Your First Visit

At your first visit you, Dr. Gordon and a member of our team will review your medical and dental history in our private consultation room. We will listen carefully to your concerns regarding you or your child's teeth after which Dr. Gordon will complete a thorough examination of the mouth, noting any functional (bite) and/or cosmetic issues that are present. At times, a panoramic radiograph will be recommended in order to gather additional information. Dr. Gordon will then discuss the diagnosis and treatment options available. The cost of various treatment options will also be discussed at that time. If treatment is needed, orthodontic records will either be scheduled or taken at that time. The records consist of photographs of your profile and face as well as of your teeth, impressions to create models of the teeth, radiographs which are taken digitally (to minimize the amount of radiation to the patient and oftentimes create a clearer view of the structures in question) and jaw movement measurements. Once complete, the diagnostic records are obtained and Dr. Gordon will study them in order to formulate a personalized treatment plan. Orthodontic records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we will offer you and anyone you choose to accompany you an appointment to discuss you or your child's diagnosis and treatment in detail. In addition, we will send a letter stating your diagnosis and treatment plan with a copy of your orthodontic records (including your x-rays) to your primary care dentist. You will receive the same letter and x-rays. We are proud of our communication with our patients and their primary care dentists and/or specialists who are involved in their treatment and take great pride to ensure that a complete understanding by all involved is achieved. We have found this to be another way to increase the probability of a successful orthodontic result.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when appliances are placed (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from 45 minutes to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals generally 4 to 8 weeks apart for adjustment and/or changing of the archwires. Adjustment appointments usually take about 15 to 30 minutes and WE ARE COMMITTED TO STAYING ON SCHEDULE so as to minimize additional and/or unexpected wait times. Our regular office hours are Mondays from 1:00-7:30, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00-5:30, and Thursdays from 7:30-5:30. Saturday appointments are available by request. 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 payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans, and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. 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 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 and MASTERCARD.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment may 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. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.