Call 661-322-2263
Rated 5-stars on Google!
Our established and caring orthodontist and team are here for you. We strive every day to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in Bakersfield, California, and surrounding communities. We are thankful for the opportunity to show you that this process can be stress free, timely and the healthiest decision for your smile. We know smiles change people’s lives every single day! We look forward to seeing you soon at Baker Orthodontics! – Dr Kyle Baker and Team.
New Patient Consultations
How soon can I schedule a consultation for a new patient appointment?
We are always accepting new patients! Dental referrals are not required and our consultations are always complementary.
When can I receive orthodontic treatment?
The AAO® recommends bringing children in as early as 7 years old for an evaluation, but there is no age limit when it comes to orthodontics because everyone deserves a healthy functional smile.
What are some of your financial options?
PPO insurances can be billed; we also have flexible monthly interest free payments with low down payments as an option for uninsured patients.
What should I do if I need new retainers, and how soon can I get them?
Already a patient and need new retainers? Same-day treatments are available to save you an extra trip! Call us to set up a quick visit for digital pictures, and receive your retainers approximately one week later. Please call for pricing and payment options.
Appointments
How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?
Most appointments are scheduled four to 12 weeks in advance, and school and work passes are available for each visit.
What should I do if I am running late for my appointment?
If you are running late, please let us know as soon as possible to prevent wait times for other patients. 48 hour notice for reschedules and cancellations is appreciated if possible.
How can I communicate with the office if I need to?
Text communication for any reason can be sent to your last appointment confirmation. If you get two texts for your next appointment, please arrive to the earliest appointment since you may have two visits scheduled.
When is your office open?
Regular business hours vary from Monday through Friday. We are open most Monday holidays.
Broken Brackets
WHat should I do if I break a bracket during my orthodontic treatment?
When it comes to foods to avoid during your orthodontic treatment, we hope you are using the food list you were provided; however, we do know accidents happen. If something is broken, please text or call as soon as possible at 661-322-2263 for an emergency appointment. These appointments do require additional time and preparation. Keep in mind, each broken bracket adds one month to your orthodontic treatment time by one month. On rare cases, excess broken brackets may incur additional fees.
What are self-ligating brackets and how do they work?
The self-ligating brackets engage your wire and applies pressure as prescribed by our Dr. for precise movement.
Is discomfort normal during orthodontic treatment?
Occasional soreness is normal, Advil and Tylenol can be used for throughout treatment for comfort.
What are the small elastics that are sometimes used with braces?
The small elastics around your upper braces are for fun decoration only. If you lose one, that is okay! We can change it at your next appointment.
Why are bite turbos and what should I do if I lose one or both of them?
Bite turbos are placed during orthodontic treatment to prevent you from biting on your brackets and breaking them, and from even causing tooth damage. We place two as a precaution in case you lose one; but if you lose both, we will need to get you scheduled to have them replaced.
What should I do if I lose an attachment on my clear aligners?
For our clear aligner patients, if you lose an attachment, that can be normal. Please let us know before your next appointment so we can repair it then.
Expanders
How should I expect my expander treatment to work, and what if I need help?
Dr. Baker will explain the process of your treatment step by step and let you know when to turn your expander with the key you are provided (the turns will always be in a clockwise motion.) If you feel like you cannot get the turn, please call us at 661-322-2263. We can walk you through the process or schedule a quick appointment to get back on track. Make sure to keep your key in a safe spot.
What should I do if I fall behind in my Expanders treatment?
If you miss a turn, that is okay; get back on track as soon as possible and let your assistant know at the next scheduled appointment. Use Advil or Tylenol as directed when needed.
Comfort Visits
What should I do if my braces are causing me discomfort?
Things like pokey wires may happen before your next scheduled appointment. We can get you comfortable quickly with a text or call to our office. Walk-ins are not recommended. Wax can help with discomfort, which would have been given to you when you started treatment.
After-Hour Emergencies
What should I do if I have an orthodontic emergency after-hours?
Call 661-322-2263 to get in touch with an after-hour assistant for emergencies. Otherwise, leave a detailed text or message and we will respond to you first thing the next business day. Comfort is our main goal and we will get you taken care of as soon as possible.
Supplies
What if I need orthodontic supplies when outside the office?
Most supplies can be purchased at your local Target, Walmart or on Amazon, with the exception of elastics which are specific to your treatment and come in all different sizes. Please let us know if you need elastics since they are critical to finishing treatment in a timely manner.
Financials
How can I keep track of my finances for my orthodontic treatment?
OrthoFi™ is our long-standing partner for all things financial. Need to update your card on file for auto pay? Need your balance or flex receipt for reimbursement? Have a change in insurance? You can log onto your account at any time for this information and more at www.orthofi.com or call 1-877-766-5250. You can send an email to frontdesk@bakerbraces.com for additional questions.
