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Office Policies

The First Steps

The first steps in beginning orthodontic treatment consist of the initial exam, records and consultation.

The Exam: At your initial appointment you will be examined to determine if an orthodontic problem is present, and if so, whether correction is necessary at this time. There are no fees for your initial exam and consultation. Please fill out the forms located in patient forms and return to our office on your first visit or submit by e-mail. In some cases, records may be taken during this appointment if desired.

Records: If upon examination it is felt that correction of the problem is indicted, an appointment for “records” will be suggested. This appointment involves the taking of facial interoral photographs and plaster models of teeth. A head film and panoramic x-ray will also be taken. These records will aid in determining the presence and position of the permanent teeth, the jaw relationships and any unfavorable growth patterns. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. The cost of records fee is included in the total professional fee, however, if treatment is not initiated, you still will be charged the records fee of $400. If for any reason you need your records, a fee will be charged for the duplication of all the x-rays and models.

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The Consultation: This appointment is scheduled to allow us uninterrupted time with you to discuss your individual concerns. At this time, all of the diagnostic records have been reviewed and an accurate and thorough diagnosis, outline of the treatment plan and any recommendation pertinent to the case will be presented. An estimate of treatment time will be given and arrangements made for payment of fees. In some cases, treatment may be started at the same appointment if desired and scheduled in advance.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes approximately one hour. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 6 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 30 minutes. 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 orthodontic need. 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 file the necessary papers to the insurance company for you. 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 CHECK, 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

If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. 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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