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Your First Visit
Your first visit is the initial consultation. We will discuss orthodontic concerns and cost for your particular case.
At the second visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include
a medical/dental history, clinical examination, 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.
Case Presentation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the care of your appliances and the financial contract.
Regular Appointments
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The appointment when you get your 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 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Columbia. 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, 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. 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. The patient is responsible for the fees up front, our office will
bill the insurance company, and the insurance company will pay the patient directly. 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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