Straight teeth for as low as $123/mo. $123 down.

Every case is different, so the total cost depends on your orthodontic needs and treatment plan. We use digital X-rays and 3D imaging to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Financing may be available as low as $123 per month with $123 down, subject to credit approval. Your actual monthly payment may vary based on your credit profile, treatment plan, lender terms, and insurance benefits. We will review the exact numbers with you before treatment begins.

Although some patients qualify for shorter treatment, braces take about 18 months on average. Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on factors such as an overbite or underbite, spacing, crowding, and the complexity of tooth movement.

Because OC Dental Center is a full-service office, related dental treatment can often be completed in the same location before you continue with orthodontic care.

The timing between adjustment visits can change throughout treatment. Your orthodontic team will tell you when to return and explain each step, so you always know what comes next.

Please bring any questions to your visits. We are happy to explain your progress and care instructions.

Avoid:

• Nuts and popcorn
• Gummy, chewy, or hard candy
• Caramel and caramel-filled chocolate bars
• Thick, chunky peanut butter

Eat carefully:

• Eat chips one at a time
• Cut corn off the cob before eating it
• Limit sugary drinks such as soda, because they increase the risk of tooth decay during orthodontic treatment

We generally advise patients to wear their retainers full time for the first year and then at night for at least 2 to 5 years.

If wisdom teeth are still present and have not been extracted, your orthodontic team may recommend a different retention schedule based on your individual case.

Patients treated with ClearCorrect commonly receive an Essix clear plastic retainer. Patients treated with traditional braces may receive a removable Hawley retainer.

In selected cases, we may recommend a permanent retainer behind the lower front teeth. It is not visible from the front and may remain in place for several years. Your orthodontic team will recommend the retainer that best protects your result.

We take a conservative approach and rarely recommend extracting healthy teeth solely to create space for orthodontic treatment. When appropriate, we use functional appliances and other treatment methods to address bite and alignment concerns.

Every case is different. Any recommendation for extraction will be explained after a complete examination and review of your imaging.

No. OC Dental Center does not use orthodontic headgear as part of its treatment approach. We will review other available options based on your bite, jaw relationship, age, and orthodontic needs.

ClearCorrect is a clear-aligner system that works similarly to Invisalign®. It uses removable transparent trays to gradually move the teeth.

One advantage is that trays can be ordered in smaller phases rather than all at once. If your teeth respond differently than originally planned, the next set can be adjusted without replacing an entire series. We will determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case.

Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth. We do not currently offer them because we have not found them to provide a meaningful advantage over traditional braces or clear aligners for our patients.

We generally do not recommend comprehensive braces for children under age 13 because the mouth and jaws may still be developing. Starting too early can sometimes lengthen treatment or increase the chance that teeth shift again.

The right timing depends on dental development, bite concerns, and the individual child. During the consultation, our orthodontic team will explain whether observation, early intervention, or comprehensive treatment is most appropriate.