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 options

Talk with us about full orthodontics

Start with a conversation. Our team will contact you to confirm a time.

Request a consultation
Orthodontic consultation for braces treatment in Huntington Beach

Braces + Aligners

Treatment options for all ages

Orthodontic Care

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.

Why Choose Full Orthodontics?

Braces aren't just cosmetic — they create a healthier bite that protects your teeth and jaw for life.

Teen patient smiling with braces at Peninsula Dentistry Huntington Beach

Corrects Complex Bite Issues

Full braces handle overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites that aligners alone cannot fix reliably.

All Ages Welcome

From early intervention for children to comprehensive treatment for adults, treatment planning should match the patient's stage of life.

Coordinated Dental Care

Dr. Tran helps coordinate orthodontic planning with your general dental health, including cavities, gums, crowns, implants, and retainers.

Insurance & Financing

We accept most PPO plans with orthodontic coverage and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing for affordable monthly payments.

Metal or Ceramic Options

Choose traditional metal brackets for maximum durability or tooth-colored ceramic brackets for a more discreet look.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce jaw strain, and lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and abnormal wear.

Your Orthodontic Journey

From your first consultation to your final retainer, here is what to expect.

Talk to our team
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Treatment Eligibility

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.

Orthodontic tools and braces equipment at Peninsula Dentistry

Ideal Candidates

1

Severe Crowding or Spacing

Teeth that significantly overlap or have large gaps respond best to the precise control that brackets and wires provide.

2

Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite

Bite misalignment causes uneven wear, jaw pain, and TMJ issues. Braces correct the relationship between your upper and lower jaws.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

Mild Crowding Only

Minor alignment issues may be better served by clear aligners, which are faster and more discreet for simple cases.

4

Extensive Restorative Needs First

If you need multiple implants or crowns, Dr. Tran will help coordinate the ideal sequence of treatment.

5

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.

Compare Your Options

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.

Most Popular
Best Value

Metal Braces

Durable stainless steel brackets — the most reliable option for complex cases.

AppearanceSilver metallic
DurabilityMost durable
Treatment Time12–30 months
Cost$4,500–$7,500
Best ForComplex cases
Staining RiskNone
Discreet Option

Ceramic Braces

Tooth-colored brackets that blend in for a more subtle look.

AppearanceTooth-colored
DurabilityGood (less than metal)
Treatment Time12–30 months
Cost$4,500–$7,500
Best ForAesthetics-conscious
Staining RiskPossible (ligatures)

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.

Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your specific case. Minor corrections like mild crowding or spacing may take 12 to 18 months, while comprehensive cases involving significant bite correction, crossbites, or skeletal discrepancies can take 24 to 30 months. Every patient receives a treatment plan that maps out expected tooth movement phase by phase. Dr. Jeremy Chau, DDS, monitors orthodontic progress, while Dr. Kenneth Tran coordinates any general dental care needed during treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and Peninsula Dentistry offers consultations for children at that stage. Early intervention between ages 7 and 11 can guide jaw growth, create space for erupting permanent teeth, and address developing problems like crossbites before they become more complex and expensive to treat later. That said, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. We treat teens and adults right here in Huntington Beach and coordinate alignment goals with your overall dental health.

You will feel some pressure and mild soreness for a few days after each adjustment visit, and that is actually a good sign because it means the braces are actively moving your teeth. Most patients manage this comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen and sticking to softer foods for a day or two after each appointment. Modern low-friction brackets and heat-activated nickel-titanium wires apply gentler, more consistent forces than older bracket systems, which means less overall discomfort compared to what braces felt like even ten years ago. Wax is provided to cover any brackets that irritate your cheeks during the first couple of weeks.

Full orthodontic treatment typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,500 depending on case complexity and the type of braces. Metal braces tend to be on the lower end, while ceramic braces can cost more. Orthodontic benefits vary by PPO plan, so our team verifies your coverage and provides a written estimate before treatment. CareCredit and Cherry financing may be available to qualified applicants.

Yes, in many cases. Orthodontic treatment can often be planned around crowns, bridges, and missing teeth. Brackets can be bonded to porcelain crowns using specialized adhesives, and treatment can close a gap or create space for a future implant or bridge. Dr. Chau and Dr. Tran coordinate the orthodontic and restorative sequence before treatment begins.

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most durable and cost-effective orthodontic option available. They are an excellent choice for complex cases and younger patients who may be less careful with their appliances. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your natural teeth for a more discreet appearance, making them popular with adult patients and image-conscious teens here in Huntington Beach. Ceramic brackets cost slightly more than metal, but both systems can deliver excellent results. The choice comes down to aesthetics, budget, and the needs of your case.

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 & payment

Most major PPO plans accepted

Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, and Humana.

Call to check your plan

No 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 options
Our Huntington Beach dental office

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.

Request an appointment (714) 374-8800

Our team will contact you within one business day.

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