Patient Resources
First Visit
We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office. Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important 30-minute visit will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. We insist that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of, how long it will take, and financial options based on treatment proposed. Also, we will answer any additional questions.
During the initial examination for each patient, we will address the following questions that cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.
- Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
- Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until appropriate growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
- What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
- Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- How long will treatment take?
- How much will it cost?
- What are my payment options?
While we can often answer these general questions about treatment during the initial examination, we will address specific areas after careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyze each patient’s specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.
We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, we can also reserve, at your request, time following the exam for diagnostic records. Otherwise diagnostic records are done at your second visit. The records include X-rays, photos and impressions for study models and are necessary for developing the appropriate treatment plan. This additional appointment will last approximately 30-40 minutes.
We will then schedule a treatment conference to discuss treatment options, time frames and financial arrangements. We insist that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take. Also, we will answer any additional questions.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:
- Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months.
- If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs.
Tips For Wearing Braces
Sore Teeth:
After braces are placed in the mouth, it is normal for teeth to be sore 2 or 3 days. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water and taking Advil or other anti-inflammatory medication will help relieve this discomfort. Some irritation to the cheeks and tongue is normal, but if you feel anything sharp poking you, or if a sore develops, please call the office at (914) 460-7402.
Check out our article on the top tips for your first week in braces for more information on how you can make the process as smooth as possible.
Click on the buttons below for more information on tips for wearing braces:
Oral Hygiene
Interdental Toothbrush
A Proxabrush is an interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the Proxabrush gently to avoid damaging your wires. The Proxabrush will help you to clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks. Peroxyl helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces. Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, Peroxyl helps the inside of your mouth heal. Peroxyl can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums.
Topical Fluoride
Fluoride gel helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. The use of fluoride gel does not replace daily brushing and flossing but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Place a small strip of fluoride gel on a toothbrush and apply it to your teeth for one minute and spit it out. You may not eat or drink for 60 minutes after you use the gel. It is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 60 minutes, so do not wash it away by eating or drinking.
Cleaning Your Removable Appliances
Hawley Retainer
Brush your removable appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, soak the appliance daily. Dissolve a Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature and soak your appliance once every day. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.
Essix Retainer
We suggest you use “kleenite” for essix or invisible retainers. Use of hot water can distort them and other cleaners or toothpaste can affect the fit of appliances and damage the appliance itself.
Pay Online Now!
Now you can:
• Check appointments online
• View your account balance and make payments
All through our Patient Login Portal. Please Click on the Patient Portal button below.
Health & Safety Protections For Our Patients
This office is protected by HEPA air filtration equipment to safely capture chairside aerosols and droplets for the health and safety of our patients! An extraoral dental suction unit is positioned chairside during any procedures that create aerosols and droplets, this helps protect our operatory form airborne contaminants.
Protocols that we have implemented for the protection of our patients/parents the doctor and staff for all who enter the office: (If you are not feeling well, please reschedule your appointment)
1. Masks are optional
2. Temperatures are taken
3. Washing hands before being seated
New Patient Forms
To help us with your chart, please download and print the appropriate forms, fill them out and bring them to your first appointment.
Financial
- Our office accepts payments by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover credit cards
- We offer low down-payment plans and interest-free monthly installment payment plans.
- Zero down payment – We also accept finance through CareCredit and for our Invisalign patients Lending Point Interest-Free Patient Financing.
If you have any questions about financing or payment, ask us! We will thoroughly explain your choices and work hard to accommodate your needs.
Insurance
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must be paid as per the contract agreement. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is distinct from regular dental insurance. Insurance policies vary, so we will review your insurance to determine the appropriate course of action.
Once treatment has started, we will file your claims. To help us with your insurance filing, please complete the insurance questions on our New Patient Registration Forms.
White Plains Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans. Please have your insurance information accessible when scheduling your first appointment – that way we can verify your insurance benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expense! If your plan requires a dentist referral, please obtain one before scheduling your complimentary consultation to avoid treatment delays. Please bring your insurance card and information to your consultation appointment. We participate with most insurances, including ones not listed below.
We participate with the following companies:
- Aetna PPO & DHMO
- Ameritas / First Ameritas
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Assurant / SunLife
- Cigna DHMO – Dentist Referral Needed
- Cigna PPO
- Connecticut General (Cigna)
- CSEA
- CPS Dental – OUT OF NETWORK
- DC37
- DDS
- Delta Dental Benefits Providers
- Electricians Union-Local 3
- Empire / Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- FEP Blue
- GHI – Dental Access, Preferred, Preferred Plus & Emblem Health
- Guardian DentalGuard PPO
- Guardian Managed Care – Dentist Referral Needed
- HealthPlex – Dentist Referral Needed
- MetLife
- Oxford
- Preferred Group Plans
- POMCO/UMR
- Principal Financial Group
- SIDS: Self-Insured Dental Services
- Teamsters
- United Concordia
- United Health Care PPO
- Uniformed Fire Fighters’ Association
- UFT Welfare Fund
- YFT Welfare Fund
- Teachers – Harrison, Scarsdale, White Plains & New Rochelle
We also participate with the following reduced-fee plans:
- AmeriPlan USA
- Aetna Vital Savings Discount Plan
- Careington
- Cigna Plus Savings
- DentalSave
- EDP Dental Plan
- MyChoice Dental Plan
- Humana Dental
- National Dental Plan
Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit for you or your child. If, during the course of treatment, your benefits change, the financial responsible party is accountable for all charges.
