N E W P A T I E N TS
Why Braces?
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
Adult Orthodontics A healthy mouth can impact the health of the rest of the body, and healthy teeth can be straightened at any age. Adults now comprise 1/5th of the orthodontic patient population, and this ratio increases every year as adults are more educated about the importance of a healthy smile and the various aesthetic options available. Orthodontics can not only improve the appearance of teeth impacting your self image and confidence, but it can also improve your ability to maintain oral hygiene, improves function, and can lead to increased comfort and dental health. Advances in technology also make it easier to achieve this goal in less time and with more cosmetic and comfortable appliances than previously available.
Orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Although our doctors may not start treatment at this age, evaluation and monitoring of dental development and facial growth is important to the decision of when and how best to treat each individual. Early detection of problems can also lead to recommendation for an early and minimal intervention that may improve the long term ease and result of treatment.
Drs. Sionit & Taylor provide a full spectrum of orthodontic services for patients of all ages including:
- Early treatment for children
- Comprehensive treatment for adolescents & adults
- Orthodontics as part of multi-disciplinary care
- Orthodontics in conjunction with jaw surgery
- Limited treatment in conjunction with restorative care
- Orthodontics as part of multi-disciplinary care
Types
Regular Appointments
Your First Appointment
The first visit to the orthodontist, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical, study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move. After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
Financial Considerations The fees for treatment vary considerably and are based on the type of treatment and severity of the problem. Your teatment fee can only be estimated after an in depth consultation. Although we undersatnd finances can be a conern for treatment, we do not want it to stand in the way of our achieving the smile and orthodontic care you deserbe. Our treatment coordinator will work with you to design a payment plan around your needs and will assist in explaining any insurance coverage you may have. We do directly bill insurances when possible and are preferred providers of most orthodontic insurance plans. If you have any questions about your coverage, please do not hesitate to call. From flexible monthly payments, to outside financing and help with your insurance, you'll find our team eager to arrange a plan that fits your needs. 
Insurance
If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We accept all PPI insurance plans, and many HMO plans for your convenience.We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay. Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.