Office Policies
Your First Visit
At your first visit to our office, diagnostic records are taken to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, models of your teeth, photos, and x-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in monitoring the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
Consultation
After Dr. Marie has reviewed your records, a treatment plan will be discussed with you in detail. The treatment coordinator will answer any questions you have regarding insurance and discuss the cost for your particular case.
Provided you have been to the general dentist within the last 6 months, and are cleared to begin orthodontic treatment, separators will be placed. In most cases braces can be placed the same day, unless you are receiving an appliance. Please keep in mind, the appointment where the braces are placed can take from one to one and a half hours. You will then see us at regular intervals every 4-8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Try not to cancel the appointment unless it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4-8 weeks in advance.
Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of each individual case. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have different payment plans to suit your budget, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from 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 our 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 credit card or via bank drafts.
Please help us be prepared for your first appointment by completing this Patient Information and Medical History form. Download the form below to your computer, print it out, complete the form, and bring it with you to your first appointment.
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