Insurance can be a confusing topic. Let’s go over some frequently asked questions to better understand your insurance.

“Does your office accept my insurance?” This is the most asked question during a new patient phone call. Here at Davis Orthodontics, we accept almost all insurance carriers. The amount insurance is expected to cover is dependent on your plan. We strive to help all our patients utilize their insurance policies if available. Think of your insurance as a coupon for treatment, it might have rules and restrictions, but it is there to help cover some portion of the cost.

“Can I change my insurance to the lower plan since I am already in orthodontic treatment?” Insurance companies cover your orthodontic treatment throughout your full treatment time. For example, if Dr. Davis recommends treatment for 15 months, then your insurance provider will set up a fee schedule to cover payments for 15 months. We highly suggest maintaining the insurance throughout treatment to receive the maximum benefit and to prevent having to cover the remaining balance from the insurance company. If you change employers and/or must cancel your coverage, we can file a treatment in progress claim to the new carrier. Keep in mind, some carriers do not accept treatment in progress which means since you started treatment with a different carrier, the new carrier will not cover the remaining balance.

“Why doesn’t my insurance cover more of the treatment fee?” An average orthodontic maximum is $1000 to $2500 depending on your employer’s plan that they are enrolled in. The expected coverage amount is also based on treatment time and the treatment fee. As previously mentioned, your insurance pays throughout the course of treatment.

“I have the same insurance, and I used my full orthodontic treatment a few years ago. Why doesn’t my orthodontic insurance benefit renew every year?” Orthodontic insurance benefits have a lifetime maximum, which means if you utilize the full benefits for a previous orthodontic treatment then no benefit will be available for an additional treatment. Lifetime maximum is per insurance patient. So, if you used all your benefits for your own orthodontic needs but have a child who needs treatment, they will have their own separate lifetime maximum.

“I have two different active insurance policies; can I file both?” Absolutely, we are more than happy to assist you with both policies. This is called having primary and secondary insurance coverage. Usually, the way insurance works is you are required to file primary first then you can file secondary. As long as both policies have something called coordination of benefits (COB), we will file claims and could possibly collect benefits from both. The estimated amount of benefit is determined based on the COB within each of the policies. This means they will coordinate with each other to reach the lifetime maximum on the primary first and then the secondary will pay any remaining benefit if available. For example, if you have $1500 lifetime maximum coverage with your primary and only $1000 with secondary coverage. You will only be estimated to receive a lifetime maximum benefit of $1500 from primary. Secondary will not cover any benefit. Another example is if your primary benefit is $1000 and your secondary benefit is $2000 then it is estimated that you will receive $2000 benefit, $1000 from primary and $1000 from secondary. Again, these are only estimated examples. In all cases, the responsibility for payment of the entire orthodontic fee rests directly from the patient.

Here at Davis Orthodontics we love walking our patients through every step of the orthodontic process so that they feel comfortable and knowledgeable. From the time that you call our office to set up a new patient consultation to the time you are starting treatment with us, we want you to feel good about the process. The initial step in your treatment journey is scheduling your new patient consultation. Sounds simple, right? Yes, but we will need more than just your name and when you would like to come in and see us.

When setting up a consultation it is important to have as much information as possible readily available for our new patient coordinator such as who’s your general dentist or what dental insurance (if any) you will be using. We also require that you are up to date with your cleanings from your general dentist. This way we know we have a clean bill of health to start your next journey onward. Starting orthodontic treatment requires your mouth to be cavity free and healthy gingiva and bone.

We will also want to know how you found out about Davis Orthodontics. Were you referred to us by your dentist or did you find us through a general internet search or social media? We like to know this information so that we can thank our partners in dental health or if you have enjoyed our social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.

After these preliminary questions, we will gather all your basic information such as name, address, and date of birth along with your phone number and email address. Once we have those details, we can gather any insurance information so that we can check your orthodontic benefits prior to your consultation visit. We understand you will likely have several questions regarding your coverage and treatment, but rest assured our treatment coordinator and Dr. Davis will discuss not only the recommended treatment, but will also cover insurance payments and fees.

Here are links to our Dental Monitoring Page and Financing Page.

Once you are scheduled at a convenient time and date, we will send you all the necessary paperwork by email or text to make sure all your information is correct. Now you are ready for your first visit! We can’t wait to see you!

DAVIS ORTHODONTICS CAN HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH METHOD IS BEST FOR STRAIGHTENING YOUR SMILE!

Braces are one of the most effective ways to improve the alignment of your teeth. Straight teeth look better, feel better, and are easier to care for. So which type of braces are right for you? The type of braces that will be best for you will depend on a few things. At Davis Orthodontics, we will take into account the severity of your dental issues, your age, certain time constraints, and other key factors before helping you decide which dental braces are ideal for your situation.

There are many impressive dental alignment options currently available. Braces can be used to gradually help your teeth align over a designated time period. Below, we will discuss three popular types of braces: The Invisalign® dental alignment system, traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces.

INVISALIGN® – REMOVABLE CLEAR PLASTIC ALIGNERS

Invisalign® aligners, also known as clear-aligner-treatment, are a great option for anyone with minor dental alignment issues. Invisalign aligners are custom-made clear plastic orthodontic devices that are similar to retainers or mouthguards. The difference between retainers/mouthguards and Invisalign mouthpieces are in their purpose and functionality. While a retainer holds your teeth in a certain position, Invisalign® slowly helps guide your teeth into a better position over about a year.

So how long does Invisalign take? This will depend on the severity of your dental issues. The Invisalign® System can take anywhere from 36 to 60 weeks. You’ll likely switch out your aligners every two weeks, gradually helping your teeth shift into the right position. This means you will use anywhere from 18 to 30 different aligners from your own custom-made system on average.

Invisalign aligners are nice because they can be removed when you eat. They also make it easier to clean your teeth and prevent plaque and staining.

These aligners are extremely effective for minor alignment issues. They are also often more comfortable than other kinds of braces. However, an Invisalign® System won’t work for everyone. Your orthodontist can let you know if Invisalign is right for your teeth.

TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES – A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE OPTION

Traditional metal braces are a time tested orthodontic tool that straightens your teeth using wires. They can be used to great effect even on severely misaligned teeth. Metal braces are positioned on your teeth and are adjusted over time until the desired dental positioning is achieved. Metal braces can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to straighten your smile. Your unique dental situation will determine how long you will need to wear metal braces.

While you may be familiar with the metal braces of the past, today’s metal braces are more comfortable and advanced than ever before. For example, heat-activated archwire braces are now available. These braces work quickly and efficiently, using the heat in your mouth to help your teeth shift more comfortably and at a faster rate.

CERAMIC BRACES – A SIMPLIFIED AND SUBTLE ROUTE

Ceramic braces are very much like metal braces in many ways. They perform the same function, to slowly help your teeth align with time. However, ceramic braces differ in their look. They are made of a ceramic material that better matches the color of teeth. This makes them a great option for adults or teenagers who would otherwise feel embarrassed about the way metal braces look.

Ceramic braces are an effective option that works well for most people with teeth that aren’t as straight as they would like. However, they do tend to be more expensive than metal braces and can become stained if not cared for properly.

LET US HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE SMILE OF YOUR DREAMS!

Your orthodontist will be able to tell you for sure which kinds of dental braces are best for your teeth. That’s what we are here for, after all! To find out what you can do to straighten your smile, please feel free to call us today! The staff here at Davis Orthodontics can answer all of your questions and help you find braces that will be best for your unique situation.