For New Patients

Learn more about: Your First Visit | Patient Forms

Your First Visit

At your initial visit with Dr. Emrich he will complete a comprehensive examination and provide you with his initial thoughts about possible treatment options and timing of treatment. If treatment is recommended we will then request complete diagnostic records to confirm the best course of treatment. This includes impressions for study models, digital X-rays and photographs of the patient’s face and teeth. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. You will also be provided with estimated costs of treatment including what insurance coverage there may be. If treatment is not indicated at this time you will be placed on recall until Dr. Emrich feels the timing of treatment is best for your individual case.

After Dr. Emrich has evaluated your records, your next appointment with him will be to formally discuss your treatment options in greater detail and answer any questions you might have. This appointment is most often done in the office but can also be arranged to be by telephone if necessary. Financial contracts are normally presented at this time.

The initial appointment for full braces usually takes from one to two hours. For partial braces, expanders, or retainers the time is approximately 30-45 minutes. You will then be seen at regular intervals 5-6 weeks apart for an adjustment, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. Initial banding appointments and occasional long appointments that require more individual patient time are usually scheduled in the mornings. Most adjustment appointments can be done before or after school hours generally. Our regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5 PM. 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.

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. Typically there is an initial down payment and then the remaining balance is paid monthly over an agreed upon time (usually 18 - 24 months for comprehensive treatment.) We also accept most insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company for you. 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 comprehensive 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.

Emrich Orthodontics - children - adults

For New Patients

Your First Visit