Los Angeles Orthodontist Blog

16
May
2013
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Cost of Braces

Orthodontic TreatmentThis is one of the most common questions. Everyone who has received a free orthodontic consultation at any of our offices always has been able to afford to have Los Angeles, Beverly Hills & Las Vegas orthodontist Dr. Alpan treat them without exception. We make it our mission to offer high quality affordable low cost orthodontic treatment. There are many ways to achieve our goal with low cost braces or with the most cutting edge technology. Cost for braces can vary widely depending on the material used. Metal braces are usually our lowest cost treatment option and lingual or hidden incognito braces are the most expensive. There are treatment options that are best for everyone, we just need to figure out which one is best for you or your child.

The total cost of braces depends upon the complexity of the orthodontic problem, so it varies from person to person. Usually longer treatment costs more and shorter treatment costs less. Since, the material used to make orthodontic appliances varies from plastic to gold, so does the price. With the advent of technology and digital 3D imaging the cost to make custom braces incognito firmhandshakeor Invisalign aligners has increased dramatically in comparison to the traditional metal braces. The choices our patients are dealing with are cost of treatment, the time of treatment and the way it looks along the way. When making the decision about the best treatment option considering those three issues can change the price of treatment. Typically the treatment option which is the least noticeable is usually higher cost. The treatment options which are more visible, like metal braces, are the lowest cost option. Please schedule a free initial consultation to discuss all these options.   

Because our modern materials and techniques often require fewer visits, you might be surprised how affordable your orthodontic treatment can be. A healthy, beautiful smile is one of the best investments you can make in your future or in that of your child’s. We offer a variety of payment methods in our effort to help you fit this worthy investment into your budget:

  • In-house, interest-free financing, an appropriate down payment and the remaining balance paid over the period of treatment.
  • In-house, interest free financing with no down payment, but higher monthly payments, paid over the period of treatment.
  • Outside financing that offers a low down payment or even no down payment, with low monthly fees paid throughout the course of treatment.
  • Discounts for paying for treatment in full.
  • We accept all major credit cards for automatic credit card payments.
  • Most major insurance plans. We will complete the necessary paperwork for you.
  • Medi-Cal patients are examined. Medi-Cal decides for whom they will pay.
  • Lay away plans for people who are not ready currently, but would be in 6 months or a year

During your initial free orthodontic consultation, 63-Free-Retro-Clipart-Illustration-Of-Man-Carrying-Big-Bag-Of-Money-With-Dollar-Signour treatment coordinator will go over all of the financial options available to you. She also will help you customize a payment plan that fits your specific needs. We pride ourselves in catering to all people’s budget. AO offers low cost braces and low cost Invisalign, please complete an appointment request, call and schedule your free consultation.

 
13
May
2013
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Why you should get orthodontic treatment

The goal of orthodontic treatment is a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well together says Los Angeles Orthodontist Dr. David Alpan. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. This can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may improve self-esteem.

Orthodontic treatment is often part of a comprehensive dental health care plan. With good care, including orthodontic treatment when necessary, teeth can last a lifetime.

Treatment in children or teenagers who are still growing may yield results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have completed their growth.

A healthy bite is as important at age 60 as it is at age 16. Even though adults are no longer growing, they can also enjoy improvements that come from orthodontic treatment. Your age is not a consideration for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.

Orthodontic treatment is a smart investment in your dental, physical and emotional health

 
20
Mar
2013
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Incognito and Incognito Light (Center of Excellence Provider )

imagesDr. Alpan has been awarded The Center of Excellence Provider for Incognito and Incognito Light in his Los Angeles, Beverly Hills & Las Vegas Office. Congratulations Dr. Alpan for all your hard work with the Incognito System.

Dont forget to visit our website to find out more information about Incognito and Incognito Light by clicking on the Center of Excellence Logo.

 

 

 

 
21
Feb
2013
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Dr. David Alpan Introduces New Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment

propel-Logo

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles, CA – 02/20/2013 – Dr. David Alpan of Los Angeles, CA, is excited to announce that he is now offering patients an accelerated orthodontic treatment option using The Propel® System, an innovative technique that reduces orthodontic treatment by up to 60%.

The Propel System is a simple 3 step in-office treatment that is performed in minutes and is done during regularly scheduled appointments. PROPEL uses a patented process called Alveocentesis™ which is a scientifically proven method of stimulating bone to remodel faster, in turn allowing teeth to move faster.  When used in conjunction with any orthodontic treatment modality such as Invisalign®, braces, etc. patients benefit from more predictable results and a significant reduction in the time spent undergoing orthodontics.

Whether a patient is looking to get ready for their big wedding day, an upcoming graduation, a special occasion, or to just receive faster and more predictable results, PROPEL will help give them a beautiful smile in half the time.

Patients seeking additional information on PROPEL accelerated orthodontic treatment are encouraged to call our office at 213-382-8228 or 310-888-0066.

 
17
Dec
2012
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Thinking About Using A Groupon Offer For Braces?

braces-orthodontistLAS VEGAS, NEVADA—Occasionally, we run across something online that we feel like we have to pass on like this topic about using Groupon discount offers to get Las Vegas pediatric orthodontic treatment.

“My short answer for people asking about whether or not they should use a Groupon deal for braces is no,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Las Vegas incognito braces provider. “The deals can be tempting because they offer steep discounts, but there is good reason to reconsider before buying.”

Groupon is a Chicago-based company launched in 2008 that offers coupons to its subscribers, often giving deep discounts—50 percent or more—on everything from restaurant meals to vacation spots to spa visits. Companies use Groupon and other similar sites in hope of bringing in new customers and converting them into repeat business.

Some dental offices and orthodontic practices are getting involved in the discounts too and offering a deal through Groupon on their services.

“At first glance, it looks like you’re getting Invisalign treatment or whatever the offer is at a great price that is significantly less than regular,” says Dr. Alpan, who is also a TMD dentist. “But we’re not talking about markdowns at a department store on last season’s merchandise. Orthodontic treatment is a service not a product, and the doctor you choose will have a big impact on your final results.”

If you read through the offer completely and carefully to review the limitations and qualifications, you may find that the offer only covers up to so long in treatment or a certain number of trays. It may not include retainers or check-up appointments during the retention phase of treatment.

“A good orthodontist works until the malocclusion is corrected, the bite is aligned and the patient has a smile to be proud of,” says Dr. Alpan. “ Aesthetic Orthodontics is really an investment in your oral health and self-confidence, so it’s not a good idea to take your business to the lowest bidder.”

These discount medical services offers also come with possible state and federal legal issues as well as ethical ones. The American Dental Association legal division said in a press release about Groupon incentives that offering such discounts may violate certain ADA ethical rules, including the one prohibiting dentists from giving rebates and splitting fees.

“In some states, boards have begun banning the use of Groupons to discount professional services because of concerns about rebates, kickbacks and fee-splitting,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers orthodontics for children and adults.

Any medical provider should be researched, but it is very important to find out how much experience a doctor has using the type of orthodontic treatment and what their finished product looks like. Dr. Alpan is an Elite Preferred provider of Invisalign, among the top providers in North America, and has been certified to use Invisalign in Las Vegas since 1999. At Aesthetic Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations, so you can find out if you are a good candidate for braces, what treatment methods are recommended and examples of previous patients. You can also talk with our treatment coordinator to find out what financial options are available to make braces fit into your budget.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

 
14
Dec
2012
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Congratulations Dr. Alpan

Congratulations to Dr. Alpan for being a semi-finalist in the 2012 Invisalign Case Gallery this year at the Invisalign Summit. We would like to take this time to recognize your accomplishments with Invisalign and the Invisalign Teen system. We are all proud of you!
The Team!
Los-Angeles-Orthodontist-Invisalign
 
11
Dec
2012
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Dr. Alpan Attends Local Invisalign Conference

braces orthodontistLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Our goal is to provide patients with the latest in orthodontic techniques and the highest quality care, which means we have to stay up to date with skills and knowledge about the market.

Dr. David Alpan recently attended the 2012 Invisalign Ortho Summit conference in Las Vegas to learn about what Align Technology, the makers of the Invisalign system, has developed. He attended sessions and workshops Nov. 16-17 led by leaders in the Las Vegas orthodontics industry that focused on the latest in Invisalign news and technology.

This year, the summit featured topics like effectively treating open bites, deep bites and crossbites with Invisalign and using Vivera retainers for the retention phase of orthodontics to prevent relapse.

“Toward the end of the day on Saturday, there was a session done about the next generation of Invisalign teen that gave us an update about the latest in research and design,” says Dr. Alpan, who holds the highest designation Invisalign uses for its certified providers: Elite Preferred. “It’s exciting to hear how many new things technology is allowing us to do with Invisalign.”

The braces orthodontist in Las Vegas has been certified to use the system since 1999 and treated more than 1,000 patients with Invisalign.  Align Technology recruited him in 2001 to train other orthodontists and general dentists to use the system. During his time as a trainer, he taught more than 10,000 dentists and more than 1,000 orthodontists how to use Invisalign. Align Technology also asked him to lead study clubs for dentists and orthodontists who wanted more experience using the Invisalign system after their initial training. Dr. Alpan ended up being a consultant and an integral part of the clinical education department for Align Technology for more than six years before deciding to focus exclusively on his Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Las Vegas braces practice.

“The conference is also a great time to catch up with colleagues and discuss how we’re incorporating the latest improvements and techniques associated with Invisalign into our practices,” says Dr. Alpan, who is a TMD dentist and pediatric orthodontic provider. “I had a great time and learned a lot about what is coming soon with Invisalign.”

© 2012 Dr. David Alpan and Sinai Marketing. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

 

 
19
Nov
2012
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Confused About What Dental Care Products Are Right For You?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—The dental care routine for someone with braces shouldn’t require much change from their normal one, but people with fixed braces in particular do need to be extra diligent about keeping teeth clean and cavity-free.

“There is an overwhelming number of dental care products on the shelves touting one benefit or the other,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles invisible braces supplier. “Knowing what you actually need and what is just marketing hype can be frustrating to say the least, but there are certain products that we’ve found to be very helpful.”

Aesthetic Orthodontics put together a to help simplify the process products page. We’ve included oral hygiene products, nutritional supplements and recommended books for improving gum, tooth and bone health as well as promoting fresh breath.

“We also have some whitening products ranging from at-home treatments to in-office treatments that we recommend for patients who want the final touch for their smile after braces are taken off,” says Dr. Alpan a proficient Los Angeles orthodontics expert and TMD dentist.

There are many more listed with descriptions and prices, but here are few examples of the products we have included:

• Toothbrushes: Sonicare Easy Clean is an electric toothbrush with a state of the art brush head that can remove up to two times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

• Teeth whitening: Zoom Chairside Bleaching can get teeth an average of eight shades whiter in less than two hours.

• Aligner care: Brushing Invisalign trays can scratch the surface and make them less clear over time. We suggest Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Crystals to keep aligners odor- and plaque-free, hygienic and clear.

• Waterpik: The Waterpik Oral Irrigator helps patients clean food particles and loose plaque out of braces and between teeth with jets of water. This is used after brushing and flossing.

“Of course, all the best dental care products on the market won’t make a difference if you’re not using them or using them improperly,” says Dr. Alpan, who has offered Los Angeles pediatric orthodontics and adults since 1999. “So make sure you know what you need to do to keep your teeth healthy and strong.”

The American Dental Association says everyone should floss once a day, brush at least twice a day, and go to the dentist for professional cleanings and examinations twice a year. However, people with fixed braces have to step up their dental care and brush their teeth for five minutes three times a day and floss twice a day for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities and to avoid painful dental problems.

“We want our patients to have straight teeth, but we also want them to have strong, healthy teeth and a smile they can be proud of for a lifetime,” says Dr. Alpan who is an Aesthetic Orthodontics. “We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for them to take care of their teeth during orthodontic treatment.”

If you don’t find what you need on our recommended dental care products page or have questions, please feel free to call the office or bring it up during your next appointment.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

 
18
Nov
2012
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Do You Know What Is Causing Your Chronic Jaw Pain?

Jaw_Pain_Cured_Los_Angeles_DentistryLas Vegas, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills-It is not all that uncommon to have some pesky symptom like a sometimes stiff jaw, headaches, a popping noise when you chew or a slight ringing in your ears, but they are not symptoms you should ignore.

“All three of those symptoms, and a myriad of others, are indicative of a problem with the temporomandibular joint in your jaw,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas orthodontist who offers Invisalign and other braces for children and adults.

When the jaw joint becomes inflamed due to a temporomandibular joint muscle disorder, also known as TMD, it can lead to acute or chronic pain and loss of function in the jaw, mouth, ears and neck. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMD affects an estimated five to 12 percent of the population.

“The vast majority of people don’t realize they have a TMJ problem,” says Dr. Alpan, a Las Vegas TMJ specialist who also provides dental services in his Los Angeles and Beverly Hills practices. “They think their symptoms are normal or brush it off because it doesn’t hurt or bother them enough to matter.”

That can lead to pain and more symptoms down the road that get harder to identify and more expensive to relieve or eliminate, so Dr. Alpan is taking advantage of the unofficial TMJ Awareness Month to explain common symptoms and what treatments are available.

Pain is typically what drives people to finally go to the doctor, but there are more than 150 symptoms associated with TMD that may not cause patients noticeable physical pain or discomfort. Many patients who seek treatment report difficulty chewing or opening their mouth wide, a fullness in the ears, clicking and popping sounds in the jaw, dizziness and tinnitus. TMD has also been known to cause chronic migraines and headaches.

“Some signs are subtle and probably wouldn’t be noticeable except to an expert,” says Dr. Alpan, who is an adult and kids’ orthodontist in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. “For example, one eye, shoulder, hip or leg that is shorter than the other side, worn or crowded teeth, root erosion and the position of the head can all be signs of TMD.”

The good news is that jaw joint disorders can be treated to alleviate or eliminate the pain and symptoms. Some patients find natural therapies like compresses or massage to effectively relieve symptoms, although those options do not resolve the cause of them. Sometimes patients need medication or surgery for more severe cases, but orthodontics can also be used to treat TMDs since a poorly-aligned bite could be the cause of many of the symptoms.

“The bottom line is that you need to treat now, not later,” says Dr. Alpan, who did his master’s thesis on TMD and has offered TMJ therapies since 1999. “The longer you wait to diagnose and start treating TMJ disorders, the more complicated and difficult it is to successfully remedy the problem.”

Call today to schedule an appointment to review your symptoms, get an oral and physical exam and discuss treatment options.

© 2012 Dr. David Alpan and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.