Financial

We never want costs to stand in the way of quality treatment, which is why we are dedicated to providing our patients with care that is both effective and affordable. Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs.

If you have any questions about financing or payment, ask us! We will thoroughly explain your choices and work hard to accommodate you.

Insurance

Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts.

When you first visit our office, bring your current insurance card with you. If you change insurance companies or join another employer's plan, please be sure to let us know. If an insurance referral is necessary, please bring the completed form with you to your appointment.

We will fully attempt to help you receive full insurance benefits; however, you are personally responsible for your account, and we encourage you to contact us if your policy has not paid within a reasonable timeframe. If we are not contracted under your insurance, you will be given a copy of services and charges to file with your insurance claim form.

Questions about the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment

Q: How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

A: Because there is such a huge range of orthodontic problems, it is impossible to accurately predict the cost of treatment to resolve them. This is why we offer a complimentary initial examination to evaluate your problem, propose a treatment solution and even give an accurate fee estimate at the first visit. This is all done before any commitment is made to proceed with the recommended treatment.

Q: Do you accept dental insurance to cover treatment?

A: No dental insurance completely covers the cost of treatment, but many will cover a portion of it. We try to help you maximize your benefits and then offer several options to pay the portion of the fee not covered by your insurance.

Q: What insurance to you accept?

A: We accept all types of 3rd party dental insurance where the provider is not a contracted member of that insurance company. These are insurance companies where you, the patient, are able to chose your provider and do not have to pick them from a small and limited list. We do accept Delta Dental insurance but are not on their preferred provider list. If you have Delta as your insurer, you will still receive ALL of your benefit from Delta if you do treatment with us. Your benefit will be paid directly to you rather than to us.

Q: Can I use my Flex Spending Plan (FSA) from work to cover some of my orthodontic fee?

A: If your plan allows use for dental and orthodontic care, we will work with you to maximize the use of your plan benefit. If your treatment extends over two plan years, often you are able to utilize both years to help cover costs. We have many patients who plan their treatment around utilizing their Flex Spending Plan.

Q: Are there options to pay the portion of my fee that insurance does not cover?

A: There are two specific options to cover the remaining fee. The first is to pay the remaining portion of the fee in full at the beginning of treatment. This PAY IN FULL option carries with it a 5% discount on that portion of the fee. The second option is to select the PAYMENT PLAN option. This option usually requires a payment of approximately 25% down and the balance spread over monthly payments with no interest. Often patients chose to put the recurring monthly payments on their credit card for convenience.

Q: Does my orthodontic fee cover everything I will need for my treatment?

A: We quote an "all inclusive" fee for treatment in our office. This means that all orthodontic records (pretreatment, progress and final) are included. We do not charge additionally for those records (x-rays, photographs and models) while in treatment. Retention and the cost of retainers is also covered. The only exception is the replacement of a lost or broken retainer. Other costs not covered by our fee are services provided outside of our office. These include consultations and treatments with other specialists and services proved by your regular dentist that may be needed during the progress of your orthodontic treatment.

 

Questions about Accounting

Will I get a statement on my account every month?

We do not normally send a statement on the status of your account. Only if your account becomes past due will you get statement from our office. If you want to check the status of your account, see if any insurance payments have been received or make a payment by credit card, check out the online account feature of this website.

How can I make a payment or make special financial arrangements?

To make special financial arrangements, you must call or e-mail our Office Manager or Financial Coordinator.

Can I have my credit card billed monthly to cover my payments?

To have your credit card billed monthly, contact the Financial Coordinator either by phone or by e-mail, and she can send you the proper form.

What if I have a question about my bill?

Some questions can be handled easily by e-mail. More complex questions may require a phone call during regular business hours.