Your Initial Exam and Consultation

When you arrive for your first visit, you will be greeted and given a tour of our office. We will ask a few questions about your medical and dental history, and collect your insurance information. A panoramic x-ray will be taken, as well as photos of the patient’s face and teeth. Dr. Swan will review these with you, and also examine your teeth and your bite. All this information will allow her to determine the best timing and course of treatment. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed treatment, as well as view models and animations of the recommended techniques and appliances. Our treatment coordinator will be available to discuss the cost of treatment, including payment options and any available insurance benefits. By the end of the initial examination, it is our goal for the patient and family to understand:

1. Whether treatment is indicated or not;
2. The proposed treatment (or treatment options available);
3. The recommended timing of treatment for the most efficient and effective results;
4. The length and cost of treatment.

Starting Treatment

Patients who decide to proceed with treatment will require complete diagnostic records. This can often be completed at your first visit as well. In addition to the records from your initial exam, we will take a cephalometric x-ray and make impressions of the teeth for plaster models. This information is used to formulate a more complete diagnosis and custom treatment plan. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. On occasion, additional treatment needs will be discovered upon completion of records. In that case, we will review any changes to the proposed treatment plan with you before placing appliances.

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 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 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 as soon as possible. Cancel only if it is an emergency or you are ill and contagious. 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 and the complexity of treatment. 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 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.
• Discounts are given for additional family members who start treatment.
• 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, MasterCard, and Discover.
• We offer both in-office financing and specialized financing through Chase Health Advantage to provide a wide variety of financing options.
• 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 and file the paperwork with your insurance company. A payment plan can be arranged for the remaining balance. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf. Please let us know if you anticipate changes to your coverage at any time during treatment.