First Visit
We love seeing new patients, and we’re pleased that you’ve come to us to talk about your family’s orthodontic care. We understand that each person has different needs and expectations about orthodontics. Our treatment coordinator will accompany you through your first appointment with Dr. Hullings to help ensure that your individual concerns are addressed and all of your questions are answered.
So that Dr. Hullings will have the information necessary to give you his preliminary treatment recommendations, we will be taking a panoramic x-ray at your first appointment. If your family dentist has taken one recently, please let us know and we will request a copy of it before you come in.
After reviewing your x-ray and completing a thorough exam, Dr. Hullings will discuss whether or not orthodontic treatment is indicated. He will describe the kind of treatment that is necessary and will be able to estimate how long it will take. Our treatment coordinator will review the financial aspects of orthodontic care, including payment options.
Dr. Hullings may recommend that we wait for further dental maturation before determining if orthodontic treatment will be necessary. In this instance, he will ask the patient to return periodically for check-ups (at no charge) to monitor growth and development so that treatment can be initiated at the most favorable time for the best results.
It is very important to us that you come away from the first visit with a clear understanding of your individual orthodontic needs, how these needs will be met, how long it will take and how much it will cost. We always want you to feel comfortable asking any questions that you may have about any part of the orthodontic treatment process.
Getting Started With Treatment
When Dr. Hullings indicates that the time is right to get started with treatment, we will need to gather additional diagnostic information. An appointment will be set to take more photos and x-rays as well as impressions to make models of your teeth.
Dr. Hullings will use these diagnostic records, along with the information gathered at the initial visit, to diagnose and plan your course of orthodontic treatment. Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two treatment plans are exactly alike. Therefore, Dr. Hullings will develop a plan just for you, involving procedures appropriate for your individual goals.
The initial placement of braces or appliances generally takes one to two hours. This appointment and all others to place additional braces or appliances are scheduled in the morning. Adjustment visits during the course of treatment are fairly short and usually occur every six to ten weeks. These appointments can usually be scheduled over the lunch hour or later in the afternoon.
Financial Options
We never want finances to prevent you from getting the treatment you and your family need - when it is needed. We are happy to offer several payment options:
- Full payment at the beginning of treatment, with a bookkeeping courtesy savings
- In-office, no interest financing with an initial payment and monthly payments spread out over the course of treatment
- Third-party financing through Capitol One Healthcare Finance with no initial payment, fixed monthly payments, and low interest rates
To simplify your life and save you time, monthly payments can be deducted automatically from your checking, savings or credit card account. Through this web site, you are also able to make secure online payments.
Some employers offer flex-spending plans and/or orthodontic insurance benefits. You may wish to contact your personnel or payroll department to see if this type of plan is available to you. We will do all we can to help you take advantage of these great benefits.
