Never. Our initial consultation is ALWAYS complimentary! As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces, clear aligners and tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation. All records taken at the initial consultation (photos, 3-D x-ray, and digital scan of your bite) are free of charge as well.
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for the first time by age 7.
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed and an observation schedule is arranged until the patient is ready to begin treatment.
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We may just do a visual exam and explain the situation or we may get complete diagnostic records including photographs, an x-ray and digital scan to document the current position of the teeth and growth status of the jaws.
Yes we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We evaluate initial records from the previous orthodontist, gather new complete diagnostic records to show the current status, and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.
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.
An orthodontist is a dentist that has had at least 2 more years of full-time training at an accredited orthodontic residency program resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to orthodontic care and dentofacial orthopedics.
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 9 and 3. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family’s needs.
Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our emergency care page for more information.
Yes. Whether or not you have a dental insurance 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.
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. If we are Out-of-network with your insurance provider, we can still courtesy file an insurance claim and you will likely still be able to receive your orthodontic benefits.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as payments over the internet.
No we do not. Our always offer flexible in-house financing for all levels of orthodontic treatment.
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
Yes, but typically only for certain procedures/appointments. Please check with your medical provider to confirm when pre-medication is needed.
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 2 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process and is unavoidable due to to forces applied by our cheek, lip and tongue muscles against the teeth. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your dream smile for a lifetime.
