Nobody should skip this over the number.
Every option, all visible, nothing gated behind a form. Adults and parents come at this differently, so both answers are here.
Consultations are free — you leave your first visit with the plan and the number, whatever you decide.

Make the math work for you
Try out our payment plans until you find what works for you.
An example, not a quote. Comprehensive braces treatment often falls between $5,000 and $7,500 — slide the numbers and see how a monthly plan changes shape. Your real number comes from your consult, in writing.
about $104.17 per month
Down payment $1,000Insurance $1,500Financed $2,500
This example splits the fee evenly with no interest assumed. Actual plan terms come from the practice.
I came in with a permanent retainer that had broken and needed fixing quickly. When I called, I was told they do place permanent retainers, but that the doctor would evaluate thoroughly before committing to anything, which turned out to be exactly how it went.
Dr. Khan laid out five or six options, from the most minimal fix (reattaching the broken section) to more substantial ones (a mini Invisalign plan). I got a written cost breakdown for each and was given real time to think it over, including an offer to come back another day once I’d considered them. I chose a new permanent retainer after her evaluation confirmed it would work for my case, and the work itself was excellent. She told me to come back anytime if anything felt off.
What stood out most was the consistency. The person who answered the phone, Dr. Khan, and the receptionist all told me the same thing—no contradictions, no surprises, no pressure. Pricing was clear before any payment was discussed. Given that most orthodontic work isn’t covered by insurance, that kind of transparency matters more than people realize until they’ve gone without it.
The office is also genuinely calm and welcoming, which is not nothing when someone is working in your mouth. I’d imagine it’s a good environment for kids too. It’s a real relief to have an orthodontist nearby I can trust. I had made arrangements to return to my original orthodontist in Korea for this, and after seeing Dr. Khan I cancelled those plans—I’m fully confident in the care I got here. Thank you!
Yun K. · Google review · Santa Monica
Dr. Khan and her whole team are wonderful. I specifically sought our the doctor because of her extensive knowledge and care. My experience was absolutely the best of any dentist or orthodontist I’ve ever seen. I cannot recommend the office enough. Her team is supportive, responsive, and so detail oriented. They can help walk you through what your insurance will cover, keep you up to date on your appointment steps, and the doctor will always take time to answer questions.
Jeff C. · Google review · Santa Monica
You leave with it in writing.
Consults are free, and end with the figure written down.

For adults
Adult and jaw-related care here is largely cash-pay. Some jaw work may be billable to dental or medical insurance — we help you find out what benefits you have before treatment starts.

For kids & teens
Most families use dental insurance with orthodontic benefits plus a monthly plan for the balance. We verify your coverage and file the paperwork.
Insurance
We accept most PPO plans and will bill your insurance to get the maximum possible benefit. If your insurance has an orthodontic benefit we will apply it to your cost, and we help you find out what applies to you before treatment starts.
We are happy to charge treatment to your HSA account and provide the paperwork you need to use that benefit.
The Downtown office is contracted with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Dental Network of America — which covers Blue Shield and Blue Cross plans — Guardian, MetLife and United Concordia.
If your plan is not named here, tell us anyway and we will check what your benefit covers before anything starts.
Monthly plans
The typical down payment varies with the treatment plan — we work with our patients to help them find comfortable payment options. Monthly payments are split over the course of treatment, with zero interest. Financing can be spread out longer than the treatment time with third-party financing options.
Pay in full
One payment at the start. We offer up to 5% off for paying in full.
Dental and medical billing
For some jaw-related or sleep apnea care. We help you find out whether your case qualifies.