• 16168 Beach Blvd. Suite 90, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 |
  • Text Us

Orthodontics FAQ

  • 1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

    No, it is not. Many of our patients are refered to us by their family dentist but many patients take the initiative and schedule an examination on their own.

  • 2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

    The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted allowing Dr. Dean to effectively evaluate treatment.

  • 3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

    No, they will not.

  • 4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

    If you or your child can benefit from an orthodontic exam simply call our office at 714.544.0200 and we will gladly schedule an appointment for you. Our front office will require some basic information from you when you call in.

  • 5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

    Upon arriving, we will ask for insurance card and patient forms if they were not filled out online. Dr. Dean will conduct a thorough examination. X-rays and photographs may be taken for a proper diagnosis.

  • 6. What will I learn from the initial examination?

    After your inital examination, you will essentially learn 5 things:
    . If there is an orthodontic problem, what is it?
    . What will be done to fix the problem?
    . Will any teeth be removed?
    . How long will treatment take to complete?
    . How much will it cost?



  • 8. How long will it take to complete treatment?

    Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.



  • 10. How often will I have appointments?

    Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.


    Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.



  • 13. Do braces hurt?



    Yes. There is no reason you cannot return to school the same day.

  • 15. Do you give shots?

    No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

  • 16. Do you use recycled braces?


  • 17. Can I still play sports?

    Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.











  • 23. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

    Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.



  • 25. Will my child need an expander?






  • 28. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
