FAQs

At Ventura County Orthodontics, Dr. Jared Lee is a dedicated specialist who takes a personalized approach to orthodontics. We combine friendly, attentive care with modern technology and a team that makes you feel comfortable from day one.

Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, our goal is to give you a confident smile in a welcoming, relaxed environment.

We follow the recommendation that children should have an orthodontic check by about age seven.

This doesn’t always mean immediate treatment—but early evaluation allows Dr. Lee to identify growth or bite issues, monitor development, and plan ahead so later treatment is simpler. Early assessment can often reduce complexity down the road.

We offer a full range of orthodontic treatments, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear (ceramic) braces
• Removable clear aligner systems
• Retainer/retention programs once active treatment is done

Dr. Lee will help you decide which option fits your bite condition, lifestyle, and smile goals.

Yes—when used appropriately. Clear aligners can be just as effective as braces in many cases, particularly when patients wear them as prescribed (often around 20‑22 hours/day) and follow the treatment plan. That said, in some complex bite or jaw issues, braces might still be the better choice. Dr. Lee will explain which route is best for your individual needs.

Treatment time varies depending on several factors: severity of alignment/bite issues, the appliance type (braces or aligners), your age, and how closely you follow the prescribed plan. At your initial visit, we’ll give you a personalized estimate so you understand what to expect.

Absolutely! Orthodontics isn’t just for kids—you’re never too old to improve your smile and bite. We see many adult patients who may have had braces earlier but need a touch‑up, or who are seeking treatment for the first time. We’ll tailor treatment to your schedule, goals, and comfort level.

At your first appointment, we’ll:

• Review your dental/orthodontic history and concerns
• Take photos, X-rays, or digital scans if needed
• Examine your teeth, jaws, and bite
• Discuss treatment options, estimated timeline, cost, and what to expect from your journey
• Answer any questions you may have

You’ll leave knowing the next steps—no surprises.

Costs vary depending on the treatment type (braces vs. aligners), the complexity of the case, and the length of treatment. At Ventura County Orthodontics, we offer flexible financing and payment plans to fit your budget.

We’ll walk you through your options, insurance eligibility, and payment schedule so you feel confident about your investment.

Waiting too long can make problems more complicated. Misaligned teeth or bite issues may wear down unevenly, increase the risk of cavities, or even cause jaw/headache issues.

Early treatment often means shorter, simpler care. But don’t worry—if you’re an adult or a teen who’s missed earlier treatment, we can still help and assess the best path forward.

Braces: Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that might damage brackets/wires. Brush after meals, floss daily, and keep your scheduled check-ups so your wires can be adjusted as needed.

Clear Aligners: Wear them as instructed (usually ~20‑22 hours/day). Remove for eating and drinking (except water), clean them regularly, and keep your aligner changes on schedule.

With braces, you’ll typically come in every 4‑8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. With aligners, you'll often spend less time in the office, but you’ll still have regular check-ins so Dr. Lee can monitor your progress and make sure everything is on track.

The fun continues! Once your teeth are where they should be, you’ll move into the retention phase. This means wearing a retainer (fixed or removable) to keep your smile in place.

We’ll explain how long to wear it, how often to schedule follow‑up visits, and what to watch for—because maintaining your investment is just as important as getting the results.

No—you’re welcome to schedule a complimentary consultation with us whenever you’re ready. While many patients are referred by their general dentist, you can absolutely reach out yourself.

Bring your dental history (if available), a list of any medications or allergies, your insurance information (if applicable), and, most importantly, your questions and smile goals. We’ll handle the rest.