Smokey Point Orthodontics

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Office Policies

Office Policies | Patient Forms | Meet the Orthodontist | The Game Room

Your First Visit

At the first visit to our office, a medical/dental history is taken and clinical examination is performed. The orthodontist may request that diagnostic records be taken as well. These include photos of the patient's face and teeth, X-rays, and plaster study models of the teeth. 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. A fee estimate is also given at the first visit.

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case, and available payment options.

Regular Appointments

The appointment for the placement of appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are: Mondays 10 AM – 6 PM; Tuesdays 8:30 AM – 5 PM; and Wednesdays 7:30 AM – 4 PM. 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 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

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. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and file the necessary papers with the insurance company for you. 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 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 and Mastercard.
• 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 ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). However, if for whatever reason your insurance does not pay the full amount expected, you will be responsible for the unpaid balance. Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.