What To Expect
Upon your arrival at Cruikshank & Weber Orthodontics, you will be treated like family by our staff , as they welcome you to our office. Once settled in, we’ll make digital photographs and a complimentary digital panoramic x-ray, if indicated. Dr. Cruikshank or Dr. Weber will complete a thorough clinical orthodontic examination.
The purpose of the initial examination is to answer:
- What sort of problem is present, if any?
- When is the proper time to begin treatment?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will the treatment cost?
What’s Next?
If orthodontic treatment is indicated, an appointment for additional Diagnostic Records is scheduled. If time allows, these diagnostic records can be made the same day.
What are Diagnostic Records?
- 3D scan of your teeth to create your virtual bite
- Digital photographs of your teeth and face
- Panoramic and lateral X-rays
- Review of diagnostic records to allow the doctors to formalize your individual treatment plan
What is the cost of the treatment?
The cost of treatment depends upon the severity of the patient’s problem. The treatment coordinator will discuss fees and payment options during the initial exam, if treatment is required. We have different payment plan options to suit your budget and accept assignment from most insurance plans. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
What does my investment include?
Unlike visiting your dentist or physician where charges are a la carte, orthodontics is typically charged as a single fee for the entire process from start to finish. Whether your treatment includes braces or Invisalign, the fee includes all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if the patient follows instructions. If appliances require replacement due to loss, breakage, misuse or failure to eliminate foods that cause damage, we reserve the right to charge an additional replacement fee.
One set of final retainers is provided upon completion of treatment. There is a replacement fee for each additional retainer that is lost or broken. We follow our patients in retention after braces are removed, which is included in the initial fee.
What doesn’t my investment include?
- Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
- If an accident or injury occurs during treatment which results in TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular-Joint) complications, additional orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, etc, a fee adjustment may be required to complete treatment under these unusual circumstances.
Insurance
We work directly with your insurance company, billing them directly. This is called, “accepting assignment of benefits.” We do this for most insurance plans, working with you and your carrier whenever possible. By doing this, the family’s out-of-pocket expense is reduced. We are also happy to help you complete insurance forms for direct reimbursement. Should there be any change in your policy prior to full payment of the insurance benefit, please contact our office immediately so adjustments may be made to your contract.
Appointment Time
We understand your time is important and it is our goal to see you on time for your appointments. Time is scheduled to complete necessary orthodontic procedures, communicate information about treatment, and answer questions. In order for us to run on time, we request that patients arrive at or before their scheduled time to avoid delays as the day progresses. Your cooperation and consideration is greatly appreciated by our office and the patients that are seen after your appointment. Sometimes procedures or questions run a bit longer than expected. We make every effort to work with you to minimize any inconveniences and remain respectful of your time.