Office Visits

Your First Visit

At the first visit to our office, Dr. Mai will spend time getting to know you and your orthodontic concerns. After performing a thorough clinical examination and reviewing over your medical/dental history, she will explain your orthodontic treatment needs. Diagnostic records will be recommended, which consists of plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the face and teeth, and X-rays. Dr. Mai uses this information to develop a custom treatment plan for you or your child. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After Dr. Mai has evaluated all your records, she will discuss your treatment with you in detail, and our Patient Coordinator will discuss the cost and payment options for your particular case.

Regular Appointments

When you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) placed, the appointment usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals ranging from 6 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the procedure. Our regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 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. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is generally difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made up 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 have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans, and we 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 courtesy. (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, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment may be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties. Late charges are assessed for accounts past due.

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. If the insurance company does not pay for any reason, the patient will be responsible for all financial obligations. We will help in every way we can in handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.