What Happens When You Decide to Get Braces in Long Beach

So, you have decided to get braces for you or your child and are wondering what comes next. We get a lot of questions about the orthodontic treatment process here at Orthodontics of Long Beach, and hopefully this article will help answer several of the most common questions. Please call our office if you have any questions that are not answered below.

What Is the First Step I Need to Take To Get Braces for Myself or My Child?

Before you or your child can get braces, you will need to have a new patient consultation with one of the providers here at our Long Beach office. This appointment will help determine the right kind of orthodontic treatment for you and answer your questions. During this visit, we will create a custom treatment plan for you and set up your second appointment for the actual placement of the braces.

Meet the Staff and Provider

The first thing that will happen when you arrive at Orthodontics of Long Beach is that you will meet our friendly staff and your orthodontist. Our staff will do everything they can to make you happy and comfortable in our office.

Physical Exam

Next, we will conduct a complete dental examination to determine the type and extent of the orthodontic issues that are present. X-rays and digital images will also be taken to enable our staff to get a full picture of the jaw and teeth structure.

Treatment Recommendations

After the exam, our provider will make a treatment recommendation tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the type and severity of the orthodontic issues to be treated, you might be able to choose between several types of braces or might need to use a specific kind.

Question and Answer Period

You will have a chance to ask any questions you might have about the treatment recommendation and the process. Our staff will be happy to answer all of your questions and help make you comfortable with the process.

Financial Breakdown

As a part of the consultation process, our staff will contact your insurance plan and verify your benefits and coverage. They will then draft a detailed financial breakdown of the treatment plan, showing the full cost, what you will pay, and what your insurance will cover. We will also go over all your payment and outside financing options.

Full Treatment Plan

All of this information will be combined into a treatment plan that tells you the type of treatment that is recommended, the process for getting it, how long it will take, and how much you will have to pay at each step of the process.

Do I Get My Braces Immediately After the Consultation Appointment?

If you choose Invisalign® clear aligners, digital impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent off to create the trays that will be used. Otherwise, we will make your first follow-up appointment to get your braces placed.

What Happens During the Braces Placement Appointment in Long Beach?

This depends on whether you are choosing Invisalign® or a more traditional form of braces.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

In this case, you will come to the office to get your first set of trays and instructions on how to wear them. You will wear them for a few weeks and return for a follow-up visit and the next set of trays. This process will continue until your treatment is completed.

Traditional Metal or Porcelain Ceramic Braces

Placement appointments for these braces are more complicated. First, your teeth will be cleaned and dried. Next, the brackets will be placed onto each individual tooth with a specialized glue or cement. Third, the bands and wires will be added. Fourth, your orthodontist will attach a rubber band to each bracket. Finally, some adjustments will be made to be sure everything fits well.

After placement, you will need to return for periodic follow-up appointments for your provider to make adjustments and check on your progress.

Why Do I Need to Return for So Many Follow-Up Visits During Orthodontic Treatment?

Your follow-up appointments are an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Your provider checks your progress at each visit and determines if the treatment is working and if any adjustments need to be made. Not coming to these appointments could lead to treatment failure or make it take longer to achieve the desired results.

How Long Will My Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Each patient is unique. and the length of treatment varies accordingly. Most treatment plans extend from one to three years.

What Happens When My Orthodontic Treatment Is Completed?

If you have Invisalign®, you will simply complete the series. If you have more traditional braces, you will need to come into the Long Beach office to have your braces removed. In either case, you will need to wear a retainer for some time after treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old positions.

Your orthodontist will discuss the need for a retainer and the best type for you during your consultation appointment and again during the treatment process.

How Much Do Braces Cost in Long Beach?

The cost for orthodontic treatment depends on the type of treatment necessary, the length of treatment, and other factors. Traditional metal braces are generally the least expensive option, porcelain ceramic braces cost more, and Invisalign® clear aligners are usually the most expensive.

Insurance may or may not cover a portion of the cost of your orthodontic treatment. If not, Orthodontics of Long Beach offers several payment arrangements and financing options to help you get the care you need.

Are You Ready To Start Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics of Long Beach treats all ages in our modern, innovative office right here in Long Beach. We offer many different types of treatment, from traditional metal braces to the new Invisalign® clear aligners. We accept many dental insurance plans and offer flexible appointment times.

Call (562) 667-2973 and make your new patient consultation appointment with Orthodontics of Long Beach today!