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 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.
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your
treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular
case.
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
Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 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.
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 most
insurance plans and file the necessary papers to the insurance
company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
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.
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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