When should I bring in my child for an orthodontic assessment? |
Does my dentist need to make a referral if I want to have an orthodontic assessment? |
Are children being treated at a younger age than in the past? |
When is the ideal time to start treatment? |
Can Adults straighten their teeth? |
How long will it take to straighten my teeth? |
What are the initial exam fees? |
If Dr. Miller determine that I am a candidate for orthodontic treatment, what is the next step? |
What determines my financial investment and how much will my insurance contribute? |
| What is your policy concerning office visits? |
When should I bring in my child for an orthodontic assessment?
The American Association of orthodontists suggests that the ideal time to consider an orthodontic screening, or consultation, for your child occurs when the permanent front teeth and first molars erupt into the mouth (i.e. by age 7). For some children, a timely screening, may lead to immediate treatment since many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early. This type of early intervention can help to minimize or simplify future treatment needs. For others, whose treatment may be months or years away, a screening will help the family establish a relationship with our office, and plan for personal and financial implications of treatment. Or, an early screening may suggest that treatment is not indicated, which can help to put parents' minds at ease.
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Does my dentist need to make a referral if I want to have an orthodontic assessment?
Your family dentist does not need to make a specific referral for you to come to our office. In fact, we welcome referrals from our other patients. Whichever way you may learn of our office we would be pleased to meet with you for an orthodontic consultation to discuss your concerns and make recommendations. However, we do require that all of our patients see their dentist for regular check-up visits during orthodontic treatment.
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| Are children being treated at a younger age than in the past?
No. Although some orthodontic problems have been shown to be treated more effectively at an early age, most orthodontic patients are still treated once all of the primary teeth have fallen out.
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| When is the ideal time to start treatment?
It is difficult to suggest an ideal time that would apply to everyone since every case is unique and not all orthodontic problems are treated in the same manner. However, orthodontic treatment is most commonly initiated during adolescence when most, if not all, of the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. It is perhaps during this stage of development, as children enter their teenage years, that the psychological and social implications of orthodontics may be most beneficial; giving children the confidence to express themselves and interact in a positive manner.
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| Can Adults straighten their teeth?
It is never too late to pursue orthodontic treatment as an adult, since healthy teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, adult orthodontic treatment has never been more popular. Nearly 1 million adults are wearing braces today- twice as many as 10 years ago. Many adults who may not have had the opportunity to receive orthodontic treatment as children are deciding to correct that bothersome smile, or those crowded and difficult-to-clean teeth. People should expect to keep their teeth for a lifetime and orthodontics can play a key role in reaching this goal. Today, with the significant technological advances in the field of orthodontics, treatment can progress more easily and comfortably for patients and in less time than in the past. There are "braces to suit all faces", coming in silver, gold, clear, and even invisible braces. As a team, together with your dentist, we can achieve beautiful and healthy smiles that can last a lifetime.
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How long will it take to straighten my teeth?
It is difficult to suggest a standard length of treatment for an individual since every case is different. In general, the treatment time is determined by the complexity of the initial problem or malocclusion and the goals of the treatment. An average orthodontic treatment will generally last 18 to 24 months. However, simpler orthodontic problems could be treated in as little as a few months, while more complex cases could extend to more than 3 years. At your initial consultation appointment, the estimated treatment time based on the specific case will be reviewed. One must keep in mind that patient cooperation is an important factor with respect to treatment being completed on schedule.
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What are the initial exam fees?
Your Initial Orthodontic Exam is Free
At initial exam we will have a chance to get acquainted and to determine if there is a need for orthodontic treatment. Many of your questions can be answered at this time and we encourage you to ask about any of your concerns. There is no charge for your initial visit that includes information with regards to the patient’s medical/dental history, a clinical evaluation, and a brief consultation. If treatment is recommended, the doctor may suggest diagnostic records to determine the best course of treatment.
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If Dr. Miller determine that I am a candidate for orthodontic treatment, what is the next step?
Records
Diagnostic records include study models of the teeth, photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and x-rays. These are used to help design a treatment plan for individual patient’s needs and to track the progress of treatment during and at the completion of orthodontic care.
Consultation
After review of your diagnostic records, a treatment plan will be discussed, as well as, the length of treatment and your financial investment. Often, this can be determined at the time of the initial visit or the doctor may schedule a consultation appointment.
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What determines my financial investment and how much will my insurance contribute?
Affordable Payment Plans
Since each patient has individual clinical needs, it is impossible to determine a treatment fee prior to seeing the patient. The financial investment is determined by the severity of the patient’s problems and the desired goals to be achieved.
We offer affordable monthly (no interest) payment plans that may be modified to suit your individual needs. A 5% discount is offered if your total fee is paid in full at the start of treatment. If you have insurance, the discount applies only to your portion of the fee not covered by the insurance.
If we are not aware of special circumstances and your account becomes severely delinquent, we may be forced to discontinue treatment. Should you have an unexpected hardship, please contact our financial coordinator to discuss your future treatment and perhaps a temporary payment plan.
For your convenience we accept MASTERCARD and VISA.
Insurances
If you have orthodontic insurance we will take care of all the necessary filings. Please bring with you all your insurance information so that we can process the claim efficiently without any delays.
Our financial coordinator will be happy to assist you and to answer any questions you may have with reference to your payment plans and/or orthodontic insurance.
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What is your policy concerning office visits?
Patient/Parent Cooperation
In order to obtain the best possible results in orthodontic treatment both patient and parent efforts are just as important as the treatment of Drs. Olenginski & Miller. The doctors provide the treatment plan, nevertheless, in order to achieve that goal you have the responsibility for the following:
Appointments:
We respect your time and try to stay on schedule. We reserve a specific time for each patient and would appreciate that you arrive on time. If an appointment needs to be changed please call, as soon as possible, in order to maintain your scheduled treatment plan.
Appointments during school:
At the request of our schools, long appointment (half hour or more) are to be scheduled in the early morning or early afternoon before 3 PM. In doing so, fewer students will be need to be excused during the day allowing us to treat more short (15 minute) appointments after 3 PM.
*Please note that this policy has been approved by the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Department of Public Instructions, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With the proper form no student will be denied excusal from school. Please ask our reception for a form to be filled out by the doctor/parent and approved by the school.
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