What to Expect

Please help us be prepared for your first appointment by completing this Patient Information and Medical History form. Download the form below to your computer, print it out, complete the form, and bring it with you to your first appointment.

Child Patient Form [PDF format] [WORD format]
Adult Patient Form [PDF format] [WORD format]

If you're unable to read PDF files, you can download Acrobat Reader free from Adobe. [Download Acrobat Reader]

Your First Visit

At the first visit to the orthodontist, a clinical exam is done to determine the best course of treatment. Additional diagnostic records such as plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays may be suggested. 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 under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case. This can be done by phone or in person.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, aligners, expanders, etc.) usually takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes approximately 20 minutes. 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 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem and length of treatment. 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 also accept assignment from most insurance plans, and file the necessary papers to the insurance company. 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 this financial policy:

If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
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 VISA, MASTERCARD and DISCOVER.
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 determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). 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 the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.

Kathleen J. Nuckles, Orthodontist | 10921 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1003 | Los Angeles, CA 90024 | Tel: 310.208.8273 | Fax: 310.208.0104

Patient Login | Welcome Letter | Meet Dr. Nuckles | Meet Our Team | What to Expect | Planning Appointments
About Braces | Helpful Links | Contact Us | FAQ | Home