FAQ’sSan Leandro, CA

Do I need braces?

This is a very broad question and will depend on how strongly your belief is in the return of investment in your smile. Since no one is born with perfect dentition functionally and esthetically, there is always room to enhance your smile.

What is the best time to see an orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to any specific time frame when the decision to enhance your smile is made. However, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends an early evaluation around the age of seven when the very first sets of Permanent teeth are erupting. Individuals with growth pattern issues (mainly jaw size discrepancies) should be seen no later than the age of 11 to 12 before the bone growth in the child has ceased.

We do not expect you to be an orthodontist to diagnose orthodontic needs however the following hints may be helpful

• Spacing between teeth or overlapping and crowded teeth due to lack of enough space

• Small or big jaws that do not allow teeth coming together normally

• Bad habits like Finger sucking, nail biting, bruxism, clenching, and mouth breathing

• Missing teeth, extra teeth, abnormally erupting or misplaced teeth

• TM joint problems

How long does my orthodontic treatment take?

The length of your orthodontic treatment depends mainly on the complexity of your case as well as your level of cooperation on maintaining a good oral hygiene and following the instructions given by your orthodontist. Treatment lengths can vary from half a year for simple cases and up to 3 years for severe cases. You may have an estimate of your treatment length upon your initial orthodontic exam.

How much does my orthodontic treatment cost?

At San Leandro Braces, we believe Orthodontic treatment should be affordable for everyone! We are happy to offer a variety of INTEREST FREE payment options to make a beautiful smile possible.

Payment in full discount
Pay in advance to come up with down payment)
Third party Financing with interest free promotions (Care Credit, Lending Club),
All major credit cards accepted
Most insurances accepted

Our Treatment Coordinator is available to assist you in the process of utilizing any orthodontic benefits provided through your insurance as well as customizing a budget to fit your treatment needs.

Do I get a retainer after my orthodontic treatment? How long should I wear that?

Retainers are provided at the end of orthodontic treatment to maintain the end result and keep your smile looking beautiful. Retainers will be delivered upon removal of all your appliances. Teeth are prone to get back to their original positions if the retainers are not worn regularly. However as the time goes by the surrounding gum and bone are more established around the new positions of your teeth. This allows you to wear your retainers less frequent and still keep your teeth in their new and correct positions. We always recommend a 24/7 wear discipline of the retainers during first year. Second year can be easier and you can wear your retainers only at night. From the third year on you can reduce the frequency of wearing your retainers every other night or every other two nights.

Retainers discipline is life-long commitment.

Types of Retainers: There are three types of custom-made retainers

Fixed retainer: This retainer is a braided piece of wire that is bonded behind the front teeth and is not removable.

Traditional removable retainer: These retainers typically include a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and is attached to an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the front teeth as needed.

Invisible or Essix retainer: This retainer snaps over teeth similar to clear aligners / invisalign trays