Office Policies:
Appointment Scheduling
In order to obtain our goal of running on schedule for you, patients are seen on an appointment basis. Since most of our patients are of school age, it is impossible for us to see everyone after school hours. We do take into account both work and school schedules; however, it will be necessary to schedule you during these periods, at times. We will make every attempt to keep these appointments to a minimum. We ask for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.
Emergency Appointments
We work hard to minimize emergencies with your help. Should you have broken bands or brackets, please call us. We will get you in at the earliest possible time. Please do not just drop by the office to have your appliances fixed. Remember, we work on an appointment basis only.
Patient Forms
To help us be prepared for your first appointment, please fill out the following forms and bring them with you to our office.
Patient Information
Patient Health History
Payments
Orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in the dental health and overall well being of a patient. In order to make financial obligations as comfortable as possible, arrangements are made to fit your needs.
It is our policy that the initial payment is made before the appliances are placed. Also, in order to avoid a late charge, the monthly payments must be received in the office by the date indicated on your statement. Accounts over 10 days past due will accrue a $25 late fee per billing cycle. Accounts over 30 days past due will be referred to collections for the billed portion of their contract. In the event a patient is still in active treatment when the account is sent to collections, you must make arrangements to have the braces removed and find another orthodontist to continue treatment. We will provide the patient with retainers to maintain the progress accomplished in our office.
Insurance
Our office will fill out and submit your insurance claims for you. In order to have the most accurate and up-to-date information on the claim form, please make sure you inform us if your insurance carrier or plan changes.
Appointments
While under orthodontic treatment, the patient must be seen every six to eight weeks for appliance adjustments and in order to stay on their treatment schedule.
Tardy Appointments
We appreciate your efforts to be on time for appointments. We strive to be on time also. If we are running behind it is because we are giving every patient our best effort as we will do for you when your adjustment is being done.
Late arrivals will be rescheduled only if absolutely necessary.
Failed Appointments
If possible, please give our office 24 hours notice if you cannot make a scheduled appointment. This will help us not only to put another patient in your appointment time slot, but will allow us to reschedule your appointment so that your treatment is not delayed.
Emergencies
Please call our office immediately if there is any unusual discomfort, or if any of the appliances are loose or broken. This allows us to set aside enough time to repair them. If you arrive without letting us know in advance, we may have to reschedule the appliance repair for another day. In case of extreme or unusual pain, please leave a message with our answering service and request an immediate call back.
Oral Hygiene
For your convenience, disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss are provided for your use prior to your appointment.
Sickness
For the health and consideration of our doctor, staff, and other patients, please do not come into the office if you are sick or under the care of a doctor. We will give you the earliest appointment available if you need to cancel because of illness.
We reserve the right to reappoint patients at our discretion when we feel their illness may cause exposure to other patients in the open treatment areas.
