First Appointment, Payment Options, and Insurance
We know that taking the first step toward orthodontic treatment can feel like a major milestone. Our goal is to make your transition into our practice family as smooth, comfortable, and transparent as possible.
Welcome to Our Practice
We understand that visiting the orthodontist can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. Our compassionate team is here to walk you through the entire process—from filling out initial paperwork to navigating your insurance benefits. We work hard to maintain a welcoming, modern office environment where our staff is dedicated to ensuring you have an exceptional visit every single time you step through our doors.
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, or 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, package, and file all necessary insurance forms on your behalf at no extra charge, ensuring you receive your maximum possible benefits.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept and efficiently process claims for the vast majority of PPO dental plans. Please note that our office does not participate with HMO networks.
Are you in-network with insurance?
Our practice is proudly in-network with Cigna. If you carry a different PPO plan, we can still file claims on your behalf to help you maximize your out-of-network 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 (frequently between one-third and one-half of the total treatment cost), 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.