Joplin MO (Missouri) Orthodontist Dr. Michael R. Laferla, DDS, MS, PC

At the first visit to the orthodontist, a thorough evaluation is 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 are taken after the initial exam. 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.

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You will then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Please visit our Contact Us page to view our office hours. 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 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the case. 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 will assist to fill out necessary insurance paperwork. 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.
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
We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to yourself. 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.

Patient Forms

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

Patient Form Word format
Patient Form PDF format

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

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