 Your First Visit
We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office. Our hope is that the visit will prove to be informative, comforting, and the beginning of a long, memorable relationship. Upon arrival to our office, you will be greeted by our staff and introduced to some of the latest technology used in orthodontics today. After a short tour of our office, the doctor will perform a thorough dental examination to identify any evident problems. This important examination involves no discomfort and will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. Treatment options will then be discussed and any questions you may
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have will be honestly answered by Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman. If treatment is indicated, a probable fee range will also be discussed. If you then wish to begin treatment, a diagnostic records appointment will be scheduled (this can usually be done immediately following the initial examination, or re-scheduled for a more convenient time). There is no fee for this initial evaluation.
Diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, impressions of the
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teeth for digital study models, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and x-rays. All of our x-rays are digital, which emit up to 90% less radiation than non-digital machines.
Consultation
Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman will carefully study your diagnostic records to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We will then schedule a consultation visit to discuss the treatment plan and financial arrangements.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12 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 difficult to reschedule you 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 have payment plans to suit different budgets. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and 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.
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.
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