Your First Meeting with Dr. Pinamonti Time is a valuable commodity—most families are very busy transporting children to and from activities, and keeping the household and their careers running smoothly. Prior to your first appointment, we ask that you come to our website and fill out information covering heath history, parent information, insurance and any issues that are bringing you to our office for an evaluation with Dr. Gina.  You can go directly to our online form by clicking here or go back to our home page and click on Patient Form in the banner at the top.  After filling out the requested informaion make sure to click on the submit button.  Our initial visit can be as simple as an exam and discussing the patient's treatment needs with Dr. Gina.  A current panoramic radiograph from your general dentist would be helpful for us to have during your first appointment. Your general dentist can email your radiographs to us at info@smileoutloud.com  If you desire to start treatment, all diagnostic records can be taken at this appointment. Diagnostic Records The diagnostic records provide Dr. Gina with information that is not available from the initial clinical exam. She will be able to study the case in more detail. Records include study models or impressions, radiographs of the side of the head and a panoramic view of the jaws and teeth, and digital photos of the face and teeth. Proper diagnosis is critical to the success of the case and will also be helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. Consultation/Treatment Planning Session After Dr. Gina has evaluated the clinical and diagnostic records, she will discuss in detail her findings and the treatment options available. It is important that the child, as well as one or both parents, attend this appointment. Spouses or other family members are encouraged at adult treatment planning sessions. If there are different options in a particular case, the pros and cons of each will be discussed.  Financial options will also be given at this first appointment.                           Nancy and Debbie wil greet you at the Front Desk Office Policies Financial Information 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. 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. Besides the office payment plan, we offer the Care Credit In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER or DEBIT. Family Discounts are applied for multiple family members in treatment. Insurance Your dental plan may offer orthodontic coverage, but have eligibility requirements. Some plans have age limits or there may be a waiting period for orthodontic coverage. Eligibility may change during the course of treatment. If the insured changes employers or if the employer changes the coverage, benefit payments may change or be discontinued. Orthodontic benefits are not the same as your general dental benefits. There is usually a lifetime maximum benefit, however some benefits renew yearly. Orthodontic benefits are rarely paid in one payment. Usually partial payments are issued throughout the length of treatment. As a courtesy, we complete and file insurance forms relative to our treatment. However, our professional services are rendered to you, not the insurance company. Therefore, you are directly responsible to us for the obligation of payment for treatment.  Only in this manner can we achieve the best interpersonal relationship and optimum treatment demanded. Scheduling Appointments During orthodontic treatment, the patient is generally seen every 4 to 8 weeks and some of the appointments will conflict with school hours. We have put a great deal of effort into designing our schedule to make sure we have allowed ample time to accomplish all necessary treatment at each visit. We will work with you around school or work hours as much as possible. Longer appointments are scheduled during 9:00am-2:30pm with early and late appointments reserved for shorter appointments. This allows us to accommodate as many families as possible. If you prefer to come at a quieter time, please schedule during school hours. Patients are seen by appointment only. We reserve this time especially for you and make every effort to be on time. We ask that you extend us the same courtesy. Please call immediately if a bracket or appliance is loose or a bracket is off. We will schedule an appointment as soon as the schedule will allow. Loose or broken bracket and appliance appointments need to be scheduled during school hours. If you are in pain, we will make every effort to see you immediately. Rescheduling Appointments With our carefully crafted schedule, your late arrival or missed visit can pose a problem. In fairness to our other patients, we will probably not be able to "squeeze you in," but will reschedule your appointment. It is important that you do not delay in rescheduling as this could affect your treatment progress. Most likely, appointments missed or rescheduled will not have the availability of early or late times. We request that appointment cancellations be made at least 24 hours in advance.   Why choose Pinamonti Orthodontics? When you  join our "SmileOutLoud" family you can be assured you will receive all the benefits of Dr. Pinamonti's education which began in the USD 250 District at Lakeside, Pittsburg Middle School and Pittsburg High School.  She graduated from Pittsburg State University and was accepted into the dental program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.   Dr. Pinamonti graduated as the top member of the Doctorate of Dental Surgery Class of 1996 from UMKC.  She was one of 4 students accepted into the 2 year residency program, graduating with an Orthodontics & Dental Orthopedics Specialist certification in 1998.  She and her "SmileOutLoud" team continue to attend educational meetings to assure you that the treatment you receive is top notch.   "See More than a Smile, See an Orthodontist".®  Back to Top