Your First Visit

Please allow approximately one hour for your first visit to our office. Dr. Fried will use this time to do an examination of your teeth, jaws and bite. Dr. Fried will discuss with you all aspects of treatment and assess your orthodontic needs. Our goal is to help you understand all aspects of orthodontic treatment and we welcome any questions that you might have. If treatment is indicated,"diagnostic" records can be taken to help determine a treatment plan and appointments can be scheduled.

Records

Diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include models of the teeth, digital photos of the face and teeth, and X-rays. The information is used to create a custom treatment plan for each patient.

Appointments

Braces or other appliances are placed at the initial banding appointment. This appointment will usually be scheduled in the morning or early afternoon, and will take about one to two hours. After appliances are in place, regular adjustment appointments will be scheduled every six to eight weeks. Most adjustment appointments will be fifteen to thirty minutes long. Patients are seen by appointment only. We value your time, and make every effort to be on time. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so someone else can use this valuable appointment time.

Patient Participation and Cooperation

Orthodontic treatment can only be successful if the patient is a willing and cooperative participant. We strive to educate and encourage each patient, we reward great progress, and we celebrate results. All the clinical assistants consistently report to parents on progress and recruit their help when youngsters have problems. We use contests, postcards, phone calls and surprises as incentives. We stress excellent oral hygiene and encourage to continue seeing their dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payments options to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept direct reimbursement from some insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontic care affordable and feel that cost should not be a barrier. We will discuss the various payment options available, as well as the insurance process.

Insurance

If you have insurance we will help you determine the coverage you have available. You are responsible for informing us of any changes in your insurance. As a courtesy, we will file your orthodontic claim with your insurance carrier. Please be aware that payment for treatment is determined by the carrier at the time services are rendered. Preauthorization by phone or paper are not a guarantee of payment. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.