At the first visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic
records may be 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 6 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which
takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 6 PM and Saturday
appointments are available, except during summer months. 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 6 to 8 weeks
in advance.
Please help us be prepared for your first appointment
by completing this Patient Information and Medical History
form. Download the form below (in either Word or PDF format),
print it out, complete the form and bring it with you to
your first appointment.
Patient Form: Word
Patient Form: PDF
If you're unable to read PDF files, you can download
Acrobat Reader free from Adobe. |
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. We accept assignment
from some 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 bookkeeping courtesy. (If you have insurance, we will
offer a courtesy 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, MASTERCARD,
DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.
- 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. In most cases insurance benefits will go
to you. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim
and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.
|
Your First Visit