SOXMAN & BUZZATTO

Your First Visit (Initial Examination)

At the first visit to the orthodontist, a medical/dental history is completed and a thorough orthodontic evaluation is performed. If treatment is necessary and the patient is ready, Dr. Buzzatto will estimate the length and type of treatment along with an estimated fee for treatment. If the patient or parent agrees to proceed, complete diagnostic records are taken which include: jaw x-rays, study models and photographs of the face and teeth.

 

Consultation Appointment

This appointment between the patient/parent allows Dr. Buzzatto to explain the diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks and limitations and actual treatment fees. Office staff will explain the payment options to best suit the patients/parents financial interests.

 

Banding Appointments

The first appointment takes only about 5 or 10 minutes for orthodontic spacers to be placed between the back teeth. These create room for the metal bands to fit around the back teeth. The second appointment, usually the following week takes about 90 minutes for the braces to be placed, wires inserted and instructions on the proper care and cleaning of the teeth.

 

Regular Appointments

Are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks and may last 10 to 20 minutes. Certain types of braces or procedures may require shorter intervals between appointments, clear braces, expanders and space closure. Office hours vary depending upon the day and time of year. After school appointments are always in demand and are limited to shorter appointments. Procedures requiring more time, placing or removing braces, replacing lost or broken braces, initial exams and consultations are scheduled earlier in the day. Dr. Buzzatto almost always speaks to the parent at each appointment to explain what was accomplished. If an appointment cannot be kept, notification to the office would be a courtesy most appreciated. Dr. Buzzatto is always available by cell phone if the need arises.

 

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on a number of factors, such as the severity of the problem, length of treatment and type of braces used. The fees and payment options will be discussed and decided upon before treatment begins. Every effort is made to tailor the options to suit different budgets. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and file the necessary insurance forms. We work extremely hard to make your orthodontic treatment affordable. For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA, DISCOVER and MASTERCARD.

 

Insurance

We will help you to determine the coverage you have available. 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.