Your First Appointment

In order to give you as much information as possible, we have combined the examination, records, and consultation appointments into one longer appointment which will take approximately one hour. During this first visit we will gather and review medical and dental history and Dr. Darbro may request that one or more radiographs (X-rays) may be taken. After he examines the teeth and bite, Dr. Darbro will present his diagnosis and custom treatment plan. Dr. Darbro and his staff will have set aside time to answer your questions and address your concerns at that time. Your fee and payment options will be explained at that appointment as well. We feel it is very important for you to know what is wrong and what needs to be done so you can make an informed decision.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your braces usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 8 to 10 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you are getting an expander your first the appointment will take from 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on what else you might also be getting. Expander checks are short check appointments (as little as 5 minutes) 2 to 3 weeks apart during the expansion phase of treatment. We appreciate your understanding that the longer appointments are usually made during school hours.

Our winter office hours are Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM and, approximately every six weeks, from 7 AM to noon on Fridays. From June to September we see patients from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with all clinical Fridays beginning at 8 AM. 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, or if there is anything loose or broken, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency as it is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 8 to 10 weeks in advance.

Cost and Fees

We will be able to provide you with the fee for your orthodontic treatment at the first appointment. Your fee will be based on the complexity of your individual case. To fit the needs of our patients, our financial arrangements are flexible and can be made to extend your payments over a period of months following an appropriate down payment. If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA, DISCOVER, and MASTERCARD as well as by personal check and cash. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Insurance

We will file the necessary papers to your insurance company for your claim and answer any insurance questions on your behalf. We consider the patient primarily responsible for their account; however we do allow insurance benefits to be paid directly to us. If you have insurance, we will check your coverage prior to your appointment with the information you have given to us over the phone. We accept assignment from those insurance plans that allow such payments.