Office Policies

At the first complimentary visit to the orthodontist, Dr. Gire will perform a thorough clinical examination, explain his findings, provide a tentative idea of treatment, answer all questions, and provide you with a basic quote. If treatment is desired, diagnostic records are made to determine the best, definitive course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster 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 under orthodontic care.

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including an explanation of all costs for your particular case. In many cases, if scheduling permits, this consultation appointment may occur during the first appointment.

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours, and in many cases, if scheduling permits, the placement of braces may occur during the first appointment. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Please call for our regular office hours, as they change to accommodate our patients' schedules. We have early morning, evening, and weekend appointments available. Patients are seen by appointment only. 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.

Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a minimal down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees
In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months
For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA and MASTERCARD.
In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance
If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). 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.