What to Expect

Welcome to Schulz Orthodontics!

We want to make your first visit fun and informative. When you arrive to our office you will be greeted by our friendly scheduling coordinator who will assist you in checking in and notify the orthodontic team members that you have arrived. You will be given a tour of the office, including the sterilization area, the treatment bay, the records room, and the private consultation room. The privacy of this room will facilitate open discussion of your treatment goals with your treatment coordinator and Dr. Schulz. Following a panoramic X-ray, a thorough orthodontic examination will be completed, and a diagnosis will be given. We will discuss recommendations for treatment. Factors such as treatment duration and treatment timing will be reviewed. Dr. Schulz believes in starting treatment only at the "right time," according to each patient's individual needs. All of your questions will be answered with knowledge and expertise. In most cases, computer simulations of treatment options will be shown and discussed.

While some patients are ready for braces right away, others are not, and may be placed on a recall monitoring schedule so that they may be monitored until it is the perfect time to start. For those patients who are ready and eager to start treatment, we can proceed immediately following the consultation.

OUR OFFICE

Our Traverse City office, at 4952 Skyview Court, was custom-designed by Dr. Schulz specifically for orthodontics with efficiency and patient convenience in mind. The treatment area provides a pleasant and relaxing environment with large windows to view the beautiful red pines of Northern Michigan. Our Charlevoix office was recently renovated and allows for digital charting and images and spacious private treatment rooms. All of the orthodontic equipment is state-of-the-art, with technology assisting every step of treatment. Initial records are computerized, X-rays are digital, and we utilize virtual imagery to demonstrate proposed treatment. All patient information is entered and stored on a computer, and a flat-screen monitor is attached to each chair, allowing access to all patient information with the press of a button. Photographs, X-rays, appointment information, financial forms, etc., may all be sent electronically to patients, parents, and other doctors upon request. Of course, we still are equipped to send things through the regular mail, too!

The office is committed to continually evolving, in order to serve our patients better. We invite you to let us know if there is any way we can make your experience with us even more rewarding.

HOURS

We know your time is valuable, and want to make sure that your experience with us is positive and fun. Our wonderful team is trained to make sure that your appointments are efficient.

FINANCIAL

Orthodontic treatment is a very worthwhile investment for the overall dental, medical, and psychological well-being of children and adults. Simply put, braces are one of the best investments you can make in your appearance and health! Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining this valuable and long-lasting service. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different financial needs which must be taken into account when arranging payment schedules.

Orthodontic fees vary depending on the severity of the problem and length of treatment. Prior to beginning any treatment, we will discuss financial and insurance options in detail. Most insurance plans partially cover orthodontics, and we will gladly help complete the paperwork to get the full financial benefit from your insurance provider. If you prefer to pay for treatment over time, flexible payment plans, without interest, can be arranged.

We also provide a convenient option that requires no initial down payment and offers lower monthly payments. Third-party financing is available with payment plans customized for orthodontics. To learn more please go to, www.lendingclub.com. Please ask us about the variety of financial options available in our office.

PATIENT SAFETY

Our patients' health and peace of mind are paramount. We make your safety and protection our highest priority. We do everything possible to ensure safe and sterile techniques are used routinely.

We take pride in the preventive measures we have incorporated into our practice. We utilize the latest sterilization procedures for our instruments. We ultrasonically clean and sterilize non-disposable instruments with procedures that are identical to those used in major hospitals. We ensure the quality of our sterilization equipment by having them monitored regularly. We will be happy to give you a tour of our sterilization area.

Before and after each patient appointment, the entire treatment area is thoroughly disinfected with the most effective and safest products available. In addition, all team members are trained in proper infection control and have been vaccinated against the Hepatitis-B virus.

Your privacy is also very important to us. We strictly adhere to the privacy practices outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). At your first visit, we will give you our notice about our privacy practices, our legal duties, and your rights concerning your health information. You may request an additional copy of our notice at any time. Please feel free to ask us for more information on the measures we take to ensure the health and safety of you and your children.