Red Deer, AB (Alberta) Orthodontist Robert H. Cram

For New Patients

Before your first visit, please complete and return the two-sided Getting to Know You Form »

Office Policies

Your First Visit
At the first visit to our office, some of the diagnostic records may be made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move during orthodontic care.

At the first appointment, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular treatment.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, appliance(s), etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals four to ten weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes twenty to forty minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made four to ten weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees
In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established the following financial policy:

If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a bookkeeping discount. (If you have insurance, we strongly recommend against full payment at the onset of treatment.)
To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
For your convenience, we accept payment by cash, cheque, Visa and MasterCard.
In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance
If you have insurance, we will help you to predetermine the amount of your coverage. Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to our practice. We will help in every way we can, however your employer's insurance company may decline to deal with anyone but you!