Your First Visit

Office Policies (What to Expect)

Your First Visit

At the first visit to the orthodontist, you will meet with Dr. Fernandes to determine your orthodontic needs and the treatment options available. If treatment is indicated, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. The records can be taken at the initial visit or an appointment can be set up to take the records at the patient's convenience. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination; plaster study models of the teeth, digital photos of the patient's face and teeth, and digital X-rays. This information is reviewed by Dr. Fernandes and is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After your records have been evaluated, Dr. Fernandes will discuss your treatment plan with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. At the consultation, the cost for your particular case will be discussed and financial arrangements will be reviewed. Given the investment of both time and money by patients and their families we feel it is both important and necessary that the review of the initial treatment plan is only done by Dr. Fernandes.

Banding Appointment

The appointment when the braces are placed usually takes from one to two hours. At our office, only Dr. Fernandes places the braces. During the banding appointment patients watch an instructional video, oral hygiene procedures are reviewed, and proper care of the braces is discussed. At the completion of the appointment all information is reviewed with the parent or guardian who is with the patient that day and a new patient kit is distributed. This patient kit includes items for oral hygiene, instructional pamphlets, and important office information. Adult patients are can be seen in a private room for banding appointments and all other regular appointments at their request.

Regular Appointments

You'll see us at regular intervals 4 to 6 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes around 30 minutes, if more time is needed patients will be scheduled accordingly. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and we offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 2:00 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 immediately.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have interest free payment plans to suit different budgets. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We strive to provide orthodontics to everyone at an affordable price.

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. (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, MASTERCARD, and INTERAC.
• 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 by sending a free estimate to your insurance company. If you are approved by your insurance company, we would be happy to help you with you claim submissions so that you are reimbursed in the shortest time possible. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.