To assist your efforts to educate yourself, we want to acquaint you with some of the factors that determine the fees for high-quality orthodontic services. Our goal is to provide the highest level of safety so that you may feel comfortable in knowing that these procedures are being routinely performed. Our safety precautions include:
No reuse of braces or wires: It is common practice in many orthodontic offices today to utilize "second-hand" and "already used" braces and wires. We work hard to keep our costs down but not at the expense of our patients.
The highest quality materials: The quality of braces, wires and removable appliances used can differ, just like the difference in quality available in the various household items that you purchase. We use only the highest quality orthodontic materials in order to give you the very best treatment.
Heat-activated Wires: Orthodontic wire is now available which reactivates itself from body heat. This means that teeth move more efficiently with fewer appointments, which is more convenient to our patients. Treatment time can be reduced with the use of these advanced wires.
Barrier Controls: We wear protective face masks, eyewear and gloves as recommended by the federal offices OSHA and CDC.
Sterilization: All our dental hand pieces are thoroughly sterilized with a steam autoclave after each procedure as this is the only effective hand piece sterilization method. All of our other orthodontic instruments are thoroughly sterilized using dry heat.
Individual set-ups: All of our instruments are organized on an individual tray as a set-up for each individual procedure on each patient.
Disposable items: These are used whenever possible and are always discarded once used or exposed to the treatment environment.
We also know that no two patients have exactly the same problems. Some orthodontic problems are very minor in nature and some are quite severe, so it is important that each patient be treated according to their individual needs. In our office, the treatment plan for each patient is tailored specifically for them. Therefore, there is no set fee to be quoted over the phone. We offer a complimentary initial examination and consultation to discuss your investment for a beautiful smile.
Insurance
Our office is happy to assist you in claiming any orthodontic benefits covered by your dental insurance program. In order for the benefits to arrive as soon as possible, the essential details must be carried out by all concerned.
First, inform us at the earliest possible opportunity that you have orthodontic insurance coverage. This will allow you to receive confirmation of benefits as quickly as possible.
Second, please be advised that all fees are arranged with and are the responsibility of the individual patient or family, and not with the insurance company. Financial assistance from an insurance plan could terminate at any time, for any number of reasons.
The amount of reimbursement by an insurance company always is governed by the size or cost of the premiums paid. Therefore, there may be a wide range in benefits, even by the same insurance company. Insurance plans with orthodontic benefits usually cover only a portion of the overall fees involved in orthodontic care.
Pre-authorization or “Acceptance of Claim” by Insurance Company
Most insurance companies require pre-authorization prior to starting any active orthodontic treatment. The common practice is to submit a claim form stating the time and fee for active orthodontic treatment and waiting for the insurance company to authorize their part of the fees involved. When we receive the acceptance from your insurance company, then we will let you know their part and what your balance will be.
All services are charged directly to the patient, and patients are personally responsible for payment of charges incurred. If it is planned that our office will accept insurance payments to apply to your account, it must be understood that if the insurance company’s total payments do not equal the expected benefits, the responsible party will need to make-up any differences.
The general office policies on financial arrangements are the same for insured and uninsured patients.