Your First Visit
Your first visit to our orthodontic office is an exciting time! It’s a chance for us to get acquainted, and for you to learn about the treatments and services we offer. It all starts with the initial consultation.
You should plan to spend at least an hour with us the first time. That’s to ensure that no one has to rush and that you get plenty of time to ask any questions you may have. You will meet one of our receptionists or patient coordinators, who will take some information from you and bring you through the office. Then it’s time for some diagnostic work and an exam.
Let’s Make a Plan
A big part of our job today is to determine what treatment is necessary to correct any problems we may find — and whether we should begin now, or wait until a later time. Our procedure starts by taking a set of regular photographs of the teeth in their present state. Next, we’ll probably take a series of radiographic (X-ray) images. These enable us to see what’s going on underneath the gums: the position and growth of bones and joints, and the teeth that are still below the gum line.
Next, we will take a digital impression, or model, of your smile. This lets us make an exact replica of the bite, which helps us understand exactly what the problem is and how best to treat it.
After that, it’s time for the exam. We will look at the records and images, and perform a careful examination. Besides looking in the mouth, we may also ask questions, such as whether the jaws make noise when the mouth is opening or closing, or if there are any problems chewing or swallowing. Taken together, this information will allow us to make a proper diagnosis and finalize our treatment plan at the first visit.
Discussing Your Options
Following the exam, we may tell you that things are just fine — or, we may recommend treatment. Treatment might begin right away or at a later time, depending on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws. Many times, we’ll advise you to return for a periodic checkup, until we determine that it’s the best time to start. Now that we have a treatment plan, we will also explain what our fees will be, and what payment options are available.
Whether you’re starting now or later, this is the best time to ask questions about the process. We can talk about available treatment choices, answer general questions about what to expect at the different stages of the process, and discuss any of the following:
- Can orthodontic treatment benefit me (or my child)?
- What general procedures will be used to correct the problem?
- Are any options available (or recommended) for my treatment?
- Should I get treatment now, or is it better to wait?
- Will tooth extraction be necessary?
- How much does treatment cost? Are payment plans available?
- How long do you expect treatment should take?
When you leave our office, we think you’ll have a better understanding of how we can help you get the best possible smile. So why not take the first step now — contact our team today to schedule a consultation!
Financial Info
Smile Power Orthodontics strives to provide our patients and families with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. The treatment plan will include a breakdown of what is included in the fee and insurance benefits available.
We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs and in an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care:
- Payment in full with a bookkeeping courtesy discount.
- Interest-free payment plans extend payments over the treatment time, automatically drafted from a credit card or checking account for your convenience.
- Family discounts and a program that allows parents and their children to start treatment at the same time.
These flexible payment options allow you to pay for your treatment over a period of time so you can focus on what matters most — keeping your smile healthy.
Insurance Coverage
Orthodontic insurance is a separate benefit from your dental insurance. If your insurance includes orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Insurance policies vary, so we contact your provider on your behalf to review your insurance to determine the coverage you have available.
Some of your dental insurance may also cover some procedures, such as X-rays or space maintainers.
Once treatment has started, we will file insurance claims on your behalf. We also accept the assignment of benefits from insurance plans and file the necessary papers to the insurance company.
Refunds will be issued should there be an overpayment. This can happen when an insurance company makes an unexpected reimbursement.
Flexible Spending or Medical Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) allow individuals a smart way to save money to help pay for their current or future qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis. Flexible spending accounts are often offered by your employer, while medical savings accounts are offered by your bank.
FSA accounts are tax-exempt accounts, and MSA accounts may be tax-deductible on your federal income tax return, unlike FSA accounts which have no “use it or lose it” rule.
Reputable banks, such as Bank of America or Patelco, offer these Medical Savings Accounts!
Financing Through OrthoBanc
At Smile Power Orthodontics, we want to make your orthodontic journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, and that includes managing payments. That’s why we partner with OrthoBanc, a payment-friendly solution designed to simplify the payment process for our patients. With OrthoBanc, you can enjoy a hassle-free way to manage your treatment payments, allowing you to focus on achieving your dream smile.
OrthoBanc offers several benefits that make paying for your orthodontic treatment simple and worry-free:
- Automatic Payment Processing — Forget about the hassle of keeping track of invoices and due dates. OrthoBanc automatically drafts payments from your designated account, ensuring that payments are always made on time without any extra effort on your part.
- Convenient Auto-Drafts — Payments are securely and directly withdrawn from your checking or savings account on a schedule that works for you. This eliminates the need to remember to mail checks or make manual payments, saving you time and energy.
- No Processing Fees for Patients — To make your experience even easier, OrthoBanc covers all processing fees associated with your payments. This means you can enjoy the convenience of automatic payments without any hidden costs or extra charges.
At Smile Power Orthodontics, we believe that financing your treatment should be easy and stress-free. With OrthoBanc, you’ll have a payment solution that simplifies your orthodontic journey and enhances your satisfaction from start to finish.
Have questions about financing options or paying for your treatment? Contact us today to learn more about the options available to you and your family.
Make A Payment
Making a payment is quick and secure. Click below to access our online payment portal.