Insurance Questions
We are often asked about insurance coverage. Our office does accept most insurance plans, but
as you know, health insurance can be very confusing. Orthodontic insurance usually has a lifetime
maximum that will be paid. For example if your insurance will pay $1500 towards orthodontics, this
is not paid every year. It is a “life-time” payment. Our office will be happy to verify insurance
coverage and file as a courtesy to our patients. Most notably, orthodontic insurance coverage is
usually the same whether the orthodontist is “in-network” or “out-of-network”. Unfortunately
insurance has become very confusing regarding coverage of benefits. If you have any questions,
call our office or verify benefits with your insurance company.
We are often asked about insurance coverage. Our office does accept most insurance plans, but
as you know, health insurance can be very confusing. Orthodontic insurance usually has a lifetime
maximum that will be paid. For example if your insurance will pay $1500 towards orthodontics, this
is not paid every year. It is a “life-time” payment. Our office will be happy to verify insurance
coverage and file as a courtesy to our patients. Most notably, orthodontic insurance coverage is
usually the same whether the orthodontist is “in-network” or “out-of-network”. Unfortunately
insurance has become very confusing regarding coverage of benefits. If you have any questions,
call our office or verify benefits with your insurance company.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Drs. Tottenham & Jennings Specialists in Orthodontics
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Do I still need to see my dentist while seeing the
orthodontist?
Absolutely! Patients should visit their dentist regularly during
orthodontic treatment to help prevent cavities or decalcifications (white
spots) from forming while braces are on the teeth.
orthodontist?
Absolutely! Patients should visit their dentist regularly during
orthodontic treatment to help prevent cavities or decalcifications (white
spots) from forming while braces are on the teeth.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see the orthodontist?
The answer is NO. The dental profession does not work on the same system as the medical
community. Neither your insurance company nor your dentist should dictate your choice for
orthodontists. We are glad to work with all dentists and other specialists to create the healthy,
beautiful smile you and your children deserve. Our office prides itself in our relationships with other
offices, and we make sure to include you dentist in all treatment plans.
.
The answer is NO. The dental profession does not work on the same system as the medical
community. Neither your insurance company nor your dentist should dictate your choice for
orthodontists. We are glad to work with all dentists and other specialists to create the healthy,
beautiful smile you and your children deserve. Our office prides itself in our relationships with other
offices, and we make sure to include you dentist in all treatment plans.
.
What will orthodontic treatment cost?
Place a call and we can schedule a complementary initial exam. At that appointment a
diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed. If you choose to proceed with treatment,
orthodontic records (x-rays, pictures, & models) will be scheduled to confirm the initial
diagnosis.
With an initial payment, the remaining amount will be broken down into small, monthly
installments. We will also file insurance as a courtesy to our patients. Some people choose to
pay the full amount in advance to take advantage of the discount they receive when billing and
bookkeeping costs are eliminated.
We also offer Care Credit as another alternative.
Place a call and we can schedule a complementary initial exam. At that appointment a
diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed. If you choose to proceed with treatment,
orthodontic records (x-rays, pictures, & models) will be scheduled to confirm the initial
diagnosis.
With an initial payment, the remaining amount will be broken down into small, monthly
installments. We will also file insurance as a courtesy to our patients. Some people choose to
pay the full amount in advance to take advantage of the discount they receive when billing and
bookkeeping costs are eliminated.
We also offer Care Credit as another alternative.
What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II Treatment?
Phase I, or Interceptive Treatment, is aimed at intercepting a moderate or severe orthodontic
problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems most often include crossbites (in
of the front or back teeth) and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth
spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce
the need for extractions or jaw surgery and delivers better long term results and treatment
options. This phase of treatment usually begins while the permanent front teeth are erupting
(typically around the age of 7-8). Most Phase I patients will require a Phase II treatment in order
to achieve an ideal bite.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later. Usually we are waiting for the
remaining permanent teeth to erupt before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at the
age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal fit of the teeth, resulting in
less wear over time.
Phase I, or Interceptive Treatment, is aimed at intercepting a moderate or severe orthodontic
problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems most often include crossbites (in
of the front or back teeth) and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth
spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce
the need for extractions or jaw surgery and delivers better long term results and treatment
options. This phase of treatment usually begins while the permanent front teeth are erupting
(typically around the age of 7-8). Most Phase I patients will require a Phase II treatment in order
to achieve an ideal bite.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later. Usually we are waiting for the
remaining permanent teeth to erupt before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at the
age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal fit of the teeth, resulting in
less wear over time.
What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
This refers to orthodontic treatment when all permanent teeth are erupted (adolescents or
adults). It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.
This refers to orthodontic treatment when all permanent teeth are erupted (adolescents or
adults). It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.
Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain orthodontic problems require early intervention. All others can wait until
most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.
Absolutely not! Only certain orthodontic problems require early intervention. All others can wait until
most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.
Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?
This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a
difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options
become limited, more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may
lead to extractions, jaw surgery and increased costs.
This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a
difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options
become limited, more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may
lead to extractions, jaw surgery and increased costs.
What are extraction and non-extraction therapy, and what are the advantages and
disadvantages of each?
Extraction treatment means that permanent teeth need to be removed, most often to make room for
the other teeth in your child's mouth. Non-extraction treatment is accomplished by expanding the
arches in order to make room for all the permanent teeth.
disadvantages of each?
Extraction treatment means that permanent teeth need to be removed, most often to make room for
the other teeth in your child's mouth. Non-extraction treatment is accomplished by expanding the
arches in order to make room for all the permanent teeth.
I see quite a few adults with braces. Is this a growing trend?
About 20% of our patients are adults. Age is not a factor in orthodontic care. This trend is expected
to continue as adults become increasingly aware of the benefits of modern orthodontic therapy.
About 20% of our patients are adults. Age is not a factor in orthodontic care. This trend is expected
to continue as adults become increasingly aware of the benefits of modern orthodontic therapy.
What is the "Damon Bracket?" Why is it considered "cutting edge?"
The Damon Bracket …The latest technology makes braces easier, more enjoyable, and faster!
The newest technologies to better straighten patient’s teeth have always been a primary concern for us at Drs. Tottenham &
Jennings Orthodontics. We have spent the last 4 years researching our new bracket technology, and the result is a self-ligating
bracket. These new brackets allow us to treat patients with lighter forces because friction is reduced, allowing for more efficient tooth
movement. This reduction in friction allows for faster tooth movement and shorter overall treatment times.
This new brace technology is designed with a sliding door to hold the wire in place. We are no longer binding the wires together with
color ties and metal ligatures, but we "close the doors" to allow free wire movement. These sliding mechanics allow us to fully seat the
wires, which creates better orthodontic mechanics. Additionally, the resulting reduction in friction greatly increases our efficiency to
move teeth.
We have also found an additional benefit to these new brackets -- improvement in hygiene. Color ties are notorious for plaque build-
up and poor hygiene. These latex colored ties also break down from the oral bacteria, foods, and plaque resulting in reduced
treatment efficiency and increased cleaning problems. The new bracket system solves this problem by simply removing the color ties
all together. We have seen an increase in cleaning efficiency and overall reduction in plaque control.
What does this really mean to our patients? First, significantly lighter force levels can be used which should allow for less discomfort
to our patients during treatment. Further, we now can have longer intervals between appointments, even up to 10 weeks in some
cases, because the rubber ties are no longer limiting the effectiveness of our treatment. Cleaner, brighter teeth during, and
especially, after treatment are also important benefits of the new bracket system. And finally, a reduction in overall treatment times
due to faster, more effective tooth movements. We are giving up the color ties to improve our treatment techniques and reduce the
time you and your family wears braces. These modern approaches should save 3-6 months off the total treatment time.
The Damon Bracket …The latest technology makes braces easier, more enjoyable, and faster!
The newest technologies to better straighten patient’s teeth have always been a primary concern for us at Drs. Tottenham &
Jennings Orthodontics. We have spent the last 4 years researching our new bracket technology, and the result is a self-ligating
bracket. These new brackets allow us to treat patients with lighter forces because friction is reduced, allowing for more efficient tooth
movement. This reduction in friction allows for faster tooth movement and shorter overall treatment times.
This new brace technology is designed with a sliding door to hold the wire in place. We are no longer binding the wires together with
color ties and metal ligatures, but we "close the doors" to allow free wire movement. These sliding mechanics allow us to fully seat the
wires, which creates better orthodontic mechanics. Additionally, the resulting reduction in friction greatly increases our efficiency to
move teeth.
We have also found an additional benefit to these new brackets -- improvement in hygiene. Color ties are notorious for plaque build-
up and poor hygiene. These latex colored ties also break down from the oral bacteria, foods, and plaque resulting in reduced
treatment efficiency and increased cleaning problems. The new bracket system solves this problem by simply removing the color ties
all together. We have seen an increase in cleaning efficiency and overall reduction in plaque control.
What does this really mean to our patients? First, significantly lighter force levels can be used which should allow for less discomfort
to our patients during treatment. Further, we now can have longer intervals between appointments, even up to 10 weeks in some
cases, because the rubber ties are no longer limiting the effectiveness of our treatment. Cleaner, brighter teeth during, and
especially, after treatment are also important benefits of the new bracket system. And finally, a reduction in overall treatment times
due to faster, more effective tooth movements. We are giving up the color ties to improve our treatment techniques and reduce the
time you and your family wears braces. These modern approaches should save 3-6 months off the total treatment time.
| New Patient Forms |
What is Invisalign? Is it only for adults?
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of clear aligners that you switch out about
every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually
shift your teeth into place. Now with Invisalign Teen, even adolescent patients can enjoy the
benefits of Invisalign technology. Dr. Jennings was trained by Dr. Clark Colville, who lectures
both nationally and internationally for Invisalign. Invisalign is not just for mild crowding. It can
correct more complicated problems too.
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of clear aligners that you switch out about
every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually
shift your teeth into place. Now with Invisalign Teen, even adolescent patients can enjoy the
benefits of Invisalign technology. Dr. Jennings was trained by Dr. Clark Colville, who lectures
both nationally and internationally for Invisalign. Invisalign is not just for mild crowding. It can
correct more complicated problems too.
What should you expect on the first visit?
First, this will be the easiest doctor appointment you will ever have. Drs. Jennings and Tottenham will
talk to you about things you do not like about your teeth/bite. They will also talk to you about concerns
they see. They may even take a x-ray (no charge) to see more detail. Drs. Jennings and Tottenham will
then talk to you about possible ways to correct any problems that may be present. Isn't that easy?
First, this will be the easiest doctor appointment you will ever have. Drs. Jennings and Tottenham will
talk to you about things you do not like about your teeth/bite. They will also talk to you about concerns
they see. They may even take a x-ray (no charge) to see more detail. Drs. Jennings and Tottenham will
then talk to you about possible ways to correct any problems that may be present. Isn't that easy?