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Adult New Patient Exam
We recognize that many of our adult patients know what they would like orthodontic treatment to accomplish. We look forward to being a part of the process
that provides the beautiful smile you desire. Your first visit to our office is complimentary. When you arrive, our treatment coordinator, who will accompany
you during your exam, will greet you. Once the doctor completes a clinical examination, he will address you and/or your dentist's concerns and
discuss the options available to achieve your orthodontic goals.
Before you leave your new patient appointment, you will be well informed of the
type(s) of treatment available to you, the
approximate time your treatment
will take and the cost of all the options presented. Our
treatment coordinator
will answer any questions you may have and help you set up the next
couple of
appointments you'll need to get started.
Child New Patient Exam
Age 7 is an ideal time for a child's first visit with an orthodontist. Treatment is not always needed at this age but it's a good time to get a "first look."
At the first appointment, our treatment coordinator will greet you and your child. She will accompany you during the visit. The exam itself is very easy
and even the most anxious kids leave feeling good about their visit with us.
Prior to the exam, the doctor will review the patient's medical/dental history. The clinical examination consists of looking at the face, teeth and jaw
structure. This helps him determine if any orthodontic treatment is needed at this time. After the exam, the doctor will discuss his findings with you and,
if treatment is recommended, what the problems are and what will be needed to correct them. Our treatment coordinator will answer any questions you have,
discuss fees and help set up the next appointments needed.
Recall Program
If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, he or she will be placed in our recall system. Regularly monitoring development enables us to begin
orthodontic treatment at the optimal time. All examinations conducted during recall are complimentary. In addition to their age, growth, development and
dentition, we also consider the following factors at each appointment:
- Eruption sequence of permanent teeth
- Growth coordination of the upper and lower jaws
- Space availability for the permanent teeth
Records Visit
At the second visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically
include 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
Following the records visit, the doctor will examine your diagnostic records and develop a treatment plan. The doctor will discuss in detail the problems
with the patient's bite and tooth alignment and how orthodontic care can help. He will discuss the patient responsibilities such as keeping scheduled
appointments, brushing and flossing, elastic wear and diet considerations. He can demonstrate case specific orthodontic appliances and provide choices
between brace types (i.e., metal vs. tooth colored) and even appliance systems (i.e., traditional braces vs. Invisalign). The goal of this meeting is to
develop an understanding of orthodontic care. Patients and parents are encouraged to ask questions. Following the consultation with the doctor, a staff
member will assist you in scheduling the next appointments to get started. Financial arrangements will also be finalized at this time.
Regular Appointments
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 six to 10
weeks apart for an adjustment. Orthodontic adjustments typically take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Our regular office hours are:
Monday 11-7
Tuesday - Thurs 8-12 and 1-4:30
Patients are seen by appointment only. 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 10 weeks in advance. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the
same courtesy to us.
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 through a third-party finance company. We work hard to make orthodontics
affordable. If you have an orthodontic insurance benefit, we will be happy to file your claim and accept assignment of benefits, as a courtesy.
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 bookkeeping 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 24 months.
- For your convenience, we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
- We also offer online payments, or we can direct withdrawal from your debit account
- 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 will accept assignment of benefits. 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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