Let’s Make a Plan
Your initial consultation with our team at Quad City Orthodontics is complimentary. During this visit, Dr. Anne Richards or Dr. Jessica Piepenbrink will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and face to determine the best possible treatment for your unique needs. We look for the causes of misaligned teeth to understand how to create the most stable long-term results.
The Purpose of the Initial Examination
Our primary goal during your first visit is to answer the following questions:
- Is there an orthodontic problem that needs addressing?
- When is the optimal time to begin treatment?
- What type of treatment is best suited for your needs?
- How long will the treatment take?
- What will be the cost of the treatment?
To confirm the exact treatment plan, we will evaluate specialized X-rays, photographs, and models. At Quad City Orthodontics, Dr. Richards and Dr. Piepenbrink strive to minimize the time each patient spends in braces, making the timing of your treatment start critical. We’ll advise you whether it’s best to begin treatment immediately or if waiting would yield better results.
What is the Cost of Treatment?
The cost of treatment depends on the complexity of your orthodontic needs. Once a treatment plan is determined, Dr. Richards or Dr. Piepenbrink will discuss the estimated length of treatment and associated fees. Our Financial Coordinator will work with you to explore payment options that meet your individual needs, ensuring that orthodontic care remains affordable.
Visualizing Your Treatment
To help you understand your treatment journey, Dr. Richards and Dr. Piepenbrink provide examples of different orthodontic appliances, allowing you to visualize how treatment will progress. Additionally, we offer an interactive computer program that demonstrates treatment options and stages, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
What Does My Investment Include?
Your investment in orthodontic treatment at Quad City Orthodontics covers:
- Orthodontic records, including X-rays, study models, and a personalized growth study to determine your treatment objectives.
- Active treatment fees for early treatment options and comprehensive care with braces or clear aligners, including all appliances, office visits, and procedures performed in our office.
- One set of final retainers for comprehensive (Phase II) patients is provided upon completion of treatment.
What Doesn’t My Investment Include?
- Work performed at other dental offices outside our orthodontic practice.
- If an accident or injury occurs during treatment that results in TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) complications, additional orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, or other treatments, a fee adjustment may be required to complete treatment under these unusual circumstances.
- Lost or broken retainers
What to Bring to Your First Visit
To make the most of your first visit, please bring:
- Any panoramic X-rays taken within the last six months.
- Your insurance card, if you have orthodontic benefits.
- Completed Patient Information and Privacy Consent Forms, which can be found on our website or sent via mail upon request.
Assignment of Benefits
We accept assignment of benefits for most insurance plans to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not accept the assignment from your plan, we will gladly file claims so that you can be reimbursed directly. Please notify us immediately if there are any changes to your insurance policy before full payment of the insurance benefit.
Office Hours
Our goal at Quad City Orthodontics is to see you on time for your appointment and ensure that each visit is productive and informative. To help us maintain a timely schedule, we kindly ask that you arrive on time for your appointments. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps us provide the best care possible to all our patients.