Office Policies
 Your First VisitAt your first visit, after completion of your medical/dental history and insurance form, the doctor will do a clinical examination to determine what type of orthodontic treatment is needed. The doctor may also prescribe a series of diagnostic records including orthodontic x-rays, digital photographs and study models. All this information will be used to develop a customized treatment plan for you and will serve as a baseline to track the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. Download our Patient Information Forms Below: Case Presentation After the orthodontist has evaluated your diagnostic records, we discuss your treatment plan, the length of time involved and specific financial arrangements. If you would prefer, this appointment can be done over the phone. At this point, we will prepare a pre-approval form for you that you can submit to your insurance company. Regular Appointments The appointment when you get your braces and/or appliances usually takes from one to two hours. You will then see us at regular intervals of 8 to 10 weeks for an adjustment that takes 20 to 40 minutes. 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 provide our office with at least 24 hours notice. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule since most appointments are made 8 to 10 weeks in advance. Many of your office visits will inevitably conflict with school/work. To minimize your missed time, our office has designed the following system:
Payment Policies Cost The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss payment options before treatment begins. We offer flexible payment plans and will be happy to review your options with you in person. The fee covers the cost of your braces/appliances for active treatment and for one year while you are wearing your retainers. Additional charges will be made for lost or broken appliances and broken braces due to negligence. The fees do not include any general dentistry, x-rays or extractions needed during and related to orthodontic treatment that are performed outside this office. Fees In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining high quality, professional care, we have established these financial policies:
Tax Relief Specialty orthodontic fees are qualified medical expenses which may be claimed for income tax purposes. Your total medical expenses in excess of the lesser $2024.00 (2010) or 3% of your net income may be claimed for any 12 month period ending in the tax year as long as they were not claimed the previous tax year. Please contact your tax advisor for additional information with regards to your individual situation to find out the details of the tax credit that will apply to you. Insurance We do not accept direct payment from insurance companies, but we will make it as convenient as possible for you by completing any necessary insurance forms so that you will be reimbursed directly from the insurance company. Dental plans vary, but most cover at least a portion of orthodontic fees. The insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will provide you with all necessary paperwork to pre-authorize and claim your orthodontic treatment with the insurance company. |