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Your First Visit

Complimentary Consultation & Regular Appointments

Welcome to our office! We have a friendly, yet professional setting where you and your child can count on getting the highest quality care. Our office is conveniently located at the corner of Cedar Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, across the street from See's Candy and not far from Palomar Medical Center. As you walk through the front doors, you will see our front desk and meet warm, friendly scheduling coordinators, ready to assist you.

Upon arriving to our office, please log in on our check-in computer. Please follow the instructions carefully as this will let everyone in the office know that you have arrived. We take pride in staying on time; so if you ever wait longer than 15 minutes beyond your scheduled appointment time, please check with an appointment coordinator to make sure that you that you have signed in correctly. After checking in, don't forget to take a minute to brush your teeth at our toothbrushing station. We provide all of our patients with a disposable toothbrush and toothpaste to use on each visit. You can then go to the "On Deck" area where you can choose to read the best selection of the latest magazines or you can go to the juke box and play your selection from the latest CDs. If you would like to, you can also go back to the reception room and the arcade room to play the latest games from X Box and Playstation 2. Our reception area was designed with our patients in mind. We offer a courtesy phone, complimentary coffee, tea, and water. We want your experience at Hidden Valley Orthodontics to be comfortable for both patients and their parents and families.

At your first visit, Ali, our Treatment Coordinator, will obtain a full set of digital images in our records room (as well as a panoramic x-ray, if indicated), which will allow the doctor to provide each of our patients with a complete and accurate initial diagnosis. As you continue on the office tour, you will see that our treatment area has an open concept. This allows for efficient treatment in a non-threatening environment. It is very comforting to young patients to see other children their own age enjoying their experience in our office right in the next chair. We do offer a semi-private area for those who wish to be treated there.

The doctors and the team at Hidden Valley Orthodontics spend lots of time explaining treatment and giving instructions. Our treatment area is supported by our state-of-the-art sterilization area. We never recycle products, we use disposable items whenever available, and follow strict sterilization guidelines for the safety of our patients. We sincerely hope you enjoy your visits with us!

Office Hours
Monday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday: 7 am – 3:30 pm
Friday : 8:30 am – 1pm (emergencies only)

Summer Hours start June 28 and end August 20, 2010
Mon: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tues - Thurs: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Fri: 8:30 am - 12 pm (emergencies only)

If You Are Late For An Appointment
Sometimes our patients are late due to traffic, etc. While we are sympathetic, we cannot, in fairness to other patients, "jam" late patients into the schedule. If you are late, you are always welcome to wait for an opening in the schedule. Sometimes there may not be an opening until the end of the day, and it may be easier to reschedule your appointment.

Rescheduling Appointments
All missed appointments should be rescheduled as soon as possible after the original appointment. Please do not wait several weeks for another "attractive" PRIME TIME appointment. During treatment, we are moving teeth as rapidly and as safely possible and it is very important that we monitor progress regularly. Our afternoon PRIME TIME appointments are booked five to six weeks in advance, so missed or late appointments usually have to be rescheduled during work or school hours. Since this is not a popular option, please make every effort to keep your original appointment. Our appointment policy was developed in an effort to give everyone the very best service we can. If it seems at times that we are inflexible with our schedule, please remember that we are trying very hard to stay on time and be fair to everyone. We are always available for questions or comments, and greatly appreciate your feedback.

Payment & Office Policies

Because we know that most people are concerned about their financial resources, we are happy to communicate to you the many ways our patients benefit from their investment.

First and foremost, we provide the highest quality orthodontic care possible. We accomplish this with intensive continuing education for all team members and the utilization of state-of-the-art technology. We think it is important for you to know that the braces you will be wearing are new. Our orthodontic practice does not use reconditioned/recycled braces. A myriad of treatment techniques and appliances are possible for any one orthodontic case. Because our commitment is to an excellent orthodontic experience which includes patient comfort, we use costly archwires that place gentle forces on the teeth to enhance patient comfort. Even our choice of style of braces puts comfort and esthetics foremost. Our lab is first-rate, making our appliances so precisely that appliance remake and breakage is very rare. Sterilization is never compromised. Disposable products are used whenever possible.

OUR TREATMENT FEE INCLUDES

The initial orthodontic examination and all periodic observation visits prior to the start of therapy, the treatment plan and the consultation to discuss our findings, all the orthodontic materials, appliances and appointments (including most emergencies) during the time in braces. Initial retainers after debanding (when appropriate) and one year of follow-up retainer visits.
Reports to your dentist before, during and after the completion of treatment.
Verbal treatment updates at each visit when possible as to the progress of the treatment and the status of the oral hygiene.

It's important that people get the orthodontic care they need when they need it. Orthodontics is an investment for the future... a future of improved dental health and appearance. Our goal is not only to meet all of your expectations, but to exceed your expectations in all areas of our service.

YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS
To determine the best way for you to manage your investment, our treatment coordinator will answer your questions, explain payment plans, and help you with insurance claims. The complexity of each problem determines the fee. We offer flexible financial arrangements that work within your budget.

Payment plans may include

Cash paid at start of treatment (5% bookkeeping credit)
Down payment and 24 equal monthly payments with no interest charged.
Electronic Payment (credit card or bank account) For your convenience automatic monthly payments are available either through your credit card or bank account. Click here for a printable version of our electronic payment authorization form. You can print it, fill it out and bring it with you to the next appointment!
OFP Financing. In some cases this can allow lower monthly payments!

INSURANCE PLANS

We accept most insurance plans and all "indemnity" plans. Indemnity plans allow the patient to go to any orthodontist they choose with full benefits. Some PPO plans that suggest going to their own panel member, but may revert to an indemnity plan if you choose to see the provider of your choice. Our insurance specialist will assist you in predetermining and receiving the maximum benefit your coverage allows.

DIRECT ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

What Is Electronic Payment? Electronic Payment is automatic bill payment. Your payment is deducted automatically from your checking or savings account. You can avoid the hassle of writing or mailing checks!
What Is the advantage of Electronic Payment? It saves time! It saves work! It simplifies your life! Paying bills is a time consuming chore. Electronic payment takes it off your hands.
How can you transfer money from my account? Once you authorize the amount and payment schedule, the funds are electronically transferred from your account to our practice's account.
When is the Electronic Payment transferred from my account? On its due date. You never have to worry about forgetting a payment or mailing it on time!
If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight? Since your payment is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date.
Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my payment? Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic payments. It's your proof of payment.
Is Electronic Payment risky? Electronic Payment is less risky than check payment. These types of transactions cannot be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail, and it has an extremely high rate of accuracy.
What if I change bank accounts? Notify us and we'll give you a new authorization form to complete.
How much does Electronic Payment cost? In many cases it costs you nothing! Plus, you save time and the cost of stamps, checks and envelopes.
How do I sign up for Electronic Payment? Complete and sign the authorization form and return it to our office along with a voided check or savings deposit slip.

Links

Colgate

Trusted Oral Care products and expert information to keep your smile bright, beautiful and healthy.

www.colgate.com

Opal Orthodontics

Opal Orthodontics is a division of Ultradent Products, Inc., a leader and innovator in the dental industry. Ultradent provides Opal Orthodontics with substantial financial support and fuels R&D efforts to develop highly innovative, precision manufactured orthodontic products.

opalorthodontics.com