What To Expect
At Steele Orthodontics, we can’t wait to welcome you to our office. Initial consultations are free.
Dr. Steele will conduct a thorough clinical orthodontic examination and explain all aspects of treatment himself. Same-day starts are available upon request.
The Purpose of the Initial Examination is to Answer:
- What sort of problem is present, if any?
- When is the proper time to begin treatment?
- What type of treatment is indicated?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will the treatment cost?
- What will my insurance cover?
What’s Next?
If orthodontic treatment is required, Diagnostic Records will be taken during your initial visit. Diagnostic Records include panoramic and cephalogram radiographs and tracing. An appointment will be set for you to come back and place your brackets.
What are Diagnostic Records?
- Study models of your teeth.
- Panoramic and cephalogram radiographs and tracings.
- The doctor will study the diagnostic records and determine the best course of treatment.
What is the Cost of the Treatment?
The cost of treatment depends upon the severity of the patient’s diagnosis. The treatment coordinator will discuss fees and payment options, during the initial exam, if treatment is required. We have different payment plans to suit your budget and accept assignments from most insurance plans. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
How Much Will Insurance Cover?
Our office will file all types of dental insurance for you. Insurance benefits vary. During your initial visit, our staff will check what benefits you may qualify for. Should there be any change in your policy prior to full payment of the insurance benefit, please contact our office immediately so adjustments may be made to your contract.
What Does my Investment Include?
Your investment includes:
- Orthodontic records, which consist of x-rays, study models, and a personalized growth study workup to determine your treatment objectives.
- Active treatment fee for both early treatment options and complete comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign includes all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed in the office. Appliances are durable and should last through the entire treatment period if the patient follows instructions. If appliances require replacement due to loss, breakage, misuse or failure to eliminate foods that cause damage, we reserve the right to charge an additional replacement fee.
- Two sets of final retainers for our comprehensive (Phase II) patients is provided upon completion of treatment. There is a replacement fee for each additional retainer that is lost or broken.
What Doesn’t my Investment Include?
- Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
- If an accident or injury occurs during treatment which results in TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular-Joint) complications, additional orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, etc, a fee adjustment may be required to complete treatment under these unusual circumstances.
Office Hours
It is our goal to see you, on time, for your appointment. Time is scheduled to complete the necessary procedure, give information about the treatment and answer any questions you may have. In order for us to maintain a schedule that runs in a timely manner, we request that patients arrive on time to avoid delays, as the day progresses. Your cooperation and consideration with appointments is greatly appreciated by our office and the patients that are seen after your appointment.
