| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 851.1 | | CSC32::M_EVANS | perforated porcini | Thu Nov 10 1994 09:56 | 15 |
| Jane,
Lolita went to the same orthodontist I did so we didn't have much of a
serch. However, he will be retired by the time Carrie and Atlehi are
of age, and it looks like they inherited my mouth (and hopefully lack
of cavities.)
Things my mom did was to ask people who had kids in braces in the area.
then talk cost comparisons with parents as well as seeing how the kids
liked the ortho. Since your child will be seeing this person at least
twice a month for the next x years, chairside manner is important, as
is skill. Cost in this area seems to be pretty level. Your mileage
may vary.
meg
|
| 851.2 | | ASIC::JPOIRIER | | Thu Nov 10 1994 10:29 | 27 |
| We chose an orthodontist for my husband's daughter based on the
recommendations of family and friends. We had heard nothing but good
about this one ortho and after talking with him, we decided on using
his services.
I think the only issue with insurance is whether they will wait for the
insurance payments or if they want you to pay upfront and *you* get
reimbursed from insurance. FWIW, our's needed payment upfront, we were
reimbursed by insurance (for the fraction that they do reimburse.)
As for payments, our's was open-ended. We made an initial payment to
get things started then made monthly payments until the braces were
removed. Some have a set fee that you pay on until the agreed amount
is paid.
Appointments were generally once a month, she did have to go for one
emergency visit with only a few hours notice, we didn't have a problem
getting that appointment.
Keep in mind that we're in the open enrollment period, we found the
HCRA to be great for the monthly orthodontic visits!
*BEST PART* - She had the braces removed a few weeks ago, and it was
well worth the money! Her teeth look just great!
Jean
|
| 851.3 | Check with your alma mater... | CLOUD9::WEIER | Patty, DTN 381-0877 | Fri Nov 11 1994 23:21 | 13 |
| You also might want to check the college that you and/or hubby may have
gone to. I had my braces done at BUMSGD (B.U. Medical School of
Graduate Dentistry - or something like that). It was my dad's college,
and I was in some respects a "guinea pig", but they really did a GREAT
job, and tried REAL hard, and were about 1/2 the price of a regular
orthodontist. Only bad part is that each Dr is only assigned for 2
years, and I had mine on for 2.5 yrs, so got a new Dr. for the last 6
mos.
Check your alumni info .... I believe that the insurance then picked up
most of the rest (there were 2 of us going at the time too!).
Patty (whose teeth are still pretty straight).
|
| 851.4 | Recomendations, Proximity,Expertise | POWDML::DWOOD | | Mon Nov 14 1994 13:45 | 24 |
|
We requested a 'free' consult before committing. And, based on input
from friends, we thought about the following (in no order of
importance):
-Practice Size (Size of practice in direct correlation to number of
satified customers)
-Credentials (each to his own)
-Proximity (You'll be trucking to this office weekly for the next 2+
years, in winter, and w/ school activities)
-Expertise (Ability for Ortho to justify/explain treatment plan-ie:
is it really nec. to pull 6 teeth?)
-Evening Hours (At least once a week)
-Atmosphere (Kid's atmosphere-our Ortho is an extreme w/ contests,
roller skating parties, road races, etc)
-Staff (ALL staff must be friendly, warm, competent)
-Payments (Flexible plans available? - will accept JH payment directly
and has 24 month plan available for balance)
-Emergencies (ie: Loose wires, etc. What happens on week-ends?)
We're happy with our choice-Good luck.
|