Cottone Paul M DDS MS

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Phase One Treatment
(Ages 6-10)When a number of baby teeth are still present, treatment can be started to correct severe overbites, crossbites, thumb sucking or tongue-thrusting habits. Growth modification appliances can be used when jaw modification is indicated.Full Orthodontic Treatment (Phase Two)(Ages 8 & Up)Braces are used to treat teeth that are too crowded and smiles that have too much spacing as well as overbites, underbites, crossbites, etc.

Observation in our Recall SystemIf a patient is examined, but not ready for treatment, he or she is placed under observation and recalled every 3-6 months to monitor growth and development. There is no charge for an observation visit.

Oral Hygiene InstructionWe are very concerned that your oral health be maintained while you are in braces, therefore a great emphasis is placed on oral hygiene throughout treatment. We strongly advise that you visit your general or pediatric dentist every 3-6 months during the course of treatment.

We provide a Progress Report every visit to let the patient and parent know :
Patient Cooperation Since Last Appointment - checks Hygiene, Treatment Progress, Breakage Treatment Procedures Performed Today Patient Instructions for the Next 30 days

Your First Visit To Our OfficeInitial Examination:Your first visit will be a comprehensive oral examination. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with our doctor and his staff. The doctor will ask you why you don't like your smile. He will then tell you how he is going to fix the problem. We would like for you to leave our office with the answers to the following questions:

This is a great time to ask the Doctor or Staff any questions that you may have. As a courtesy to you and your dentist, there is no charge for your initial exam. It is important that you bring your Insurance Card to this appointment. The Office manager will tell you what your co-pay is after the insurance has been deducted. I

Diagnostic Records and Consultation:If your initial examination indicates that you need treatment, we then arrange for complete diagnostic records. During this one-hour appointment, we will take x-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth and a wax bite to obtain the relationship of your jaws. A complete diagnosis is based on these records. The Doctor will not treat you until he takes Records. If you are transferring from another Orthodontist, Records will be taken again. A detailed treatment plan will be discussed with you a month later at the Spacer/Treatment Plan appointment.Getting Your BracesAbout a week after the spacers are placed, bands are cemented over the back teeth. Brackets will be bonded on the remaining teeth. Archwires are then fastened to the bands and the brackets. None of these procedures are painful. Depending on the individual case, upper and lower braces may be applied at separate times. Monthly checks-ups will be followed to adjust the archwires and replace the elastics. This will change the pressure on the teeth so they can move into the right places. Orthodontics is not only a financial investment. It is also an investment of your time.Our Financial PolicyFees for treatment are based on the severity or complexity of your orthodontic problem. A discount is given for full payment at the initiation of treatment. However, most patients pay the fee during the time of their treatment. (There is no finance charge and no interest charges). Payments are made monthly, whether appointments are kept and/or missed. We also offer CareCredit.We realize that temporary financial problems may effect timely monthly payments on your account. If such problems do arise, please do not ignore your bill and our correspondences. Instead, contact us promptly for assistance in management of your account. InsuranceWe will complete all filing of your insurance forms. We make every effort to help you receive your maximum orthodontic benefits from your insurance company. With your cooperation, we are always successful. While filing insurance claims is a courtesy that we extend to our patients, you must realize:

Your contract is a contract between you, your employer, and the insurance company.
Insurance may pay all, some, or none of you bill. You proportion is due prior to and at the time services are rendered. All insurances pay monthly during the course of treatment. There is never a lump sum payment. If your insurance does not finish paying before the braces are removed, you will be billed for the unpaid balance.
Not all services are covered benefits in all contracts. Some companies arbitrarily select certain services they will not cover. Please familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage. Benefits do vary. We will call your insurance company during the Initial Exam so that you and our office are on the same page.

We must emphasize that as a health care provider, our relationship is with you and not your insurance company.If your have any questions about information or uncertainty regarding insurance coverage, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help you!

Paul M. Cottone DDS,MSDiplomate Of the American Board of Orthodontics 2715 Breezewood Avenue, Suite C Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: (910) 485-5193