Your First Visit

We believe that quality orthodontic care begins the moment you step foot in our office. That's why your first visit is an important opportunity for us to discuss your treatment concerns and answer any questions you may have.

At your first appointment, we will give you a thorough examination, complete with digital photographs and orthodontics x-rays. This process is comfortable and painless. Dr. Van Vliet will provide you with an individualized consultation to explore diagnostic issues, treatment options and financial arrangements. If treatment is indicated, diagnostic records and study models can be taken at this time.

New Patient Forms

Please help us to be prepared for your first appointment by completing this Patient Information and Medical History form. Download the form below to your computer, print it out, complete the form, and bring it with you to your first appointment.

Regular Appointments

The appointment at which you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to one and a half hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals six to eight weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes twenty to forty minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 PM to 5 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 immediately reschedule you since most appointments are made six to eight weeks in advance.

Financial

Orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in the dental health and overall well-being of the patient. Please be aware that the cost of treatment varies from case to case. In order to make financial obligations as comfortable as possible, we have several payment options available to our patients. We offer a bookkeeping discount if treatment is paid in full at the start of treatment, and we also offer a family discount. For your convenience, we accept payment by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulty.

Insurance

There are many different agreements between insurance carriers and their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit. Orthodontic insurance generally differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee (diagnostic records, initial fee, monthly payments, etc.) until the benefit maximum has been reached. Charges for lost or broken appliances may not be covered by insurance.

For your convenience, we will gladly assist you in submitting both predetermination and initial insurance claims pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. However, please be aware that our primary financial relationship is with our patients or their families, and not with their respective insurance companies. Final responsibility for collection of benefits from your insurance company rests with the insured party. Our professional services are rendered and charged directly to the patient or their family, and they are responsible for payment of all fees incurred.

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