Your Orthodontic Appointments

Patients are seen by appointment only. We reserve this time especially for you. We make every effort to be on time for our patients. When patients arrive promptly for their appointments it ensures we will have sufficient time to do everything we've planned for that appointment. If you are going to be late for your appointment we ask that you call our office to see if we will still be able to see you or if we will have to reschedule. If you have to cancel an appointment please call us as soon as possible since many appointments

fill up as much as two months in advance. Your First Visit We schedule one hour for your initial orthodontic consultation. Complimentary photos and x-rays will be taken to assist Dr. Berkinshaw in evaluating your problems and concerns. A clinical exam will include review of medical and dental history as well as an evaluation of the teeth, jaw structure and

Patient Forms New Patient Information (Adult) New Patient Information (Child) Appoinment Request Please help us be prepared for your first appointment by printing our patient forms, filling them out, and bringing them with you to our office.

facial pattern. At this time one of three recommendations will be suggested.

1. Supervision
   Patients not ready for orthodontic treatment will be placed in a supervision status. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor facial growth and tooth eruption. There are no charges accessed for supervision visits.
2. Phase One or Early Treatment
   Our philosophy is to recommend early treatment when this treatment will either increase the long-term stability of a final result or decrease the amount of treatment required at a later date. Appropriate treatment fees, insurance and length of treatment will be discussed at this time.
3. Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment
   As implied, the goals of comprehensive treatment are comprehensive. Striving to achieve an ideal occlusion or fit of the teeth provides for the best function, esthetics and health for our patients. Appropriate treatment fees, insurance and length of treatment will be discussed at this time.

Fees

We recognize that orthodontics is an investment in your long-term dental health and we will make every effort to establish an affordable financial arrangement for you. In most instances we accept assignment of your insurance benefit. We typically offer three payment options for your remaining out of pocket expense.

1. Payment in full at the start of treatment. A courtesy is given to those who choose to pay their fees in full at the start of treatment. This saves our office administrative expenses that we pass on to you.
2. Payment over time. After an initial down payment our typical Office Plan allows you to make payments over a period of time. No interest charges are applied if payments are received in a timely manner. For your convenience we accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express and as a courtesy we can automatically charge your credit or debit card each month.

Insurance

Prior to your arrival we will ask for your orthodontic insurance information so that we may contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits. We participate with many plans and we will gladly file your claims and accept direct payment. We strive to ensure that you get the maximum benefit you are due and will make every effort to communicate with your insurance provider. In the event that insurance payments become uncollectable any remaining balance will be transferred to your account.