Braces and orthodontic care
Discuss your bite, your goals, and the treatment options with an orthodontist before choosing a plan.
Or Call: (510) 495-1075
Know the plan before treatment begins
Dr. Darryl Caesar evaluates your teeth and bite and discusses suitable options. Your consultation is a chance to compare braces with aligners, review the estimated timeline and cost, and understand adjustment visits and retainers.
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.
Costs, Insurance & Financing Options for Braces
The cost of traditional braces for teeth varies based on treatment complexity, treatment length, location, and the provider’s fees. Factors affecting price include treatment complexity and duration, geographic location, the orthodontist's experience, and additional procedures, such as extractions.
Some dental insurance plans provide partial orthodontic coverage, but benefits and lifetime maximums vary widely, so verify your specific benefits before beginning treatment.
Flexible financing options make braces more accessible. Most orthodontic practices offer low- or no-interest payment plans, allowing you to spread costs over the treatment period. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can pay for orthodontic treatment with pre-tax dollars, reducing your effective cost. Some practices also provide in-house membership programs or work with third-party financing companies.
Why Choose Total Health Dental Care
Our experienced orthodontists in Berkeley and Oakland provide personalized care using proven techniques and modern technology. We develop customized treatment plans addressing each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring optimal results. Our team stays current with the latest orthodontic advances while maintaining expertise in time-tested traditional braces methods.
Choosing an experienced dentist for braces in Berkeley & Oakland is easier than ever before. Our convenient locations serve patients throughout the East Bay with flexible scheduling, comprehensive treatment options, and compassionate care. We partner with patients throughout their orthodontic journey, from initial consultation through final results and retention.
Orthodontist Near Me: Book Your Consultation Today!
Ready for a straight, healthy smile? Our experienced orthodontic team in Berkeley and Oakland provides expert orthodontic braces treatment with personalized care and flexible financing.
We accept most insurance plans and offer payment options to make treatment affordable. Explore our complete orthodontic services and meet our skilled orthodontists who are ready to help you transform your smile. We have orthodontic offices in:
Book a no-cost consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Caesar, and take the first step towards a healthy, beautiful smile.
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.