I don't normally review, but I really want to help customers make sure they are educated and shopping around before deciding here (I do not discourage working with this office after educating yourself). A free consultation has a goal of selling a contract as the business undertakes a sunk cost for the scans and everything done but will not charge you if you do not sign a contract.
Note that management has changed from Dr Nam. The doctor's name is Thian Srisurapol and the salesperson/businessperson name is Kam (same last name). Kam will sit in on your consultation with the doctor and handles contracting. Adult vs child treatment options are different, so read relevant reviews.
This review is a warning: while the treatment provided might be adequate (I received no orthodontic treatment from this doctor as I opted out), this practice focuses more on making the sale than addressing patient primary concerns. I went in for a free consultation due to a loose, painful tooth and was curious if orthodontics were the solution.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING during the free consultation. The salesperson will give you an iPad to show you a website on payment plans without contacting insurance. Insurance will NOT be contacted for an estimate until after braces are put on. If you are told differently, not that this is not official policy and for me it was not honored. Do not sign until this call takes place. This was important to me as I had a choice to opt into different insurance. Proactively ask for the contract to be sent to you for your own review. Even when I said I felt pressured, had a hectic day, and had been in the office for over 75 minutes, this option was STILL not presented to me, so you must explicitly ask.
You will be shown a website (look into OrthoFi), not the actual contract, except at the last minutes for signing. Your free consultation can last over an hour (plan accordingly) and consists of a tour of the office, a 3D intraoral scan (nonnegotiable if you want to speak to the doctor; despite immense jaw pain from recent wisdom tooth surgery, I could not opt-out), X-rays (they will not contact your primary care provider for this info, so if you have X-rays, push back and ask them to wait), a conversation with the doctor, and then pricing. Insurance may be contacted, but mine was not. I was told insurance would be contacted after I signed, but this is not their policy. ANYTHING that happens here must be in writing--do NOT take anyone's word as it will not be honored.
Pricing discussions consist of a payment plan (note that you are charged a surplus for taking it; it's worded as a "discount" for paying upfront, and interest is charged after your treatment finishes), sales of retainers upfront (don't take this, pay as needed as this only lasts 5 years and will expire), and a sales pitch for an electronic numbing pen for dental cleanings (you may need to say no multiple times--I had to say no five times).
When arriving at the orthodontist for a consultation, shop around and fully understand the treatment you need to make an educated decision. Do not leave it up to a doctor. After getting a second opinion, I was told that braces would not solve my specific issue. Remember that braces are rarely urgent, even if you are told drastic things and hasty decisions (I was told my tooth might fall out and speed was important for my case). Go in with the perspective that you are listening to a sales pitch with a medical professional to help with decision-making and to protect yourself appropriately.
When asking about a bill to understand the charges I faced for receiving no orthodontic treatment, I was told that itemized bills do not make sense for an orthodontics office. Adults are offered "clear brackets" which actually refers to LightForce custom 3D printed brackets, which has an undisclosed $3k upfront cost. This and Invisalign are your only options as an adult (the website is out of date and has been confirmed in phone calls and emails).
If you do not go through the treatment, you will be charged the upfront cost (I was itemization is not possible for an orthodontic business, just like "buying a car"). This is my way to add transparency to this business and help future patients.
Protect yourself at this doctor's office--while the treatment might be great, YOU should protect yourself like you would at a car dealership, as it's your responsibility. Shop around for treatment options, don't sign anything at the office, and remember this is a business. Be vigilant and educate yourself before choosing this practice. read more