There's no age limit on perfection!
Think braces are just for kids? Think again! Many have the common misconception that braces, or orthodontic work in general, are restricted to a certain age group and that they wouldn't be able to receive treatment. However, that is simply not the case! Although some techniques for treatment may be different in order to achieve ideal results, adults are able to have full braces for not only teeth alignment but for bite correction as well!
Debating between Invisalign or braces for your treatment? Listed below are benefits of each type of treatment so that you may weigh the pros and cons prior to deciding!
Invisalign:
Invisalign trays are famous for being a discrete orthodontic option, ideal for those whose major concern is visibility of appliances while perfecting their smile! Trays are to be worn typically a week each and the patient switches to each tray on their own! If you are well organized and great at sticking to a routine, this option may be the right fit for you!
Braces:
Braces are a tried and true orthodontic method which are now available not only in the traditional metal standard, but in a clear ceramic option to be less visible as well! With braces, the patient lets the wires and brackets do the work for them and simply comes in for adjustments handled by our clinical staff! For most patients, braces give ideal results in a shorter timeline than other orthodontic treatment options which can be preferred depending on if you’re planning your smile around big events such as a wedding!
Come in for your FREE consultation at VCO Orthodontics in Arlington, VA to see which option would be best for giving you a picture-perfect smile. You are NEVER too old to treat yourself to a gorgeous, new smile!
New patient consultations are both exciting and informative! We understand that patients want to know what to expect and how to best be prepared for their first appointment. We’ve compiled a list of questions that we have gathered from our consultations over the years, to serve as a reference for you before you come in:
1. How can I schedule a new patient consultation?
Simply call our office to schedule your appointment or book online at our website! Our staff is highly trained to guide you through your first phone call and gather all the necessary information for your first appointment. We are SO excited that you would like to meet us and start thinking about getting your dream smile!
2. How long does the appointment normally take?
We suggest that you allow 45 minutes to an hour for the consultation. This will include the time needed for completion of our new patient forms, a tour of the office, time with the doctor to discuss your treatment plan, and time with our treatment coordinator to discuss financing options and insurance.
3. Is there a fee for my consultation visit?
Consultations are completely complementary at VCO Orthodontics in Arlington, VA!
4. Do I need to bring anything with me to the consultation?
If you have a copy of a referral from your dentist, any previous orthodontic records and/or x-rays, or a copy of your insurance card(s), we will gladly add those to your chart to help build your patient portfolio!
5. What is discussed at this appointment?
At your consultation, Dr. Markova will first address your main concerns and reason for coming in. If your dentist has concerns, she can address those as well. She’ll then evaluate your smile and make necessary treatment recommendations and give you an estimated timeline for treatment completion. If your plan involves or requires other dental work, she can give you referrals for this as well. If you are interested in braces or Invisalign, Dr. Markova will go over details with you about all options. For kids and teens, we will review when a good time for braces might be or if an expander or spacer is needed.
6. Can I start treatment the same day?
Absolutely! We encourage patients to come prepared to start treatment same-day! We’ll go over all of your insurance benefits and the financial information pertaining to your recommended treatment, and once all of your questions have been answered, we will gladly get you started on your journey to a brand-new smile!
With so many different insurance companies, policies to choose from, and stipulations for use of benefits, it’s no wonder insurance can get a little confusing when it comes to dental bills and coverage!
As for Orthodontic insurance, here are the most important things you need to know!
1. Who is commonly covered for orthodontic treatment?
Generally, children up to age 18 or 19 are covered for a certain amount. In some cases, depending on the plan, adults can be covered as well. Many insurance plans have age limits for orthodontic coverage, but we’re always happy to do a courtesy benefits check on your plan to see if you qualify for coverage! If you’re looking for a plan that will cover treatment, it’s important to contact your insurance company and ask what their limitations are. Ask if there is an "age limit."
2. When is open enrollment for insurance?
Open enrollment for insurance typically falls at the end of the calendar year (November-December). However, some employers have different enrollment structures in place, so always reach out to an HR person for details. If you change your job or have a certain life event, you can select new insurance at different times throughout the year.
3. What does a “waiting period” mean?
If you’re signing up for new insurance, or simply upgrading your plan, there could be a waiting period on the new policy. A waiting period is a specific period of time that you’ll need to be enrolled on a plan first, before becoming eligible for any orthodontic coverage. Most of the time, waiting periods are 12 months. This means you need to be on your plan for 12 months before you can start getting the orthodontic $. Be sure to look out for these waiting periods when signing up for a new plan!
4. How much is usually covered by insurance for orthodontic treatment?
To put it plainly, you can expect your insurance to cover a percentage of the overall treatment cost. Very rarely (almost never) do insurance companies cover the full cost of treatment. Most insurances, where coverage is available, offer to pay a certain percentage of the overall cost UP TO a certain dollar amount, called a lifetime maximum. Once this “lifetime maximum” is used up for an individual patient, it does not renew year after year, the way your other dental benefits do (example: for dental cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.)
5. Do I get all my orthodontic benefits up front? Does the insurance company cut a big check for me right away?
Your insurance company determines how they will pay the orthodontic benefit over time; usually it’s paid out in monthly or quarterly installments over the duration of your treatment. Keep in mind the amount of coverage is very rarely paid up front, so if there are any changes to your policy or if it’s terminated at any time, it may affect how much is covered! Let us know right away if you switch insurance policies during orthodontic treatment so we can help you figure out what is covered.
6. Does it matter if I have Invisalign or braces for insurance coverage?
No, this does not make a difference.
7. What insurances do you accept at VCO Orthodontics in Arlington?
We accept Aetna, Carefirst, Metlife, Guardian, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, FEP Blue Dental, Tricare, Cigna, Principal, GEHA, and quite a few more!
