Can you give me information about the scheduling of appointments?
To schedule an appointment – call us at our Tampa office -> (813) 749-7116; at our Clearwater office-> (727) 797-5460 ; OR Request an Appointment online. Our schedule is designed for and around you! Our staff will try and make all of your orthodontic visits as convenient as possible. We work hard to be sensitive to your scheduling needs. Over the course of treatment, you will need occasional longer appointments that will be scheduled during your work or school day.
While school & work are very important, the physical and psychological benefits of orthodontic care will last a lifetime. We are confident you will find that the increase in self-esteem and self-confidence will more than offset any temporary disruption caused by missing a small part of the school (or work) day.
Will I be seen on time?
Our goal is to see each patient at their scheduled time! We do everything possible to see you without delay. Arriving late for an appointment may mean that patients scheduled after you have to be seen late. Honoring our patient’s appointment time is important to us. We know your time is valuable and we do all we can to honor that!
What if I’m not able to keep my appointment?
Call us and we’ll be happy to reschedule you at a convenient time for you!
What is the appropriate age to begin orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that every child have an orthodontic screening by age 7. Many severe problems can be prevented from fully developing by initiating orthodontic treatment early. Dr. Yarbrough can give you an idea of what to expect if your child needs early orthodontic treatment.
Am I too old to have braces?
It’s never too old to have a great smile. Teeth can be moved on a 6 year old all the way up to 80+ year olds. We have many adult patients at our offices. As long as adults have healthy teeth and supporting structures, orthodontics can be done at any age (including patients who are senior citizens). More complex problems may require coordination with your general dentist and other specialists.
How long will treatment take?
Many factors determine length of treatment – type of bite problem, response to treatment, health of the gums and supporting tooth structures, and cooperation on the part of the patient. The treatment time most commonly ranges from six (6) to thirty (30) months. We can give you an idea of treatment length at your consultation appointment.
How much does treatment cost?
The cost of treatment is dependent on the difficulty of the problem. We can give you an estimate of the treatment fee at your consultation appointment. We offer many flexible financing plans and low monthly payment plans.
Will insurance pay for orthodontic care?
Many patients have orthodontic benefits as part of their dental plan. We will gladly check your dental insurance for orthodontic coverage for you on your consultation visit.
NOTE: Not all patients with dental insurance have orthodontic coverage. This is dependent on the employer’s decision as to the extent of the coverage they wish to purchase. Orthodontic coverage differs from regular dental coverage in that the insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee until the maximum benefit is reached.
What should I do if something comes loose or gets broken?
Call us right away! We don’t want you to wait until your next scheduled appointment. Repair of broken or damaged appliances may require more time than your next scheduled visit allows. It may be best to reschedule so that you will not be inconvenienced by the need for an additional appointment. We’re never more than a phone call away. Your comfort is very important to us and we want you to know that we’re always here when you need us! You can find some additional information in the First Aid section.
