For New Patients
Your First Visit
The first visit to our office is a chance for you to meet us and for us to meet you and learn what your needs and desires are regarding orthodontic treatment. Normally, we do photographs of the face and teeth as well as a digital panoramic x-ray. These help us generate enough data so that we can explain your treatment needs and options, estimated length of treatment time and approximate treatment costs. When you are ready to start treatment, we will obtain study models of your teeth as well as one or two additional digital x-rays. This supplemental data allows us to formulate a precise treatment plan that is individualized for your particular situation and treatment needs.
Consultation
After Dr. Ruff has analyzed your orthodontic records and formulated an individualized treatment plan, we will discuss this with you in detail. We really want you to understand your options and to be comfortable and informed about your orthodontic treatment.
We will also work with you to develop a payment plan that allows treatment to be affordable. While orthodontic treatment usually takes less than 24 months, we do have payment options that allow payments to be extended over time periods longer than the actual treatment time. This can make your monthly payments more manageable.
Costs & Insurance
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the your orthodontic problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. Some patients elect to pay their total fee in advance for which they receive a bookkeeping courtesy. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans including flex spending and health savings accounts. We will file the necessary paperwork for you to optimize your insurance benefits. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.
Links
CareCredit®
CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.
Regular Appointments
The appointment when braces (braces, expanders, etc.) are placed usually takes from one to two hours. We'll then see you at regular intervals of 4 to 8 weeks for appliance adjustments, which takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Our regular office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. Patients are seen by appointment only. We take great pride in running on time. Being on time for your appointment helps us to accomplish everything we planned for that visit. It is one of the keys to getting your braces off on time.
If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency.
Snow Days (after all, it is Maine)
We are almost always in the office no matter what the weather conditions. If your school or work is cancelled because of snow, please feel free to call the office. We might be able to move your appointment to the snow day and save you time out of school or work.
