Starting Orthodontic Treatment
At Astoria Family Orthodontics in Queens, NY, we want to make sure you have everything you need to get started. Here's what to expect.
Free Initial Exam
Your beautiful smile begins with a no-cost initial examination to evaluate whether or not there is a need for orthodontic therapy. Before you arrive, you can save time by printing and filling out our New Patient Packet. Make sure you bring them to your appointment. Here are a few questions you might want to ask when meeting with your doctor:
- What exactly needs to be done to straighten my teeth and/or correct my bite?
- What are my options and what are the consequences of delaying treatment?
- How long will the entire process take?
- How much will this treatment cost, and what are the follow-up costs after treatment?
- Do you provide references from past or current patients?
Diagnostics and Consultation
If corrective treatment is necessary, the next step is a consultation appointment, where we will administer a complete clinical examination, create digital models of your teeth, take photographs of your face and teeth, and take all necessary x-rays. There is no fee for this appointment (unless the records leave our office). Our orthodontists will then discuss your orthodontic diagnosis and describe your treatment options, which may include visual models and treatment simulation software. We will also outline an initial treatment plan, including an estimate of the fees, anticipated length of treatment, and payment options. Any questions you may have can best be answered in detail at this time.
Appointments
At the start of your treatment, a longer appointment will be scheduled to allow for more time and attention to put on your braces, or measure and scan for a clear aligner product. The appointments that follow will be approximately 4-8 weeks apart. Being that these appointments are critical to your treatment, missing them will prolong your treatment. We understand that circumstances happen and if you cannot keep your appointment time, please call our office. This will enable us to reschedule the correct amount of time needed to continue smooth uninterrupted treatment in as few visits as possible and to remain on schedule.
Post Treatment
After active corrective treatment has been completed, you will receive retainers which are necessary to maintain your results. You will also be kept on periodic examination. This usually continues for one year, depending upon your original problem. This is done to continually monitor the stability of the results achieved, and to maintain these results in the best possible manner.
Dental Insurances Accepted & Payment Plans
We understand that orthodontic treatment is a sizable investment. Your fee is determined by the time needed and the complexity involved with treating your particular problem. We will provide you exceptional treatment that fits your budget. We offer multiple payment options to make treatment easy and affordable.
- Financial payment plans throughout treatment
- Third party financing from Care Credit, Citi Health Card and Chase Health Advance
- Automatic credit card or debit card payments
Payments
Insurances Accepted
We will accept any insurance coverage you have toward fulfilling your financial obligation. Of course we will prepare all necessary paperwork for you. We will do everything we can to help you obtain maximum benefits. Below is a list of the some of the insurances we accept.
Accepted InsurancesInsurances Accepted
| 1199 NATIONAL | BENEFIT | 21st CENTURY HEALTH |
| 32 BUILDING SERVICES | AETNA | AH & L |
| ALLIED WELFARE FUND | AMERICAN CONSULTING | AMERICAN MED. & LIFE |
| AMERIPLAN | AMERITAS BANKERS | AVESIS |
| BENEFIT CONCEPTS | BLUE CHOICE HMO | BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD |
| BPA & TWA | CARE MANAGEMENT | CAREINGTON INTERNATIONAL |
| CIGNA | CIGNA-DELTA AIR LINES | COMBINED INS. CO. |
| CONNECTION DENTAL | CONTINENTAL DENTAL | CORPORATE HEALTH |
| CORR. OFFIC. BEN. ASSOC. | CSEA | DC 37 |
| DDP*DELTA | DDS, INC | DDS/LOCAL 295 |
| DELTA DENTAL | DENTAL BEN. PROV. | DENTAL DIRECTORY |
| DENTAL HEALTH ALL | DENTAL SELECT | DENTAL VALUE NETWORK |
| DENT-ALL | DENTSCO, INC. | DOCTORS COUNCIL WELF. |
| ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY/LOCAL 3 | ERISA DESIGNED SYSTEMS | FARMINGDALE FED. |
| FIDELITY HEALTHWAYS | FIRST ALLMERICA | FIRST FORTIS |
| FIRST HEALTH | FITZHARRIS & COMPANY | GALLAGHER |
| GHI | GOV. EMP. HOSP. ASS. | GREAT WEST LIFE ASS. |
| GUARDIAN-DENTALGUARD | HEALTHPLEX | HEALTHSOURCE |
| HUMAN DEVEL. ASSOC. | INNER CITY HEALTH | INTEGRATED DENTAL |
| J.J. NEWMAN & CO. | JARDINE | JC PENNY PLAN PLUS |
| JOHN HANCOCK | LOCAL 1109 | LOCAL 1180 CWA WELF. |
| LOCAL 1205 | LOCAL 137/SHEET METAL | LOCAL 144 |
| LOCAL 174 | LOCAL 197 | LOCAL 202 |
| LOCAL 210 | LOCAL 246 | LOCAL 300 |
| LOCAL 342 | LOCAL 365 | LOCAL 371 |
| LOCAL 377 WELF. FUND | LOCAL 4-69 | LOCAL 531 |
| LOCAL 550 - BAKERY | LOCAL 804 | LOCAL 807 - SIDS |
| LOCAL 808 | LOCAL 813 | LOCAL 858 |
| LOCAL 891 | LOCAL 8A-28A | LOCAL 918 |
| LOCAL 94 | LOCAL 945 | LOCAL 966 |
| LOCAL ONE | MALONEY ASSOC. | MANAGED HEALTHCARE |
| MANAGEMENT BENEFITS | MAXON | MET LIFE |
| METRODENT | MUTUAL OF OMAHA | NETWORK PROVIDER |
| NEW ENGLAND | NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL | NEW YORK LIFE |
| NHCD - UNICARE | NORTHEAST DENTAL | NY DIST COUNCIL CARP |
| NY POWER AUTHORITY | NYS COURT OFF. ASSOC | OXFORD |
| PAVERS & ROAD BUILDERS | PBA | PDCP |
| PHOENIX HOME LIFE | PHS HEALTHCARE | PLAN PLUS |
| POMCO | PROTECTIVE DENTAL | PRUDENTIAL |
| PSC CUNY | QUALIDENT | RANDMARK |
| ROYAL INSURANCE | SANUS | SERG. BENEV. ASSOC. |
| SHOPMEN WELF FUND | SIDS | SIGNATURE DENTAL |
| TPA | TRI-DENT NETWORK | UFT |
| UHP | UNICARE LIFE & HEALTH | UNION LABOR LIFE INS. |
| UNITED CONCORDIA | UNITED DENTAL PLAN | UNITED DENTAL SYSTEM |
| UNITED FURN. WORKERS | UNITED PROB. OFF. | UNITY |
| US HEALTHCARE DENTAL | VISTA PLAN ADMIN. |
Resources and Common Questions about Treatment
There are certain foods that are difficult to eat with braces or may harm your braces.
foods to avoid
If your teeth or gums are tender, this article will help explain why and what to do about it.
Tender Teeth