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.

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.

Appointment Policy

During active treatment, we will need to see you on a regular basis. We will try to work out a schedule that is most convenient for you. Because we respect your valuable time, we do our very best to stay "on time." Your prompt arrival for your appointment will enable us to utilize all the time we have reserved for you - for adjustments, instructions, and questions.

Long Appointments

Longer appointments are always scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to allow adequate time for more complicated treatments and to allow more time before and after school hours for shorter visits.

Short Appointments

Shorter appointments, such as visits for wire activation or retainer checks, can usually be scheduled early in the morning, after school (starting at 3:00 p.m.), or during school hours.

Rescheduling Appointments

Because schedules are carefully coordinated, your late arrival or missed visit can pose a problem. In fairness to the other patients, if you are running late we may not be able to "squeeze you in," but we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

Emergency Care

As a general rule, an emergency appointment is necessary only when there is severe pain, a loose band, a broken wire or something protruding that you can't remedy alone. Please check our Parts of Your Braces section before phoning or e-mailing the office. It will help us visualize what part of your appliance is broken or out of place so it can be correctly identified.

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 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.)
• 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.

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.