Your First Visit
Let the Adventure Begin!
Your adventure begins with your very first visit to the orthodontist. At Starr & Dickens Orthodontics we are always excited to meet our new patients and their families. We look forward to helping you map out the best route to take on your adventure toward a new smile! So sit back, relax, and Get Ready to Smile!
Orthodontic Treatments at Starr & Dickens Orthodontics are:
- Enjoyable - We want you to enjoy your time with us as much as you'll enjoy your new smile! Our practice offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere where we encourage you to ask questions and get involved in your treatment. Our dedicated team is committed to meeting your needs and making you feel welcome. Communication is key. We strive to always keep you informed of your progress throughout your treatment.
- Rewarding - Orthodontics is a life-changing experience, and we want you to experience all of the benefits your new smile has to offer: like healthier teeth and gums, better oral hygiene, increased confidence, and the ability to smile freely!
- FUN! - We always have fun! Our practice is a great place for adults, kids, and families! During your first visit be sure to check out our two game rooms and enjoy our movie theater. We have a sibling game room for our young friends and a patient arcade with video games and four separate consoles. You will also find a VITA in every treatment chair! In addition, we have a gourmet coffee bar complete with homemade cookies, baked fresh everyday.
First Appointment Facts
Before arriving at your first appointment, make sure you've filled out your insurance information form, child/adult information form, and your child/adult medical history form.
As you begin your orthodontic adventure, we understand that you may have many questions about your teeth, braces, appointments, and cost. We want to help take some of the guesswork out of your first visit by giving you the facts! When you visit our office, Dr. Starr and Dr. Dickens will answer these questions, and any other questions you may have, in detail.
- When is the best time to start treatment? Orthodontics is for anybody wanting a healthier, straighter smile! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age seven in order to detect if orthodontic treatment will be necessary; however, orthodontics is not just for kids. In fact the AAO estimates that over one-million adults in the United States are currently receiving orthodontic treatment.
- What treatment options are available? We offer a variety of treatment options from traditional metal braces and appliances to Invisalign® invisible clear braces. Depending on your particular case, we will recommend the best treatment plan after your initial exam.
- How long will treatment last? Treatment times vary, they can last anywhere from six months to three years depending on the severity of your case.
- What can I expect to happen at my first office visit? In order to start your new smile adventure, it's important to share with Dr. Starr and Dr. Dickens your treatment goals and expectations. This way we will get to know you better and be able to customize your treatment to meet your needs. Your first visit will also include:
- A review of your medical history forms
- A comprehensive orthodontic exam
- Digital X-rays and photographs of your teeth and jaw structure
Once Dr. Starr and Dr. Dickens have reviewed your medical information and concluded your initial exam, they will discuss all your treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
Our practice is unlike any other orthodontic office. We understand that the decision to receive orthodontic treatment is a personal choice, and we want to provide personal service that lets you know we really do care. Our office has created a unique, personalized program called the Patient Manager System. This system assigns each patient to their own patient manager.
Your patient manager is usually the assistant who is working with Dr. Starr and Dr. Dickens on the day you get your braces. We make every effort to schedule the majority of your appointments with your own personal assistant. Seeing the same patient manager allows you to develop and maintain a close working relationship with our practice, and allows us to get to know you better!
Scheduling Information
Starr & Dickens Orthodontics regular office hours are Monday to Wednesday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Thursday from 7:00am to 4:00pm(with special summer hours).
Administrative assistance is available on Friday from 8:00am to 12:00noon.
Appointments are scheduled 4 - 10 weeks apart. Your first appointment will take between 1 - 2 hours; whereas regular checkups will take only between 20 - 40 minutes.
To better accommodate your busy schedule, we offer some before and after school/work appointment times for quicker checkups. If you are running late, or cannot make your scheduled appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Missed appointments can be rescheduled.
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 before treatment begins. We have several payment plans to suit different budgets. 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 for full treatment. (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, Mastercard and Discover.
Insurance
If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.
Convenient Online Services
We know how busy you are. That's why we're committed to providing you superior, leading-edge service. With our secure online service you will be able to:
- View your appointment and account information any time;
- Sign up for email or text appointment reminders;
- Check your payment history and see current charges;
- Print out flex spending reimbursement and tax receipts.
Lending Club Patient Solutions
Our practice is pleased to present flexible payment plans through Lending Club Patient Solutions. Enjoy a selection of flexible plans with low fixed rates and monthly payments, no upfront payment, and no prepayment penalty.
It’s easy to calculate your potential monthly payments. Simply complete a short application which displays fixed rates and monthly payments available for Extended Plans, all without impacting your credit score.
For more information, simply ask a team member or visit
