New Orthodontic Patients

We feel privileged to have the opportunity to evaluate the orthodontic needs of you and your family.

 

What can I expect at my first visit?

Your exam will take approximately one hour. Dr. Thurston will perform a complimentary evaluation to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed. He will discuss your concerns, review pertinent information from your dentist, and explain potential treatment options. If treatment is recommended, we will provide you with information on what types of appliances may be needed and treatment time estimates, along with fees and financial options. For your convenience, diagnostic records may be taken at this appointment.
Following your visit, Dr. Thurston will send a letter to your general dentist, summarizing his findings. Communication with your dentist’s office is extremely important in providing high quality, coordinated oral healthcare. Although you do not need a referral from your dentist to schedule an initial exam, you should be current with check-ups and cleanings with your dentist before active treatment in our office can begin. You will need to see your dentist regularly during your treatment for check-ups and cleanings.

 

What are diagnostic records?

Diagnostic records consist of x-rays, photographs and dental impressions for making plaster models of your teeth. These records are the tools Dr. Thurston uses to create a treatment plan for each patient. The careful diagnosis and treatment of each of our patients is what allows our office to deliver such excellent care.

 

Types of braces

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With some metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are less visible on your teeth than traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. This type of bracket is durable, but may be more prone to fracture than metal braces. We use ceramic braces on the upper teeth only, which are most visible when smiling and talking.

 

Fees and Payment Policy

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established our financial policy as follows:

1: If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount for payment of your portion of the fee that is not covered by insurance.

2: To fit the needs of our patients, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months following an appropriate down payment. In most cases this is INTEREST FREE. For your convenience we offer electronic payments from your checking or savings account. In addition, we offer Visa and MasterCard charging options.

 

Appointments

Patients are seen by appointment only. Please call in advance so that we may reserve a time for you. If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please notify us immediately. We would appreciate 24 hours notice, which makes it possible to give your appointment to another patient.

Our office makes it a top priority to value both you and your time. That is why we make every effort to stay on or ahead of schedule each day. Appointments may need to be scheduled during school or work hours. We are happy to provide your student with school excuses for scheduled orthodontic appointments.

 

Insurance

If you have insurance we will help you determine the coverage you have available. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.