Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
We are happy to evaluate patients of any age to put your mind at ease and help you get established with an observation routine until it is time to begin treatment. As a rule of thumb, we like to wait until most, if not all, of the patient’s adult teeth have grown in. We find that a lot of the early treatment that you see in this area (known as Phase 1) is unwarranted and highly over-prescribed. We can evaluate you or your child during the consultation and recommend the most opportune time to start your journey to a new smile.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We often take a complimentary panoramic x-ray, perform a thorough dental exam, review how braces work, and discuss treatment options and associated costs during your first visit.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Transfer patients are considered on a case by case basis, so long as they are in a bracketing system that we currently offer. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started. You will need to be “released” from your previous orthodontist and settle up any financial responsibility before transferring to a new orthodontist. Associated fees for transfer patients vary and will be discussed at the consultation prior to starting treatment.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adult. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient. Learn more here.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a general dentist that has had at least 2 more years of full-time training in orthodontics resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patient appointments, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9am to 3pm. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs.
Can we make payments?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan. Learn more here.
How do you handle insurance?
After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee. Orthodontic insurance benefits are not paid up front in full, but rather divvied up over the course of treatment.
Do you take American Express, Master Card and/or Visa?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting.
Do you charge interest?
We do not charge interest unless you continually miss your regularly scheduled payments.
Do you give family discounts?
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
Do I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
If you normally pre-medicate for your dental procedures, you will want to do the same during your orthodontic visits.
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Yes, retainers are worn primarily nightly for at least as long as you wore your braces. After that time, you will want to keep them around and try them in periodically to make sure your teeth are staying aligned.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over your lifetime.
