provider, we will take care of all the necessary paperwork.  Your insurance company will pay their portion directly to our office and you will be responsible for the remainder of the bill within your insurance's particular guidelines.  Please refer to our Accepted Insurances page to view our current list of insurance plans in which we participate.

If, however, we do not accept assignment from your insurance, you will be responsible for paying the entire bill and the insurance carrier will reimburse you for their portion. 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.
Back to Top