Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.
Office Polices
Appointments
Please give our office 48 Hour notice if you need to cancel or change a scheduled appointment. We understand that sometimes there are unforeseen events that prevent you from giving notice but appreciate your cooperation.
First Appointment
Your first appointment with our office is very exciting! It gives us a chance to meet with you and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with yourself or your child. We also get a chance to show you the different treatment options that we offer!
You will meet with Dr. Bernas and should expect to be here about 30-45mins. We only charge one consultation fee per family. Payment is due at time of appointment unfortunately we are unable to accept assignment of benefits but we will be glad to fill out all necessary forms and help you get your insurance payment; we can also now send some insurance companies electronically.
When booking your appointment, we will ask for your email address so that we can send you all the necessary forms to fill out prior to your appointment. We also use your email to send you appointment reminders and any communication needed.
What’s Next?
After your consultation we will have you back to the office so that we can take necessary radiographs, digital scan and a series of intra-oral photographs. Dr. Bernas will then use this information to make a custom treatment plan for yourself or your child.
We will then invite you back so that you can sit down with our treatment coordinator and go over the final treatment plan 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?
We will also provide you with a treatment plan outlining all treatment fees and the necessary forms for you to submit to your insurance.
How long will treatment take?
Length of treatment is different for each patient but the active stage of treatment (wearing braces or other appliances) can be between 6-24mths. Followed by the use of retainers for retention.
Will my benefits cover Orthodontics?
Everyone has different policies that cover different types of dental services. Orthodontics is a separate part of your dental benefits and if there is coverage it is usually between 50-60 percent. Therefor if you are wanting to find out we recommend sending an estimate to your insurance company which we will gladly provide you!
How often will I have appointments?
Most patient appointments will be every 4-6 weeks depending on treatment. Some appointments maybe sooner or later depending on what is needed.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We realize that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and we try to make it affordable for everyone. We will sit down and figure out a suitable payment plan and offer convenient ways to pay your monthly fee through monthly credit card withdrawals or directly from your bank account.
Do you accept assignment and can you send my claims electronically?
At this time, we are unable to accept assignment of benefits, we can now submit some claims electronically and we can also help you submit them manually. We will do our very best to help you navigate how to submit your benefits online. Please bring your insurance information with you.
Why do I need a My Orthodontist / Anywhere Dolphin Account?
We ask all of our patients to sign up for a My Orthodontist (Mobile app) or Anywhere Dolphin account (computer version). We will ask for your email and send you the link to register. This is the best way to communicate with our office and view your appointment scheduled as well as your account information. You are also able view all photographs and radiographs throughout your treatment. It is also the way we have patients complete Covid screenings. If you have trouble setting up your account give our office a call.
