Patient Info
Your First Visit
We want your first visit to be a great experience. Here’s what to expect.
3D X-ray (CBCT)
We take a 3D X-ray (CBCT) as part of your initial evaluation. This allows Dr. Peikar to see the full picture, including roots of the teeth, impacted teeth, jaw structure/bite, and airway evaluation, which helps us plan treatment more precisely and safely.
Intraoral Scan
We take a digital scan of your teeth using a handheld scanner. This creates a 3D model of your smile that we use for planning your treatment.
Photos
We take a series of intra-oral and extra-oral photos of your teeth and smile. These help us track your progress and design the best possible outcome.
Personalized Treatment Options
We will walk you through the treatment options that fit your needs and lifestyle. This may include Celebrace, clear aligners, MARPE/TADS, or Phase 1 treatment for younger patients. The ideal age for initial orthodontic evaluation is 7 years of age.
One-on-One with Dr. Peikar
You will meet with Dr. Peikar to review your records, discuss your goals, and receive his professional recommendation. He will explain what each option looks like, how long it may take, and what to expect. This is your time to ask questions and feel confident moving forward.
Contract & Design your own payment plan
Before you leave, we will go over your treatment cost, insurance benefits if applicable, and payment options. This includes designing your own payment plan from the downpayment to the monthly installments with zero interest. HSA/FSA are accepted.
Checklist for Your First Visit
Our goal is to get you started with braces the same day if possible!
- Completed Medical History Form
- Any Referral Forms From Your Dentist or Referred Specialist
- Recent X-rays, Scans, Intraoral Photos (if available)
- Parent or Guardian (if patient is under 18)
Fill Out Medical/Dental History Form in advance to save time
Questions to Expect During Your Visit
We will address the following questions during your initial consultation for orthodontic braces treatment. Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have:
- Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
- Is treatment needed now, or should we wait until appropriate growth or tooth eruption occurs?
- What treatment procedures will correct the problem?
- Will any permanent teeth need to be removed?
- How long will treatment take?
- What are my payment options?
We’re here to make your first visit smooth and informative. Feel free to reach out to our office with any questions before your appointment.
Financials & Insurance
We want getting started to feel simple. We will walk you through everything and help you find a payment option that works for you.
Build Your Own Payment Plan
We offer flexible, interest free payment plans.
You can choose:
- Your down payment
- Your monthly payment
- How long you want to spread payments out
We will adjust everything with you so it feels comfortable.
What to Expect
After your consultation, we will go over:
- Your treatment options
- Total cost of treatment
- Your insurance benefit if you have one
- Your exact monthly payment
You will know everything before you decide to move forward.
Insurance
We are in network with most insurance plans and we will help you use your benefits. Some of the plans we work with include:
Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Cigna, Humana, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, Principal, United Healthcare.
If you do not see your insurance listed here, that does not necessarily mean we are out of network or unable to work with your plan. Please give us a call and we will be happy to check your benefits for you.
Not sure what your insurance covers? We can verify your orthodontic benefits before your appointment and help you understand your coverage and estimated out of pocket costs.
We Handle the Insurance
We will:
- Verify your benefits
- File your claims
- Track your payments
You do not have to deal with any of that.
No Insurance
That is completely fine. Many of our patients do not have orthodontic coverage.
We will still set up a payment plan that works for you.
Getting Started is Easy
You can:
- Fill out forms online
- Review and sign your contract digitally
- Take care of your down payment in office or over the phone
If you are ready to get started, just let us know and we will take care of it.
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment, especially when wearing braces. Braces create extra spaces where food particles and plaque can get trapped, making it important to be diligent about cleaning your teeth and gums.
Brushing with Braces
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, ensuring you clean around the brackets and wires.
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, to remove any trapped food particles
Flossing with Braces
- Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
- Gently work the floss between your teeth, being careful not to damage the wires or brackets.
- Floss at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup.
Interdental Brushes
These small brushes can reach areas around brackets and between teeth more easily than regular brushes.
Mouthwash
Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
Water Flossers
These can be a helpful alternative to traditional floss, using a stream of water to clean around brackets and between teeth.
Retainers
Retainers are a clear, removable custom made appliance that are imperative to maintaining your results after orthodontic treatment. They help your roots stay stable in the bone and also prevent damage from clenching and grinding.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are easy to clean, allow for normal flossing and brushing, and make it easier to maintain healthy gums and bone long term. They also allow both the patient and doctor to easily monitor fit and tooth movement over time.
Another major benefit is protection from teeth grinding and clenching. Many patients grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which can wear down enamel, cause sensitivity, and lead to chipping over time. A removable retainer acts as a protective barrier to help reduce wear on the teeth while you sleep.
If a removable retainer starts to feel tight, it can also alert you early that teeth may be trying to shift, allowing you to address the issue before significant movement occurs.
When worn as instructed, removable retainers are often the healthiest long term option for maintaining your smile. They provide excellent retention while also allowing you to properly care for your teeth and gums.
Fixed Retainers
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your teeth to help maintain alignment without needing to remember to wear it. Many patients like the convenience of not having to take it in and out.
However, fixed retainers do require extra attention when it comes to oral hygiene. Flossing around the wire can be more difficult, and if plaque builds up over time, it may contribute to gum inflammation, gum recession, and even bone loss. Fixed retainers can also loosen or partially detach without you noticing, which may allow teeth to shift.
Our Recommendation
At Peikar Orthodontics, we typically recommend removable retainers for long term retention because they are easier to keep clean, healthier for the gums and bone, and allow for better long term maintenance of your smile.
They also help protect the teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching, which can reduce enamel wear and help keep your teeth healthier over time.
Why Retainers Are Important
Teeth naturally shift over time.
Wearing your retainer helps prevent this movement and keeps your smile straight.
Retainers can also help protect your teeth from grinding at night, which can cause wear, damage, and headaches.
How Often to Wear Your Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will wear your retainers full time for the first few months (22 hours per day)
After that, you will switch to nighttime wear only.
Wearing your retainers as instructed is essential to maintaining your results long term.
When You Will Receive Your Retainers
Your retainers will be ready within 24 to 48 hours after your braces or aligners are removed, so you can begin wearing them right away.
Eating and Drinking
Remove your retainers when eating or drinking anything other than water.
Avoid:
- Eating with retainers in.
- Drinking coffee, tea, soda, or anything that can stain or damage them.
Always brush your teeth and/or rinse before putting your retainers back in.
How to Clean Your Retainers
Keeping your retainers clean is important to prevent buildup and odor.
We recommend:
- Rinsing them with lukewarm water
- Gently brushing them with a toothbrush and dawn dish soap.
- Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material
You can also use retainer cleaning tablets if needed.
Taking Care of Your Retainers
To help your retainers last:
- Always store them in their case when not in use. Keep out of reach from pets, the dog will likely eat your retainer just like it ate your homework.
- Keep them away from heat – Texas summers are HOT, avoid leaving them in your car.
- Do not wrap them in napkins, as they are easily thrown away
Retainer Plan
Accidents happen; we understand. We offer a retainer plan to help make replacements more affordable over time.
Please contact our office for more information about our retainer plan and how it works.
Common Questions About Retainers
What if I forget to wear my retainer?
If you miss a night, wear it again as soon as possible. If it feels tight, that means your teeth have started to shift.
What if my retainer feels tight?
This usually means your teeth have moved slightly. Wear your retainer consistently. If it does not fit properly, contact our office.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact our office as soon as possible so we can replace it. Waiting too long can allow teeth to shift.
How long will I need to wear retainers?
Retainers are a long term commitment. Nighttime wear is recommended to maintain your results.
FAQs
At Peikar Orthodontics, we understand that you may have many questions about orthodontic care. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from our patients:
Treatment time varies depending on your needs, but most patients can expect anywhere from several months to around two years. Dr. Peikar will give you a more specific timeline at your consultation.
The cost of treatment depends on your individual needs and the type of treatment recommended. We will go over all costs, insurance benefits, and payment options during your consultation.
We recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 6. This allows us to monitor growth and address any concerns early if needed.
Early treatment can help guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, and prevent more complex issues later on.
Orthodontic treatment can improve both the appearance and function of your smile. Straight teeth are easier to clean and can help support long term dental health.
Yes. It is important to continue regular dental cleanings and checkups with your general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment.
No referral is needed. You can schedule a consultation with our office directly.
Most patients are seen every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their treatment plan.
You may feel some soreness or pressure after starting treatment or after adjustments. This is normal and usually lasts a few days.
Yes. We recommend wearing a mouthguard for sports. It may take a few days to adjust when playing instruments.
After treatment, you will wear retainers to maintain your results. Wearing your retainers as instructed is essential to keeping your teeth in their new position.
Comprehensive Evaluation
During your initial visit, Dr. Peikar will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw, joints, and facial symmetry. We will take photographs and a CT scan to provide a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal smile. At this time, our treatment coordinator will discuss:
- Treatment fees
- Monthly payment plans
- Insurance benefits