Starting something new is often exciting, but the unknowns can also make you feel a little anxious or nervous. This is completely normal, and beginning orthodontic treatment is no exception! Working towards improved oral health and a straighter smile is definitely something to celebrate, but braces and aligners are a big commitment, too. Here at Bluebird Orthodontics, we want you to feel confident in trusting us with your smile. That starts with making sure you’re fully informed about every part of the process. Knowledge really is power, and knowing what to expect from your orthodontic treatment will allow you to partner with us to deliver nothing but the best results!

The first step in any orthodontic journey is scheduling an initial consultation with us at our Commack office. This is one of the most important appointments you’ll have with us, so we do our best to make it as positive, rewarding, and stress-free as possible. Part of that is helping you know exactly what to expect from this first visit, so keep reading below to find out more!

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Dr. Dorie Frank with a patient

The first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted

Your experience as our new patient will begin with a friendly welcome from our patient concierge, Lisa. While you relax in our consultation room, our team will collect a bit of information from you, including your medical and dental history. We’ll then take a few photos and x-rays of your face and teeth, which will allow us to evaluate the bone health, structure, and position of your teeth. At this point, Dr. Frank will perform a thorough oral examination to evaluate your need for orthodontic care. This collection of information is referred to as your diagnostic records, and Dr. Frank will use them to form a proper diagnosis and offer you the most appropriate treatment type.

Orthodontic treatment is a substantial investment of your time and finances, and we never want you to feel rushed or like you have unanswered questions. It’s important to us that you understand each step of the process as it’s happening. Once your exam is complete, our team will discuss with you:

  • any orthodontic issues we find
  • what treatment options we have available to correct the problem
  • an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
  • the total expected cost of treatment
  • any payment or financing options we have available to you

At Bluebird Orthodontics, we focus on the specific needs of each and every patient. A customized treatment plan will be designed for your smile using the information we gather at your first appointment. We’ll also use these records to track the progress of your teeth as they move under our care. Using this approach, we’re able to consistently produce superior results that our patients are proud to show off every time they smile!

Investing in a healthier, straighter smile

After you and Dr. Frank have decided on a treatment plan, we’ll walk you through the investment needed for your new smile. Because every patient has their own specific needs and will respond to treatment in their own way, the total costs for treatment will vary from case to case. Don’t worry, though – we’ll always make sure you understand all the associated costs before we proceed with the next step!

We believe everyone should be able to access the orthodontic care they need, and that’s why we’re committed to providing high-quality care that’s affordable for every budget. We offer a variety of payment options, including interest-free and low-down payment financing. We also participate with most PPO insurances, and Medicaid for children as well as local unions. We work with you to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs!

We’re in-network with the following PPO companies:

  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • Metlife
  • Delta Dental
  • Emblem Health
  • Healthplex
  • Guardian
  • Renaissance
  • Ameritas
  • Iron Workers Health Fund
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield/Horizon
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield/ NY
  • PBA
  • 1199 SEIU Benefits Funds
  • J.J. Stanis and Company
  • Sele-dent
  • ASO
  • Lincoln Financial
  • GEHA
  • Newman Company

We accept Medicaid for Children:

  • Dentaquest
  • Affinity
  • Healthfirst
  • Fidelis
  • Emblem
  • United Healthcare Community Plan

We’re also happy to support employees of Northwell Health, Local Teachers, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYU Langone, and Good Samaritan Hospital.

patient with team member

The next steps in your orthodontic journey

At the end of your first visit with us, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your new orthodontic appliance. Depending on your treatment plan and the type of appliance you’ll be using, you can expect follow-up appointments in our Commack office every 6-12 weeks or so. During these appointments, Dr. Frank will make any adjustments necessary and check that your treatment is on track.

These visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so it’s important that you don’t miss them! We’re human too, though, and we totally understand that life gets in the way sometimes. While we do our best to make sure appointments are scheduled for a day and time that’s convenient for you, we know things may come up where you’re running late or can’t make your appointment. If this happens, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment plan progressing as it should.

Get the smile you deserve at Bluebird Orthodontics

Numerous studies have shown that your smile is not only the first thing people notice about you, but the feature they’re most likely to remember, too! That’s why it’s so important to trust your smile to an orthodontic expert like Dr. Frank. Our talented team of technicians, coordinators, and assistants are dedicated to providing you with a rewarding experience from your first visit to your last – and beyond! We believe that every orthodontic patient deserves:

Personalized Attention

That’s why you can count on being seen and treated by Dr. Frank at every single viit.

A Friendly Environment

Whether we’re communicating by phone, email, or in person, you’ll always feel welcomed, valued, and respected by our friendly team.

High Quality Technique and Materials

Every item we use during the treatment process is highly researched and carefully selected. Our office has digital x-ray equipment, utilizes high quality brackets and laboratories, and keeps up on the latest techniques and technology to guarantee your comfort.

An Amazing Smile

As an orthodontist, Dr. Frank is a specialized dentist with three years of additional training in straightening teeth. She continuously studies new techniques to bring the very best care to our Bluebird family, and to bring out the best possible smile in each patient we treat!

If you’re in Commack or the surrounding communities, we’d love to work with you towards a beautiful smile that stands out from the crowd. Give us a call today to schedule your first visit with us, and let’s get started!