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Orthodontics
Braces, clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners for teens and adults, planned by a board certified orthodontist.
Is It Right for You
Orthodontics and Invisalign for Teens and Adults
Orthodontics straightens teeth and corrects the way your upper and lower jaws meet. It isn’t only for teenagers. Many adults straighten their teeth too, often with Invisalign clear aligners.
Straighter teeth look better, and they’re easier to clean, which can lower your risk of decay and gum disease. Correcting your bite can also make chewing more comfortable.
You may benefit from orthodontics if you have
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between your teeth
- An overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Teeth that overlap and are hard to clean
Step by Step
Your Orthodontic Treatment, Step by Step
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Consultation and Records
Dr. Haghi examines your teeth, bite and jaws, and takes records to plan how your teeth need to move. These may include 3D imaging and a digital scan of your teeth with our iTero scanner.
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Your Treatment Plan
You’ll see what needs to change and choose between traditional braces, clear braces and Invisalign. Dr. Haghi explains what each involves and gives you an estimated timeline.
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Fitting Braces or Your First Aligners
Braces are bonded to the front of your teeth and joined with a wire. With Invisalign, you receive your first aligners and learn how to wear them. There’s no drilling or numbing, though your teeth may feel sore for a short time afterward.
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Regular Check-Ins
At regular visits, Dr. Haghi checks your progress and adjusts your braces, or moves you on to your next aligners, as your teeth shift.
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Retainers
When your teeth reach their new positions, the braces come off or the aligners finish. A retainer then holds your teeth where they belong.
Who Treats You
Dr. Arshan Haghi
DMD CAGS, Board Certified Orthodontist
Your orthodontic care is led by Dr. Arshan Haghi, a board certified orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists who complete additional specialty training in straightening teeth and correcting bites.
Dr. Haghi practices in the same Long Beach office as Dr. Camille Adli, so your orthodontic visits, check-ups and cleanings happen in one place. If you’re also thinking about cosmetic work, your dentists can plan it together.
Cost and Insurance
Paying for Orthodontics
Orthodontic coverage varies a lot between plans. Some PPO plans include it, often with a separate limit, and some don’t cover it at all. We’ll check your benefits before you start and explain what you can expect to pay.
- Insurance
- Most PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, Operating Engineers and ILWU
- Financing
- Monthly payments through CareCredit or Sunbit
Questions
Orthodontics and Invisalign Questions
No. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, and many adults choose Invisalign. We’ll check your gums before treatment starts.
Getting braces or aligners doesn’t involve drilling or needles. Your teeth will likely feel sore for a short time after braces go on, after an adjustment, or when you start a new set of aligners. The soreness is usually short-lived.
It depends on how far your teeth need to move and on your bite. Dr. Haghi will give you an estimated timeline at your consultation and keep you updated at each check-in.
Invisalign treats many of the same problems as braces. For some bite problems, braces give more control. Dr. Haghi will recommend the option that suits your teeth and explain why.
It depends on your plan. Some PPO plans include orthodontic benefits and some don’t. We’ll check your coverage, and CareCredit or Sunbit can spread the rest into monthly payments.
Yes. Braces and aligners make it easier for plaque to build up, so keep up your regular check-ups and cleanings. They’re in the same office as your orthodontic visits.