See an orthodontist. No referral needed.
Braces for teens and adults with Dr. Darryl Caesar at the Rotunda in downtown Oakland.
$89 exam, including 3D imaging and an orthodontist consultation. If you’re a candidate: $500 down + $200/month. Treatment usually totals $5,000–$7,000 before insurance. Get your exact price in writing before starting.
Know your orthodontist. Know your plan.
Dr. Darryl Caesar completed his dental training at the University of Maryland and his orthodontic residency at Howard University. He evaluates your teeth and bite, explains whether braces or aligners fit your goals, and puts your treatment plan and exact price in writing before you decide.
Your $89 exam includes 3D imaging and a consultation with Dr. Caesar at the Rotunda Specialty Center, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 100, Oakland. No referral is needed. Choose an available consultation online.
For candidates, treatment starts at $500 down + $200/month. Total treatment usually costs $5,000–$7,000 before insurance; the number of payments depends on your written plan. PPO orthodontic benefits vary by plan, age and lifetime maximum. We’ll review your coverage with you.
Dental Braces Treatment Process and Timeline
The dental braces treatment journey follows a predictable path. After your initial consultation and treatment planning, the placement appointment typically takes 1-2 hours. Your orthodontist bonds brackets to teeth, places the archwire, and may add elastic bands. Regular adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks are necessary to tighten wires and replace elastic bands as teeth gradually shift.
Treatment with braces often lasts about 18-24 months, though timelines vary based on case complexity, age, and treatment response. Some simpler cases may be completed sooner, while more complex corrections can take longer.
Maintaining braces requires diligent oral hygiene, including brushing after every meal, daily flossing with special threaders, and regular dental cleanings.
Managing discomfort during adjustments is normal. Teeth may feel sore for a short time after adjustments. Contact your orthodontist if you experience broken brackets, protruding wires, or unusual pain.
Benefits of Braces
Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieve a beautiful, straight smile that boosts confidence.
Corrected Bite: Proper alignment improves bite function and reduces the risk of jaw pain.
If you’re Interested in Invisalign, click here.
Braces at the Rotunda, serving the East Bay
Meet Dr. Darryl Caesar at 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 100, Oakland. Patients from Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Albany, Piedmont and the wider East Bay can book directly with the orthodontist. No referral is needed.
Your first step is a $89 exam including 3D imaging and a consultation. For candidates, $500 down + $200/month is available. Total treatment usually costs $5,000–$7,000 before insurance. Your exact price and payment schedule are provided in writing before treatment.
Meet Dr. Caesar. See your options. Know your price.
Book your $89 exam, including 3D imaging, at the Rotunda. If you’re a candidate: $500 down + $200/month, with your full price in writing before treatment.
FAQs
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Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and bite problems. Orthodontic treatments, like braces, help improve the function and appearance of your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are the highest quality clear aligner therapy used to straighten smiles in orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are a series of clear aligners that fit your teeth very tightly, with each Invisalign aligner designed by your Total Health dentist to be slightly straighter than the last. Slowly and safely, Invisalign will move your teeth into proper alignment without any need for braces.
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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early assessment allows orthodontists to identify potential issues and determine optimal treatment timing, though most children don't need braces until ages 11-15, when permanent teeth have emerged.
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Most patients wear braces for 18-24 months. Your specific timeline depends on case complexity, age, and how well you follow care instructions. Some minor corrections can be completed in 12 months, while complex cases may require up to 36 months.
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Braces are not usually painful, but some discomfort is common for a short time after placement and adjustments. This soreness is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods.
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Sports and musical instruments can be played with braces, though athletes should wear orthodontic mouthguards during contact sports for protection. Musicians may need a brief adjustment period, but can successfully play instruments with braces.
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Hard foods, like nuts, ice, and hard candy; sticky foods like caramel, gum, and taffy; and crunchy foods like popcorn and hard chips, should be avoided with braces. These can damage brackets and wires, extending treatment time.
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Yes, retainers are essential after braces to help maintain your results. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how often to wear them over time.
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The cost of braces varies depending on treatment complexity, treatment length, location, and insurance coverage.
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Some dental insurance plans provide partial orthodontic coverage, but benefits, age limits, and lifetime maximums vary by policy. Check your specific plan details or contact us today for verification.
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Total Health Dental Care accepts all major private dental insurance (PPO) plans, including:
Premera
UMR
Guardian
Beam
Cigna
Delta Dental
MetLife
Aetna
Principal
Anthem Blue Cross
SHIP
Before any treatment begins, we verify your benefits and clearly present all costs upfront. For additional questions about insurance coverage at Total Health Dental Care, please call (510) 495-1075 or submit a question through our “Email us” contact form below.
Transparent Billing
We're upfront with pricing and billing, so you’ll always know costs before treatment—no surprises, just clear communication.
Full-Service Dentistry
We offer a full range of dental services, from periodontics and orthodontics to dental implants and veneers—all in one location.
No Judgment Ever
Everyone's mouth is unique. We ensure a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, so you feel at ease during every visit.
Comprehensive Care
All dental specialists under one roof for seamless, expert care—from orthodontics to crowns and root canals, all in one place.