Your first visit will be informative and rewarding. Dr Kaplan will do a complimentary examination: he will examine your teeth, jaws and bite. Your orthodontic needs will be explained. With our state-of-the-art interactive computer program you will be shown the treatment methods that may be used for the correction of your problem. Dr Kaplan will make preliminary treatment recommendations and give you a fee estimate.

If treatment is indicated, the next step would be to take orthodontic x-rays, mouth models,and photographs, so that a detailed study can be made of your problem.

The treatment fee will be presented by the treatment coordinator, who will offer several financial arrangements for you to choose which best meets your needs. If you have orthodontic insurance we will take care of all the necessary paperwork. We are experienced in helping you with pretax flexible spending accounts.

OUR SERVICES

We provide comprehensive care for all types of orthodontic problems for patients of all ages.

• Common problems include:
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Openbite
• TMJ problems
• Developing problems in young children may be prevented from progressing into a major malocclusion (= bad bite) by early treatment. This is termed phase 1 therapy.
• Phase 2 treatment using full braces, may be necessary when the permanent teeth erupt, but treatment may be less complex due to the benefits of the earlier treatment phase.
• Adolescent and adult patients usually require full braces to correct crooked teeth and bite problems.
• We use the latest types of braces available, including clear, gold and inside (lingual) braces.
• We are qualified to provide the newest "braceless" orthodontic technique for adults, "Invisalign".
• We have extensive experience with a fixed functional appliance, the Herbst appliance which eliminates headgear wear in suitable cases.
• We communicate with your dentist to treat complex problems where teeth need to be straightened in preparation for veneers, crowns, implants and bridgework.
• We work together with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to treat severe jaw problems requiring a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery.
• We treat cleft palate cases and patients with craniofacial anomalies in cooperation with plastic surgeons.

PAYMENT AND OFFICE POLICIES

The exact fee will be presented by the financial coordinator who will offer several payment plan options:

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment we offer a bookkeeping rebate.
• We accept payment by Visa/Mastercard/Discover card.
• Financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.

If you have orthodontic insurance we will take care of all the necessary paperwork for you. Please send us all the necessary insurance information on the form we send you in the mail. That way we can determine prior to your visit you or you child's eligibility and the amount of coverage.

Please be aware of the following insurance facts:

• Orthodontic insurance is a separate rider to dental insurance. Having dental insurance does not automatically mean that you have orthodontic insurance.
• Orthodontic coverage is usually different from your dental insurance. Most orthodontic insurance is 50% of the total fee up to a lifetime maximum. There are a few exceptions.
• Orthodontic insurance is usually not paid in one lump sum, but is paid over the length of the treatment.
• If you change your job, your orthodontic insurance payments may stop (unless your new job has orthodontic benefits). You would be responsible for the balance of the fee due.

Please note: In cases of serious delinquency, treatment may be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.