General Patient Information
Your First Visit
- Your complimentary consultation will take place with Dr. Christenson on your first visit.
- Plan to spend about 30 minutes with Dr. Christenson to talk about the possibility of orthodontic treatment.
- Feel free to ask questions! This is a great time to learn about what orthodontic treatments entails.
- After your evaluation if you are ready for orthodontic treatment, you will schedule an appointment for your diagnostic records. This is the first step towards achieving your desired smile.
The following two PDF documents can be downloaded, printed & completed prior to your visit.
Financial Information
- We offer a no interest payment plan that is typically payable over a two-year period.
- We accept all major credit cards. We will thoroughly explain your options so that we can accommodate your needs.
Emergency Information
- For broken brackets and shifting wires that are not causing dental pain please call our office and schedule an appointment for repair as soon as possible.
- Home remedies for minor discomfort include; applying dental wax to uncomfortable areas, using warm saltwater rinses, ibuprofen (for minor pain and inflammation), and clipping wires with alcohol sterilized nail clippers.
- Please call the emergency number listed on the office answering machine in case of a serious orthodontic emergency or in case of pain or discomfort associated with a minor emergency.
Treatment
- We offer tailored treatment for both adults and children.
- Ceramic (clear), stainless steel, and Invisalign, are all available in our office.
- We use innovative nitonol wires to achieve optimum results in a pain free environment.
Early Treament
The American Association for Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by their 7th birthday. Reasons for early treatment are:
- Very few children benefit from orthodontic treatment before this age.
- There are some growth irregularities that are best treated at this age.
Adult Treatment
- About 30% of our practice is comprised of adult orthodontic patients. As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, it is never too late to achieve the smile you desire.
- Invisalign, ceramic brackets, and new technology sentalloy wires make orthodontics appealing to many adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should my child be for the first orthodontic appointment?
We pride ourselves on gentle treatment. Most procedures performed in our office are virtually painless. Once you have your braces on, you may notice a little discomfort as your teeth move. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but with the use of new technology light sentalloy wires, most patients experience very little discomfort.
How much will the consultation cost?
We offer a complimentary consultation.
Fees are based on individual need. There is no set fee for orthodontic treatment because the treatment is customized and tailored. An average comprehensive orthodontic case will range from $3,800 to $ 5,300.
Will I be able to make payments?
Yes. We offer a no interest payment plan that is typically payable over a two-year period.
We will accept and file any orthodontic insurance. Most orthodontic insurances allow you to see the orthodontist of you choice. However, if you have an HMO, you may have a designated orthodontist that you must see. If this is the case, your insurance carrier will provide you with a list.
This information should be provided to you in your benefits handbook. For your convenience, we also have someone in the office dedicated to helping you with your insurance needs.
