Orthodontic Office Policies
During your first visit to our office, we will help you get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Fajen will conduct a preliminary, complimentary examination to evaluate your treatment needs and goals. She will talk to you about your main concerns regarding your teeth and any dentist concerns. She will review your medical/dental history and use a mirror to look at your teeth and bite. Dr. Fajen will discuss any treatment recommendations and when the best time might be to begin treatment. An estimated treatment time and fees will also be discussed. Dr. Fajen sets aside 30 minutes for this complimentary exam. If you must cancel, please do so with at least 24 hours notice so that we can continue to offer this as a courtesy visit.
Diagnostic Records
If orthodontic treatment is indicated at this time, diagnostic records will be done at the next appointment. X-rays, and photographs of the face and teeth will be made, as well as impressions for plaster study models. X-rays are used to look at the roots of the teeth and how the jaws and teeth relate to each other. Photographs are used to evaluate facial aesthetics and proportions. The teeth and gums and their overall relationship and health are also studied. Impressions are used to form plaster models of the teeth and gums for closer study and to document how the upper and lower teeth fit together. These records allow Dr. Fajen to develop an individualized treatment plan for her patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 3 to 5 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Our office is closed for lunch from 11:45AM to 1:00 PM. We schedule longer appointments in the morning and early afternoon. This way we can schedule shorter appointments after school to accommodate as many families as possible. To allow us to dedicate the appropriate time to all of our valued patients, we see patients 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 5 weeks in advance. Missing appointments can delay treatment time and progress.
Payment & Office Policies
- Cost
- The cost of treatment depends on many factors, including the severity and complexity of the problem and the length of treatment involved. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have a variety of payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. There is too much at stake to base your decision on the lowest possible price. You do not have to settle for less than you want or deserve. We will work with you to identify the financing options that work best for your budget. 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:
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- 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. Please provide us with insurance information when scheduling your first appointment so we may obtain an estimate of insurance benefits at your examination. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). 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.
