Orthodontic dental insurance 101 with Dr. Cram

At Red Deer Orthodontics in Red Deer, AB, we’re always receiving questions about dental insurance, so we wanted to share a few points about how insurance works in our office. Many dentists in Canada accept assignment of benefits from dental insurance companies, however there are many dentists that do not accept these third party benefits.

Over 95% of Canada do NOT accept assignment of benefits from any 3rd party, including government agencies, such as Cleft Palate Clinic and Native Affairs. Rather, the CAO Standard Information Form is provided to patients to predetermine their benefits prior to undertaking orthodontics. This insurance form has been designed through the joint efforts of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, or CAO and the Canadian Health and Life Insurance Association of Canada, or CHLIA as a means of simplifying and streamlining the process of receiving orthodontic insurance and treatment.

No other form needs to be generated by the orthodontist’s office throughout the remainder of treatment. The CAO Standard Information Form entitles the patient to be reimbursed by their insurance carrier, after each payment is made by the orthodontic patient. All insurance companies in Canada accept this one particular form.

Our team believes that you should have the freedom to choose which orthodontist you wish to work with. At Red Deer Orthodontics, we strive for excellence in all treatment results of patients. Please contact us if you have any specific questions about orthodontic coverage, we are always happy to help!

Happy traveling, from Dr. Cram and team

For many of us, summer is the perfect time to vacation with friends and family. Although many of us do compile a list of items to pack, it is more common than not to forget to bring a few items when hitting the open road or catching a flight. Recently, our team at Red Deer Orthodontics came across an interesting article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible!

Be sure to share your summer photos on our Facebook page! Our team at Red Deer Orthodontics loves connecting with our patients in between office visits.

Happy traveling!

- Dr. Cram and team

Celebrities with braces on the silver screen

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? He was 40 years old at time when he filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Cram.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Red Deer Orthodontics a call in Red Deer, AB. We look forward to hearing from you!