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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the topics below to view the description..
 Is there a charge for the initial exam and what will occur at that appointment?
How does insurance for braces work and how much coverage is there?
Which insurance plans do you provide for?
What do braces cost?
How are payment plans arranged? Is a down payment required?
Is there a charge for the initial exam and what will occur at that appointment? 
The initial half-hour exam is complimentary. A pre-appointment introductory package will be mailed containing our patient registration form (also printable from this site), background information on our offices, and results of our post-treatment patient survey. The initial exam includes presentations concerning the types and placement of braces and retainers, Dr. Ziman's exam and preliminary diagnosis, proposed treatment plan(s), as well as a fee estimate. A personalized letter recapping the exam appointment will be mailed to you with a follow-up call made a few days later to answer any questions you might have and to schedule your next appointment if appropriate.
How does insurance for braces work and how much coverage is there?
Not all dental plans have orthodontic benefits and of those that do, there is generally a variable lifetime maximum benefit per patient. The majority of plans allow benefits for dependants under age 19 and for full-time students up to age 25, while a few do provide benefits for adults as well. Check your benefits booklet or consult with your Human Resources Department for specifics on your plan. Finally, benefits are often paid out over the course of treatment and not up front. Expect to pay an average copayment of 50% and because lifetime maximums have not kept up with inflation, expect to pay approximately 20-75% of the actual fee. If benefits, employers or insurers change during the orthodontic treatment, your out of pocket cost may as well.
Example: A $4800 orthodontic fee with a $1500 insurance benefit results in an out of pocket expense of $3300. Benefits are paid out at whatever percentage your group has set over the course of the treatment until the maximum benefit is reached.
Which insurance plans do you provide for?
Below is a partial listing of the plans for which we participate. There are others not listed for which we may be able to provide services as well. Please call and check with us as circumstances often change rapidly in this area. Referrals from your dentist may be required for some networks and benefits levels for some plans vary if you select an in-network versus out-of-network provider.
Aetna (PPO), American Medical Security, Blue Cross Blue Sheild of MN, Broker's National, CIGNA (PPO), Connecticut General, Delta Dental/Delta USA, Fortis Benefits, Premier Dental/HealthPartners, Medica Dental Choice, MetLife (Non-PPO), Prudential, Mutual of Omaha (Mutually Preferred Plan)
What do braces cost?
Arriving at a treatment fee involves a number of variables. We must first see the patient at a complimentary initial exam, after which Dr. Ziman will review treatment options and fees. Many cases have multiple treatment options with correspondingly different duration and results. Average treatment fees for typical (not necessarily yours!) two-year therapy can range from $4400 - $5600. Fees are generally all-inclusive (diagnostic records, all retainers, all appointments and doctor's consultation) except for procedures completed outside our office including cleanings and oral surgery.
How are payment plans arranged? Is a down payment required?
We offer several interest-free payment plan options without a down payment requirement. Most plans can be extended over the course of the orthodontic treatment and we never charge a set-up fee.
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