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Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision and you might have questions about our services, processes, and more. Below you’ll find answers to our frequently asked questions. If you have a question that’s not included below, let us know and we’d be happy to help!

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FAQs About Braces

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about our Financing & Insurance policies on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.

Will I need to have teeth extract for braces?
It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?
Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Do braces hurt?
Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
It’s essential to continue visiting the dentist during treatment, as failing to do so can lengthen treatment time.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Once you get your braces, we will review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
You should brush your teeth after each meal, in tandem with your regular morning and night time routine. We’ll show you the best ways to care for your teeth while wearing your appliances.
Do you recycle braces?
Absolutely not! Each patient requires personalized treatment to achieve the best results possible.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!
Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.

FAQs About Invisalign and Clear Aligners

How long do I have to wear the aligners?
Because each patient is different, treatment time with Invisalign varies. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 24 months – it all depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are wearing your aligners and keeping your scheduled appointments.
Do I have to wear the aligners even at night?
Yes. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can remove them when eating and when brushing & flossing. You can also take them out temporarily for those special occasions such as interviews or school photos as long as you put them right back in afterward.
Do aligners hurt?
Aligners, such as Invisalign, don’t “hurt” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Are there certain foods I must avoid eating that might break my aligners?

Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when eating. One of the greatest benefits associated with Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods including hard-crusted breads, corn-on-the-cob, etc. as long as you take your aligners out before eating, but be sure to at least rinse, if not brush and rinse, before replacing your Invisalign trays.

 

Any foods with color or food coloring (coffee, tea, red sauce, curry, sodas) can be on your teeth and slowly stain your attachments and/or trays.

Will my speech be affected?
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
Can I chew gum?
No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.
Is it okay to smoke with my aligners in?
Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
It is very easy to clean your aligners. Just brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them off to keep them fresh & clean. To keep them extra fresh, we offer Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to freshen up the trays 1-2 times per week!
How often do I need to visit your office during treatment?
At the beginning of treatment, we may see you every 3-4 weeks. As treatment progresses, we can usually monitor your progress every 8-12 weeks. Each tray could be worn from 18 days in the beginning to 7 days towards the end of treatment, depending on cooperation and progress. Every patient’s needs are different, so that can vary from smile to smile.
Will I have to wear a retainer once I'm done wearing my aligners?
Yes. The day you are finished wearing your aligners is when you begin the retention phase of your treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer as directed by us so your teeth do not shift back into their original positions.

FAQs About Orthodontics for Kids

Will my child's teeth straighten as they grow?
Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.

 

Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other.  By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development.  Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.

Can I schedule all of my child's appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment.  We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.

What is Phase One (Early) Treatment?

Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.

Will my child need an expander?
You’ll find out if your child will need an expander after your initial consultation.
Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

FAQs About Orthodontics for Teens

Can I still play sports
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
Will my teeth straighten as they grow?
Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment.  We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.

FAQs About Orthodontics for Adults

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!
Can I still play sports?
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?
Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

FAQs About Orthodontics

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
It’s not required, but often times our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends, and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Orthodontic specialists have the education, training and experience to effectively alter teeth, jaw, and facial structures to help patients achieve optimal oral health. It’s critical that treatment is personalized to each individual and properly completed, and choosing a specialist, like Dr. Garcia, ensures that everything is done correctly.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (951) 525-1176 to schedule an appointment at any of our three convenience locations. One of our staff members will take down some of your basic information, and let you know what you need to bring to our office for your appointment.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
The team at Braces By Garcia will thoroughly explain your options to you after completing your initial exam, and will recommend the best course of treatment. You’ll learn the answers to five important questions during your consultation appointment, including:
  1. Is there an orthodontic issue, and if so, what is it?
  2. What treatment is needed to correct the problem? Can braces and/or Invisalign correct the problem?
  3. Will any teeth need to be removed?
  4. How long will treatment take?
  5. How much will treatment cost?
Do you give shots?
No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Reviews

Yuliana Vasquez
Staff is friendly, very clean facility and great service my son is happy with his new braces done by the best thank you
Kennedy Shelton
This place is awesome I got my braces here and they are fantastic I would recommend coming here for any treatment with teeth
Gabriel Hernández
I loved this place super good very kind people up front and very gentle with my teeth and no wait time definitely 5 stars ⭐️
Joanna Herrera
My brothers went here for braces and loved them! I definitely recommend for other people to come! Plus the costumer service is amazing, the wait isn't long and the ambient is always so welcoming!
Liliana Ortega
I really recommend this place since you go in you really feel comfortable and you can see how nice the lady’s in front are really understanding my daughter enjoys going to her appointments since the first time she went she was amazed of how the doctors and nurses helped her understand everything in her pressure and they are really helpful, supportive and reaching out for there patients and that’s a good thing you know that place is the correct one😉 (when they care for you) I give this a place 10/10
Sarah Banks
Staff is very helpful and kind, my son was so comfortable they answered all our questions and concerns in a very informative manner.
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How it Works

1. Getting to Know You

No two patients are the same. Your first visit to our office is aimed at getting an understanding of your oral health and teeth positioning. We will review your medical history and conduct a thorough exam, with X-Rays, to get a comprehensive look at your mouth. 

2. Custom Treatment Plan

We create completely customized treatment for each patient to ensure you reach your full smile potential! If you are a good candidate for braces, our team can help you get started with our Same-Day braces program! Not only do we save our patients money, we save you time!

3. Your New Smile

The people who come to us for treatment are more than just names on a chart – they are family. We love creating trusting and lasting relationships with our patients and their families while creating the smile of their dreams.

Learn About Your First Visit

What are you waiting for?

Feel Confident in Your New Smile!

Whether you want to straighten your smile to help your oral hygiene or to boost your self-esteem, Dr. Garcia can help!

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