General Practice FAQs

What makes Gettysburg Dental Associates different from other dental offices?

As a family-run business, we take a family approach to dentistry. From children to adults to older patients, we have the expertise, facilities, and equipment to address the dental needs of your entire family. ‍‍‍

‍We do every procedure in-house, including braces and crowns, stream lining our processes, and making treatment more comfortable, efficient, and easier for patients. We also use state-of-the-art technology and offer the newest treatments available.

How do I become a patient?

Call our office and follow the prompts for new patients to schedule your first appointment. Or, on our website, you can fill out a form to request an appointment, and a staff member will follow up with you to schedule your appointment.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your ID and insurance card to your first appointment. After you schedule an appointment, you'll receive an email to complete any required paper work before your appointment. ‍

‍If you prefer to fill out the required forms in person, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

First appointments will differ depending on what brings you into Gettysburg Dental Associates.

General – During your first appointment, we will complete a comprehensive evaluation, including checking for periodontal disease and oral cancer. We will also conduct a dental health scan and update x-rays if needed. New patients should plan for a 1-2 hour initial appointment.

‍Pediatrics – Our pediatric dentistry appointments are for children between the ages of one and 12. The first visit is typically 40-50 minutes long. Your child will have a comprehensive exam for the first appointment, including bitewing (if age-appropriate), cleaning, and fluoride treatment. We start x-rays for pediatric patients between ages two to three, depending on the size of their mouth and the history of decay. Patients typically get their first panoramic x-ray around ages six and seven, when they begin to get their "adult teeth," so we can ensure everything is growing appropriately.

‍Cosmetics – If you are a new patient interested in a cosmetic procedure, your first visit will include a general comprehensive exam. During this visit, we will create a personalized plan for your cosmetic dentistry procedure, whether teeth whitening, Invisalign, or full-mouth reconstruction.

Orthodontics – For patients interested in braces or Invisalign, the first visit will include a complete exam, photos, and x-rays — all free of charge. From there, we will review pricing and develop a treatment plan; this entails a same-day start for many of our patients, allowing them to get a head start on their braces treatment plan.

‍Problem Focused Visit – Whether you are an existing patient or new to the practice, we offer same-day "problem-focused visits" for patients experiencing a dental emergency. During this visit, we'll examine the issue and take an X-ray of the affected area. We also treat pediatric dental trauma—a service many practices do not offer.

How far ahead do I need to book appointments?

Generally, patients can secure an appointment two to four weeks in advance, apart from a problem-focused visit. You can schedule appointments at our front desk, call the office, request an appointment online, or email us. Visit our contact page for this information.

We offer same-day appointments if you require an emergency visit (due to dental trauma, extreme tooth/mouth pain, etc.).

Do you offer emergency appointments?

Yes. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergency. Please call the office any time at 717-334-8193 to speak to a Gettysburg Dental Associates team member. You do not need to be an existing patient for this service.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept all insurance. However, we only participate with a few plans. We participate with:
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• Sun Life Financial for any age
• Blue Cross Dental until age 14.
• All PPO insurance plans

For out-of-network benefits, we accept all insurance. We will submit all claims for patients.

Do you offer financing options? Can I pay in cash?

We offer 0% in-house financing for 24 months (about 2 years) and work with Care Credit. If you pay in full (with cash, credit, debit), we take off 5%. If you're 65 or older and paying in full, we take off 10%.

What is your policy for cancellations or missed appointments?

We have a 48-business-hour cancellation policy. Please call the office any time at 717-334-8193 to speak to a Gettysburg Dental Associates team member or leave a message with our 24 hours service.

Where are you located? Do you have parking?

We are located at 353 York St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Yes, we have a parking lot at the back of the office for patients!

Gettysburg Orthodontics FAQs

What happens during the first visit?

You'll come in for a free exam, photos, and x-rays. From there, we will develop a treatment plan—most of the time, we offer a same-day start. If you're ready for braces, we'll review the treatment plan and costs and get started on the same day.

What is the cost of braces?

All treatment plans are different, but comprehensive treatment for braces or Invisalign start as low as $4,499.

Do you offer financing? Payment plans? Can people pay in cash?

We offer 0% in-house financing for up to 24 months, and work with CareCredit.

Do you offer multi-family member discounts?

Yes. A courtesy discount is available for siblings.

How long do most people have braces?

Most treatment plans for Invisalign patients finish in under a year. While patients with traditional brackets typically have braces for 18-24 months (about two years).

How often do orthodontics patients visit?

Typically, every 6-8 weeks.