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FEE
EXPLANATION
Diagnostic
Records
This includes photos, x-rays and study models which
are needed for an in depth study. These confirm our
clinical findings with detailed measurements. This allows
for proper diagnosis and treatment plans. Please bring
all insurance forms to this appointment so that we may
start the filing process as soon as possible.
Active
Treatment
The active treatment fee includes materials, laboratory
and treatment costs. This fee is not based on the number
of visits, but on the total treatment procedure. There
will be additional charges if there are broken appointments,
poor cooperation, or excessive breakage of the appliance(s)
because they make it impossible to complete treatment
as originally planned. The case fee includes all orthodontic
treatment, but does not include any fillings, extractions,
or cleanings that may be needed during treatment.
Initial
Payment
The initial payment is due the day records and/or separators
are placed. This is the first step towards getting the
braces. The separators allow the teeth to move in the
back so bands may be fitted.
Monthly
Payments
These installment payments begin the first month after
the initial payment is made. Monthly payments are due
on the first of the month. A payment coupon book will be given to you upon request. It is important to note that monthly payments do not reflect the work done in a particular month but
represent a convenient method of budgeting the cost
of treatment over a period of time. Whether a patient
is seen four times in a month or does not visit the
office in a particular month, the same payment is due
for the month. It is possible that a treatment fee is
based upon a per office visit plan which would be explained
at the time of the new patient appointment.
Repair
Charges
When damage or breakage occurs and necessary repairs
result, there is a charge for each repair. At the time
bands and brackets are placed, we will go over food
types to eliminate in the diet that will be helpful
in avoiding repair charges. Repairs not only require
extra time and often extra appointments; they also can
mean a delay in the final treatment time if damages
become frequent. It is a definite advantage to the patient,
parent, doctor, and staff to avoid breakage of the appliances.
Retention
Fee
The first set of retainers and one year of checking
the retainers is included in the treatment fee (except
in transfer cases). Additional charges are imposed when
the retention period extends beyond one year.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE
New
Patient Exam
Dr. Katz will discuss the appropriate time to begin
orthodontic treatment. She will estimate the length
of time and explain the recommended treatment plan and
discuss any special concerns anticipated regarding treatment
as well as fee schedules and payment plans.
We recommend that the patient’s teeth are cleaned
and all cavities filled before orthodontic treatment
begins. We recommend that the patient continue
to see the family dentist every four to six months for
cleaning and check-up during the entire orthodontic
treatment.
Diagnostic Records
 The
next appointment following the New Patient Exam is for
diagnostic records (x-rays, models, and photographs).
These are necessary to diagnose the case and arrive
at a treatment plan. We typically will place the separators
which are doughnut shaped spacers to help the back teeth
move to obtain space for the bands. This appointment
usually takes 50 minutes.
Separator
Appointment
Doughnut shaped spacers to help the back teeth move
to obtain space for the bands. This appointment usually
takes 10 minutes. This may be done at the diagnostic
records appointment.
Banding
Appointment
Anywhere from 1-4 week(s) after the separators, the
bands or appliances are applied. This appointment takes
about 2 hours and is scheduled during non-peak-hours.
Instructions will be given on the care of the appliances
as well as oral hygiene instruction. A food list will
be given to every patient.
Adjustment
Appointment
The patient will be seen on a regular basis for adjustment
of appliances. These are usually scheduled every 3-7
weeks on the average. The length of time between appointments
may vary depending on the progress or stage of treatment.
The length
of adjustment appointments varies from 10-50 minutes with average time being 30 minutes. Repair of
broken appliances takes more time than a regular adjustment
appointment. Please call us to notify our office of
breakage, as more time may be needed to fix the problem.
Otherwise the patient may need to return to the office
for the repair during another visit.
The
length of time in orthodontic appliances will depend
on patient cooperation. If rubber bands or headgear
are prescribed and not worn as instructed, you can expect
the treatment time to be extended.
Deband
Appointment
When the teeth have been moved to their best possible
position, the orthodontic appliances are removed and
retainers are placed. These hold the teeth in the correct
position and are necessary because teeth have memory
and have a tendency to return to their original position.
Retainer
Appointments
Retainer checks will be necessary following appliance
removal. Retainers will be worn full time for the first
year and will gradually taper down on the hours
as prescribed. Hard to hold cases may require retainer
wear indefinitely. Length of time between retainer appointments
will increase as the teeth settle into place.
In the event
a retainer is lost or broken, a replacement charge will
be necessary. After the first year of retention the
patient will be seen on a per office visit charge basis.
Appointment
Policy
 We
have found it is helpful to the parent/patient if we
have an understanding in the beginning regarding appointment
policies in the hope that misunderstandings can be avoided.
During school
months we ask that patients alternate their routine
adjustment appointments between morning and afternoon.
For scheduling purposes, we consider morning to be anytime
before 2:45 p.m. and afternoon anytime after 3:00 p.m.
We realize this means about every 10th to 14th week
it will be necessary for your child to leave school
early. We try our best to accommodate as many patients
as possible in the afternoon but obviously we cannot
see every patient every visit in the “after school”
hours. Repairs or appointments requiring more that 30
minutes are scheduled during non-peak hours (before
3:00 p.m.). When possible, please notify the office
prior to the appointment if there are loose or broken
appliances. Additional time may be necessary and sometimes
rescheduling will save you time in the long run.
We try to
be flexible in dealing with the many and varied appointment
situations. Likewise, we greatly appreciate your understanding
and cooperation. We look forward to working with you
and sincerely hope that your association with our office
will be a pleasant experience.
Emergencies
Severe discomfort or an accident will be handled appropriately on an individual basis. If you need to reach Dr. Katz after business hours, she can be reached on a cell phone at (404)788-7656. There may be times when another orthodontist is on call. Please call the office to listen for the recording for information.
Insurance
If your employer provides insurance coverage for orthodontics,
we will be happy to work with you in order that you
may realize your maximum benefits. Your insurance company
has an obligation to you, not the doctor. They should
pay you to the extent of their liability. You, on the
other hand, are financially responsible to the doctor
for the serviced rendered. Keep in mind that there are
many insurance carriers and all companies have different
plans. All policies are not standard, nor are their
methods of submitting or paying claims routine. We have
found that with your patience and cooperation, all of
the problems resulting from insurance claims can be
solved, but it often takes time and a great deal of
communication. Since insurance companies usually make
only partial or quarterly payments, you must keep current
on your account balance so that you do not incur interest
charges.
Billing
We do not send out statements for billing. We will be
happy to provide a coupon book to remind you to make
your payments. If a payment is not received by the 10th
of the month, it is considered past due. When an account
becomes past due, it can be due to several things:
1. Payment is in transit.
2. Insurance needs to be filed.
3. Insurance may have been filed, but has not been paid.
4. Payment is due from parent/patient.
5. Any combinations of the above.
Communication
is the most important factor in achieving current status
on the account. Your cooperation in this respect is
greatly appreciated.
INFECTION
CONTROL AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES
Our
office strives to offer the highest level of health
care available to you and all of our patients. We continue
to add products and systems as they become available,
especially in the critical area of infection control.
Our continuing goal is to provide state of the art sterilization
and infection control procedures.
You
can be confident that our office meets all guidelines
of the American Dental Association, the American Association
of Orthodontics, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, the Communicable Disease Center, and
you; our most important critic. Our staff members are
thoroughly trained in infection control procedures and
are updated yearly.
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