Your First Visit
On your first visit, Dr. Davant will take the time to carefully examine the patient. There is no charge for this visit. Those patients whose growth and development are being monitored to determine the best time to initiate their treatment are seen at periodic recall appointments, which are also done at no charge. If and when it is determined that it is time for treatment, diagnostic records (x-rays, models, and digital photographs) are taken to determine your treatment plan and the charge for your treatment. There is a charge of $150 for diagnostic records which is included in the quoted fee. This procedure can often be done on the same day as the evaluation appointment, thus saving an extra trip and time if the patient is ready for treatment. These records are vital to accurately diagnose the condition and formulate a treatment plan. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. The treatment fee is based on the severity or complexity of your problem and the estimated length of treatment.
Patient Form
Please take a minute to print and fill out the patient information form before your first appointment:
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Consultation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment plan fit for your orthodontic needs with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case, expected treatment time, and your expectations.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes an hour. You'll then see us at regular intervals 6 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM. We close daily from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM for lunch. 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. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule 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. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We offer interest free financing pending a good credit check rating. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. 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 7% fee discount.
- 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, AMERICAN EXPRESS, and CARE CREDIT.
- In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.
Insurance
This office is happy to cooperate with families who are covered by dental insurance. We ask that you read your policy to be sure that you are fully aware of any limitations of the benefits which may be provided, including how many payments are made, deductibles, etc.
The fees we charge for services rendered to those insured are usual and customary fees charged to all patients for similar services. Your policy may base its allowances on a fixed fee schedule which may or may not coincide with our usual fees. Unlike medical insurance, orthodontic insurance does not usually pay 100% of the charges incurred. You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatly in types of coverage available. Also, some companies pay claims promptly and others delay payments many months.
Since we have no say in the selection of your insurance company (nor do we feel we should), we have no control over when we should be paid by them for our services. Therefore, we ask that you look upon your insurance realistically as a device which is your responsibility to see that you are reimbursed promptly. You will be expected to make your payment directly to our office. The insurance company should then reimburse you according to the terms of your contract with them. Our obligation is to furnish the necessary information initially to help you obtain the reimbursement you are entitled to receive. We will do this by filing your claim for you and also filing confirmation and continuation of treatment forms if required by your carrier.
Our customary procedure in handling our patient accounts is the same for patients with or without insurance coverage. An estimate of the fee is given; we then request that an initial fee be paid at the start of treatment. The remainder can be paid off in monthly installments. Please feel free to discuss any facet of your dental insurance coverage with us at any time. You may call Tricia Stidham at 736-1445 if you have any questions regarding processing of your orthodontic insurance claim.