Your Journey Begins Here
We believe your first visit should be welcoming, informative, and completely stress-free. Beginning orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your health and confidence, and our team is committed to making every step of the process seamless, transparent, and personalized. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide a thorough evaluation before recommending a treatment plan customized to your unique needs. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have an exceptional visit every time you step through our doors.
Insurance and Payment Options
Exceptional orthodontic care should be accompanied by clear communication and straightforward financial guidance. Our team is here to guide you through your new patient forms, insurance benefits, and flexible payment options tailored to fit your needs, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
Is the initial orthodontic exam free?
Yes. Your comprehensive new patient consultation is entirely complimentary. This visit provides the vital information you need to make confident decisions about your or your child’s custom treatment path.
During this initial visit, we will:
- Review your complete dental and medical health history.
- Listen closely to your specific smile goals and structural concerns.
- Take necessary high-resolution diagnostic records, which may include intraoral photographs, digital X-rays, and a detailed 3-D scan.
Our orthodontist and treatment coordinator will review these findings side-by-side with you, explaining your options clearly. If treatment is recommended, we will help you select the ideal clinical approach and outline affordable, flexible payment pathways right then and there.
New Patient Checklist
To help us maximize your time, please provide the following details prior to your exam:
- Any panoramic X-rays taken by your general dentist within the past 6 months.
- Your current dental insurance information so we can verify your benefits beforehand.
- Your completed online patient intake forms, which you can fill out easily from the comfort of home.
Affordable Payment Options & OrthoFi
Financial considerations should never stand in the way of high-quality orthodontic care. We strive to design custom payment structures that comfortably fit your family’s monthly budget.
To make managing your care effortless, our office proudly partners with OrthoFi. This flexible financial platform allows you to completely customize your down payment and monthly payment combinations to match your financial comfort zone.
Through the secure online OrthoFi portal, you can easily:
- Manage your account 24/7.
- Make secure online payments.
- View ongoing treatment invoices and print tax/flexible spending receipts.
Our Dental Insurance Policy
Navigating dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a courtesy to our families, our team will happily complete, and file all necessary insurance forms on your behalf at no extra charge, ensuring you receive your maximum possible benefits.
How do orthodontic insurance benefits work?
Because orthodontic benefits typically operate differently than standard dental insurance, here are a few helpful parameters to keep in mind:
- Direct Responsibility: Your orthodontic treatment contract is an agreement between you and our office. While we handle all documentation and optimization with your carrier, the ultimate responsibility for the treatment balance remains yours.
- Coverage Limits: Most orthodontic insurance policies are designed to cover a lifetime maximum percentage, subject to specific deductibles and yearly maximum caps.
- Pre-Authorizations: Certain insurance policies require a formal “pre-determination” or “pre-authorization” before clinical treatment officially begins. At your request, our administrative team will submit a comprehensive clinical treatment plan directly to your carrier for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out my new patient paperwork at home?
Yes. We will send you all required patient registration forms electronically before your visit. Filling them out ahead of time saves you time in the reception lounge and streamlines your check-in process.
What should I bring to my child’s first orthodontic visit?
Please bring your current dental insurance card and a copy of any recent panoramic dental X-rays (taken within the last 6 months) if available.
Does insurance cover the full cost of braces or clear aligners?
Standard dental insurance rarely covers the entire cost of treatment. Most policies offer a lifetime orthodontic benefit maximum that covers a portion of the fee, which we will blend directly into your OrthoFi payment plan to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Have additional questions about your upcoming visit? Our team is here to help make your experience seamless. Contact us today at (202) 333-2200 to speak with a patient coordinator.