If you’re looking for excellent orthodontic care for families in Sonoma County, CA, there are many options, and the best choice often comes down to what you value most (experience, technology, convenience, cost, etc.). Here are some issues to consider.
Training/ Experience.
Where did the orthodontist go to school, and how long have they been practicing?
Dr. Laurent went to the University of Notre Dame for undergrad (4 years), the Harvard School of Dental Medicine for her dental degree (4 more years), and then an additional three-year training program at UCSF specializing in orthodontics. Since 2009, she’s been practicing orthodontics in her office in Sonoma, which she took over from Dr. James Powers.
Range of treatments/ individual treatment plan
We offer treatments for a wide range of concerns: early intervention treatments for our youngest patients, comprehensive treatment for teens and adults, and specific goal-based limited options on a case-by-case basis. We offer braces, aligners, retainers, and other options specific to the goals we’re striving for in a given case.
Modern diagnostic technologies
Many adults who had braces in adolescence will remember goopy impressions taken of your teeth and the difficulty of actually having braces placed. Many times, patients had to go to a separate office or imaging facility to have x-rays or photos taken. Today, with modern technology, the process is much easier. We use a 3D camera to record your bite, we take x-rays and photos in office, and when we place braces, almost always we hear “that was easier than I expected!”
Comfortable friendly office
During your time in treatment, you will see your orthodontist and their team regularly. It’s important to feel like your questions are being answered and that the office has your best interests in mind. In our office, you will see Dr. Laurent at every appointment, and we are always available for questions. Even when we are out of the office, there is an emergency phone monitored by Dr. Laurent or one of the dental assistants to help with any issues that may arise.
We welcome family and friends back into the clinic for appointments.
Flexible financing/payment plan
Our practice offers in-house financing (without any interest or additional fees), flexible payment plans, and clear pricing. We can work with your HSA or FSA funds and will bill your insurance for you. While we aren’t ‘in network’ with many insurance companies, nearly all plans allow for ‘out of network’ coverage for orthodontics, and we’re happy to help with that filing process.
Convenient location and hours
Since you’ll be seeing your orthodontist every 4-8 weeks while in treatment, the location of the office is important. Sometimes, especially early in braces treatment, there can be a poking wire or a broken brace that needs an extra visit to address. Driving out of town for routine or extra appointments is often very difficult to fit into people’s busy schedules. Our office is located centrally in Sonoma with ample parking.
Our office is open three days per week that rotate. This way, we can offer every day of the week appointments – just not every week! We know the rotating schedule can sometimes be tricky to work with, but we’re happy to look for times that will work with your busy schedule. Give us a call today to schedule your complimentary initial appointment to get started.