It is not always obvious when the 'right time' is to pursue orthodontic care. For that reason, we offer complimentary initial evaluations. Just as important, we all need to work together to make treatment a success. The initial examination allows you to meet us. Dr. Kavanaugh will be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate as to what treatment options are available, what the cost would likely be and general information as to what to expect. Before a final treatment plan can be determined and treatment can begin, diagnostic records will be needed.

RECORDS

If, at your initial visit to our office you decide you wish to get started, we will be happy to begin gathering the appropriate diagnostic records. Besides a medical/dental history and clinical examination, records typically include plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and x-rays of the teeth and facial skeleton. In order to have the best records available, we have all photos and x-rays taken at Northwest Radiography. We will give you an appropriate prescription for the records which need to be taken there. Northwest Radiography is conveniently located in Issaquah, Bellevue and many other locations in the greater Seattle area.

CONSULTATION

Once all records have been received and Dr. Kavanaugh has had time to fully evaluate them, you and the patient will meet with Dr. Kavanaugh to review everything. Details about treatment options will be discussed as well as what the actual treatment decided upon will entail. Questions are always welcome! We feel it is important that both the patient and parent understand as much as possible for treatment to be successful, as well as to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

APPOINTMENTS

Typical appointments once appliances are in place are scheduled every 4-6 weeks. These appointments usually take between 20-40 minutes, depending on what adjustments are needed. The 'special' appointments---getting your braces on or off-take longer. We need from one to two hours for these appointments and in general we only schedule them in the morning. After school time is always prime time in any orthodontic office---by keeping the after school appointments to the shorter ones, we can minimize the number of times that school would need to be missed. We recognize that everyone is very busy these days. Patients are only seen by appointment and we strive to keep on schedule---that way we can minimize the amount of time you are waiting in our office. If for some reason you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately and cancel only if it is an emergency. As most appointments are scheduled four to six weeks in advance, it can be very difficult to reschedule on short notice. Appointments can be made Monday through Thursday, with late afternoon and early morning times available.

PAYMENT & OFFICE POLICIES

Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options with us before treatment begins.

Fees and Financial Arrangements
In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy. We have several payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. If treatment is indicated now, let's work together to find an arrangement that will allow that to happen.

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment for Full Treatment cases, we offer a courtesy discount as our office paperwork will be reduced.
• Financial arrangements can be made with our office to extend your payments over a period of months. Typically, this would be an initial down payment at the onset of treatment and then monthly payments spread out over time.
• We also work with OFP (Orthodontic Fee Plan), an outside lending company which can greatly help you in making financial arrangements over extended periods of time. No initial down payment is one of the advantages of using OFP. See their website for more information, or call us to discuss.

Insurance
If you have insurance, we will gladly help you to determine the coverage that you have available. We are able to work with most insurance companies. Keep in mind that professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. For that reason, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to our office. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.