
Huntington Beach Orthodontist for Braces & Retainers
With an in-house orthodontist and a dental team led by Dr. Kenneth Tran, we coordinate braces, retainers, and your broader dental care in one Huntington Beach office.
Full Orthodontics at a glance
Comprehensive braces treatment for teens and adults
Full Orthodontics cost & coverage
$4,500–$7,500 for braces, depending on the type and treatment plan.
Prices are typical ranges at Peninsula Dentistry & Orthodontics as of September 2026, before insurance. Your exact fee depends on the exam and is quoted in writing before treatment starts.
Insurance & payment optionsTalk with us about full orthodontics
Start with a conversation. Our team will contact you to confirm a time.
Request a consultation
Braces + Aligners
Treatment options for all ages
What Is Full Orthodontics Treatment?
At Peninsula Dentistry, our in-house orthodontist and dental team work together to plan metal or ceramic braces around your bite, smile goals, and existing dental care. Dr. Kenneth Tran, an NYU College of Dentistry graduate (DDS, Class of 2001), helps coordinate your overall oral health before, during, and after treatment.
Full orthodontics goes beyond straightening teeth — it corrects how your upper and lower jaws fit together. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and spacing all fall under the orthodontic umbrella. Done right, treatment improves your bite function, protects your long-term dental health, and transforms your smile.
Your consultation starts with a clear look at your bite, your goals, and any existing dental work that needs to be considered. If orthodontic treatment is right for you, we explain the options, timing, expected cost, and how it fits with your long-term oral health.
Our goal is the best possible result with the most comfortable experience. If braces aren't the right option, we'll tell you that upfront.
Your Orthodontic Journey
From your first consultation to your final retainer, here is what to expect.
- 01
Consultation & Records
We evaluate your bite, take digital X-rays and 3D scans when needed, and discuss your goals. You will leave with a clear understanding of what treatment involves, how long it will take, and what it will cost.
- 02
Custom Treatment Plan
Using your diagnostic records, we map each stage of tooth movement. You will choose between metal and ceramic brackets based on your preferences and budget.
- 03
Braces Placement
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire. The appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. You will receive care instructions, wax for comfort, and know exactly what to expect in the first week.
- 04
Regular Adjustments
Every 4 to 6 weeks, you will visit for wire adjustments that keep your teeth moving on schedule. These appointments are quick — usually 15 to 20 minutes — and are a chance to track your progress.
- 05
Braces Removal & Retainer
Once your teeth are in their ideal positions, we remove the braces and fit you with a custom retainer. We will recommend a fixed or removable retainer to protect your results long-term.
Who Needs
Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics isn't one-size-fits-all. Each patient needs an individual evaluation to determine the best timing and approach for lasting results.

Ideal Candidates
Severe Crowding or Spacing
Teeth that significantly overlap or have large gaps respond best to the precise control that brackets and wires provide.
Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite
Bite misalignment causes uneven wear, jaw pain, and TMJ issues. Braces correct the relationship between your upper and lower jaws.
Teens with All Permanent Teeth
Ages 11 to 14 is the most common time to start comprehensive braces, when jaw growth can be leveraged for faster, more effective treatment.
Adults at Any Age
There's no age limit for orthodontics. More adults are getting braces than ever, and modern options make treatment more comfortable and discreet.
Children Needing Early Intervention
Phase 1 treatment between ages 7 and 11 can guide jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and reduce the need for extraction later.
May Need a Different Approach
Severe Skeletal Discrepancies
When the jaw itself needs repositioning beyond what braces can achieve, orthognathic (jaw) surgery combined with orthodontics may be the best path.
Active Gum Disease
Periodontal issues need to be stabilized before moving teeth. Dr. Tran can treat gum disease first so braces can proceed more safely.
Mild Crowding Only
Minor alignment issues may be better served by clear aligners, which are faster and more discreet for simple cases.
Very Young Children (Under 7)
Most children under 7 aren't ready for orthodontic treatment, but an early evaluation helps us monitor development and plan ahead.
Not sure if braces are right for you?
Book a free consultation for an honest, personalized assessment.
How Do Metal Braces
Compare to Ceramic Braces?
Both can deliver excellent results. The choice comes down to aesthetics, budget, and the needs of your case.
Metal Braces
Durable stainless steel brackets — the most reliable option for complex cases.
Ceramic Braces
Tooth-colored brackets that blend in for a more subtle look.
Prices are typical ranges at Peninsula Dentistry & Orthodontics as of September 2026, before insurance. Your exact fee depends on the exam and is quoted in writing before treatment starts.
Want help deciding? to discuss which option is best for your smile.
A little clarity.
A lot of reassurance.
Everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment at Peninsula Dentistry. Have more questions? Give us a call.
Related Services
Complete your orthodontic journey with these complementary treatments.
Care that makes sense.
Costs that are clear.
Our team checks your benefits, explains your out-of-pocket estimate, and handles the paperwork. You can ask questions before deciding on treatment.
Explore insurance & paymentMost major PPO plans accepted
Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, and Humana.
Call to check your planNo insurance? Let’s talk.
Self-pay options and CareCredit or Cherry financing are available. Our team can walk you through the details.
Ask about your optionsOrthodontics for Patients Across North OC

Your next chapter
starts with a smile.
Come see us at Peninsula Marketplace, next to Ralph’s. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel at home.


