EXAM

At the first visit to our office, information is gathered that will aid the doctors in assessing the need for orthodontic treatment. This information includes a medical/dental history, a clinical examination and, if indicated, diagnostic records. At this visit, the doctor can determine if treatment is indicated at this time. If treatment is recommended the treatment plan will be discussed as well as treatment length and cost.

REGULAR APPOINTMENTS

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expander, etc.) usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You will then likely be seen at regular intervals of 4 to 9 weeks for your "adjustment" which will take from 15 to 30 minutes. We typically reserve morning and late afternoon appointments for your brief monthly adjustments. Our longer appointments (i.e. placing braces and expanders) are reserved for less demanded times. We also allow emergency appointments throughout the day. If you do need to cancel an appointment, please contact us immediately. Our regular office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm and Wednesday 7:30am - 2:30pm.

PAYMENT AND OFFICE POLICIES

COST

Since the doctor develops individual treatment plans for each patient, it is impossible to determine treatment fees prior to seeing the patient or over the phone. The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options at the initial examination.

FEES

Our office has established the following 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 on your portion of the fee that will not be covered by the insurance.)

• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, and American Express for your convenience.

We also use OrthoSesame, which allows you 24 hour acces to our office with appointment verification, patient and insurance ledger, and flex plan receipts.

INSURANCE

If you have orthodontic insurance, we will take care of all of the necessary paperwork for you. Please provide all the necessary insurance information so that we can help you process the claim. Please be aware of the following insurance facts:

Orthodontic insurance is a separate rider to dental insurance. Having dental insurance does not automatically mean that you have orthodontic insurance.

Orthodontic coverage is usually different from your dental insurance. Most orthodontic insurance is 50% of the total fee up to a lifetime maximum.

Orthodontic insurance is usually not paid in one lump sum.