Insurance
Cove Family Orthodontics wants to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit, which is different from your regular dental insurance. We will gladly accept any PPO dental insurance plan and will file orthodontic claims on your behalf as an out of network provider.
In addition, we are a preferred orthodontic provider for United Concordia TDP.
Whether you have in-network insurance or not, our team will will assist you with navigating your dental and orthodontic benefits. If you have any questions we are always here to help.
Due to the ongoing nature of orthodontic treatment and the frequency in which employers and individuals change insurance providers, we have found it best to make financial arrangements with the patient to pay for their orthodontic treatment in full and have the insurance company reimburse the patient instead of issuing payment directly to our office.
With that said, we are committed to helping you maximize the use of your insurance benefits. We strive to provide complete and accurate information to your insurance company in a timely manner to ensure we do not cause a delay in the payment being issued to you.
Please be aware that the frequency with which your insurance company sends payments to you will depend upon how your insurance plan was set up by your employer. Some insurance plans allow payments to be issue monthly while others allow for quarterly payments.
Office Policies
Financial Policy
The orthodontic treatment fee we quote you includes diagnostic records, treatment planning, any appliances used throughout the course of treatment, regular and emergency orthodontic visits, documentary progress notes, and initial retainers.
If an appliance or retainers must be replaced due to loss, careless handling, or neglect, additional charges may be necessary to ensure optimal care.
The orthodontic treatment fee does not include any required restorative treatment, oral surgery, or other dental services.
Payment Options
We offer several payment options to aid patients in making orthodontic treatment fit into their budget. For orthodontic treatment paid in full by cash or check prior to the start of treatment we offer a 5% discount.
For patients who wish to pay over the course of treatment, we offer payment plans through a partnership with OrthoBanc. There is a one-time fee of $40 to establish the payment plan and inquiry is made to make sure your bank account history is in good standing. Prior to or on the day brackets are placed an affordable down payment is made toward the overall treatment fee and the remaining balance will be broken down into monthly payments. The number of months will be determined by how long the doctor estimates you will need treatment.
If you default on a payment plan, we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulty. In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued.
We also accept Care Credit, which allows you to pay for treatment over time. Care Credit does not require a down payment and has several no interest payment options. Please note that credit approval is required to obtain a Care Credit card.
We also accept all major credit cards.
Please be aware we offer a family discount to each additional family member that receives concurrent orthodontic treatment.
Returned Check Fee
A $50 returned check fee will be assessed to all returned checks and no future checks can be accepted as payment.
Broken Appointments
Appointment times are specifically reserved for you. If you must change your appointment, we request at least 24 hours notice to avoid a $50 per half hour cancellation fee. We also reserve the right to reschedule any appointment arriving 15 minutes after your reserved appointment time.
Financing
At any stage of life, orthodontic treatment is a great investment in your overall health. Not only will you benefit from a beautiful, healthy smile, but it sets a great example for your family. An investment in your smile will pay dividends for a lifetime.
Orthodontic care has come a long, long way, and treatment options are typically shorter in duration and more affordable than before. But we don’t want the cost of braces to stand in the way of the smile you deserve. For this reason, we are committed to making orthodontic care accessible to all families regardless of insurance coverage. Georgetown Family Orthodontics is proud to offer a variety of payment options tailored to your needs.
We partner with CareCredit and OrthoBanc which enables you to achieve the smile you deserve while staying within your budget. We also offer discounts for multiple family members and for treatment paid in advance. Please contact us to learn more about our convenient financing options.
Helpful Links
Common Questions
What do I need to bring to my first visit?
For your first visit you’ll need to bring the completed office forms that were either downloaded from our on-line office or received in the mail. Also, if you have a Panorex film from your regular dentist within the past 12 months that will be beneficial for Dr. White in evaluating what is going on underneath the gums. If you would like us to file with your insurance company then please bring your insurance card with you.
Can orthodontics address my condition?
Orthodontics can improve and correct a wide variety of bite problems that may or may not be associated with other dental problems.
When should I start treatment?
Every patient is different and multiple variables determine the best starting time for each patient. Sometimes intercepting growth plays a significant role; and other times, the problem is strictly dental related and growth isn’t a factor. Dr. White will inform you if the time is right. If not, we will monitor you until it is. It is important to know that we cannot start treatment unless you have had a recent check-up and cleaning with your regular dentist, and you have healthy gums and teeth.
What appointment times are available?
We offer a variety of appointment times in order to accommodate our patients work and school schedules. By offering shorter appointments in the early morning and after school we can accommodate more patients. Our longer appointments are during the morning and early afternoon. Please refer to our office information for our most current hours.
What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
There is no one treatment that is for everybody. Every patient is unique in their own way and so are the treatment plans. However, we do offer the most current technology available. Be sure to ask us.
Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
This is a concern of many patients. Sometimes it is very obvious and other times it isn’t. Dr. White understands these concerns and does not readily recommend the removal of permanent teeth without you fully understanding the reason. If applicable, we may offer non-extraction alternatives.
How long will the treatment take?
Everybody’s overall treatment time varies; however, the average treatment time for teenagers is 20-24 months and adults 28-30 months. We do offer various appliances and technology to shorten your treatment time, which may be available at an additional cost.
How much will it cost?
A very common question. Your fee will be determined by the complexity of your case and the length of treatment.
What are my payment options?
We have various payment options to accommodate the various budgets of our patients. We offer in-office payment plans that carry no interest, no down payments, and down payments with monthly payments, or third-party options that allow you carry the balance longer.
Do braces hurt?
The braces themselves do not hurt; however, after each adjustment your teeth may be sore for a day or two. The level of soreness varies from patient to patient and whatever you normally take for body aches is usually adequate enough to make you comfortable.