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New Patients

The Beach Braces Experience

At Beach Braces, new patients are welcomed into a fun, friendly, high-tech orthodontic office in Manhattan Beach designed to make every visit feel comfortable, informative, and personal. Led by Dr. Patricia Panucci, Beach Braces provides orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults throughout the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Hawthorne, and surrounding communities. From the first phone call to the final smile reveal, the Beach Braces team focuses on personalized care, flexible scheduling, affordable treatment options, and advanced orthodontic technology to help every patient feel confident about their smile journey. Our mission is to provide quality orthodontic treatment in an environment where patients feel at home, because everyone should love to smile. 

Dr. Patricia J. Panucci, DMD, MS, is a highly trained Manhattan Beach orthodontist with advanced education in orthodontics and craniofacial biology. After earning her DMD from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she graduated among the top 10 in her class, Dr. Panucci completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Southern California and earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. She combines her clinical expertise with modern orthodontic technology, including digital imaging, advanced 3D diagnostics, and clear aligner planning, to create customized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults. As an Invisalign Diamond Provider, Dr. Panucci has extensive experience helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles with braces, Invisalign, and personalized orthodontic care.

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What to Expect on Your First Visit

Your first visit to Beach Braces is a complimentary orthodontic consultation designed to help you understand your smile, your treatment options, and your next steps with confidence. During this 60 to 90 minute appointment, you will be welcomed by the Beach Braces team, introduced to the office, and guided through digital records such as photographs and x-rays, which are used to help Dr. Panucci make an accurate diagnosis. She will review your teeth, bite, jaws, facial balance, and overall orthodontic needs, then explain whether treatment is recommended, what options may be best, how long treatment may take, and what the investment may look like. The goal is to make your first orthodontic consultation in Manhattan Beach educational, upbeat, and pressure-free, so you leave with a clear understanding of your personalized smile plan.

Our Office

Beach Braces offers a welcoming, family-friendly orthodontic office in Manhattan Beach designed to make every visit feel comfortable, fun, and personalized. With advanced technology, a caring team, and a bright coastal atmosphere, our office helps patients throughout the South Bay feel confident from their first consultation to their final smile.

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Beach Braces is committed to making high-quality orthodontic treatment in Manhattan Beach affordable for families, teens, and adults. The team works with patients to build payment options that fit their needs, including monthly no-interest payment plans, major payment methods, and third-party financing through CareCredit and LendingPoint for approved applicants. If you have orthodontic insurance, Beach Braces verifies your benefits before your initial exam so they can present financial options with an estimate of your coverage, and the team can submit insurance claims as a courtesy once treatment begins. Treatment fees may include the diagnosis, individualized plan from Dr. Panucci, records during treatment, regularly scheduled visits, appliances, retainers for the treated arches, six months of retention visits, and observation visits between Phase 1 and Phase 2 when applicable.

Trusted by South Bay Families

New Patients FAQ

  • Do I need a dentist referral to schedule a new patient consultation?

    No. Many Beach Braces patients are referred by their family dentist, but you do not need a referral to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Parents, teens, and adults can contact the Manhattan Beach office directly to request an initial exam.

  • Is the first consultation really complimentary?

    Yes. Beach Braces offers a no-fee initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Panucci. This visit is designed to help you understand your orthodontic needs, possible treatment options, estimated timing, and financial choices before making a decision.

  • How long does the first visit take?

    The first orthodontic consultation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time for the team to welcome you, gather digital records, complete the orthodontic exam, discuss treatment recommendations, and review financial options.

  • What happens during the first orthodontic consultation?

    During your first visit, the Beach Braces team will welcome you, show you around the office, take orthodontic records such as photographs and x-rays, and prepare you for an exam with Dr. Panucci. She will review your smile, bite, and jaw development before explaining your personalized treatment options.

  • What will I learn at the initial exam?

    Your consultation is designed to answer the most important new-patient questions: whether an orthodontic problem exists, what can be done to correct it, whether teeth may need to be removed, how long treatment may take, and how much treatment may cost.

  • Does Beach Braces see children for early orthodontic evaluations?

    Yes. Beach Braces sees children for early orthodontic evaluations, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. Early visits do not always mean treatment is needed, but they help Dr. Panucci monitor growth and identify developing bite or spacing concerns.

  • Can teens start treatment at Beach Braces?

    Yes. Beach Braces provides orthodontic treatment for teens in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay, including braces and clear aligner options when appropriate. The team helps teens and parents understand treatment choices, scheduling, home care, and what to expect during the smile process.

  • Does Beach Braces treat adults?

    Yes. Beach Braces provides adult orthodontic treatment for patients who want to improve their smile, bite, confidence, or long-term oral health. Adult patients may be candidates for braces, Invisalign, or limited smile touch-up treatment depending on their goals and diagnosis.

  • What should I bring to my first appointment?

    New patients should bring basic personal information, dental insurance information if applicable, and any questions they have about orthodontic treatment. If another dental provider has referred you, it can also be helpful to bring any notes or referral details.

  • Will I get x-rays or photos at the first visit?

    Yes. Beach Braces uses digital records such as photographs and x-rays to help Dr. Panucci evaluate your teeth, bite, jaws, and treatment needs. These records help support a more accurate diagnosis and a customized orthodontic plan.

  • Does Beach Braces use 3D imaging for new patients?

    Beach Braces highlights advanced 3D imaging as a key part of its diagnostic technology. Dr. Panucci uses this technology to evaluate teeth, jaws, and airway anatomy, helping create more comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

  • What makes Beach Braces different from a general dental office that offers orthodontics?

    Beach Braces is a specialty orthodontic practice led by Dr. Panucci, who completed advanced orthodontic residency training and earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. New patients receive orthodontic-focused evaluation, treatment planning, and ongoing care from a specialist.

  • Will I know the cost before starting treatment?

    Yes. Financial options are discussed during the consultation so you understand the estimated treatment investment before moving forward. Beach Braces reviews the recommended treatment plan, estimated insurance benefits when applicable, and available payment options.

  • Does Beach Braces accept insurance?

    Beach Braces works with many orthodontic insurance benefits and verifies coverage before the initial exam when insurance information is provided. The team can also submit insurance claims as a courtesy once treatment begins.

  • Are payment plans available?

    Yes. Beach Braces offers monthly no-interest payment plans and works with patients to build payment options that accommodate their needs.

  • What forms of payment does Beach Braces accept?

    Beach Braces accepts cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, financing, CareCredit, and LendingPoint as payment or financing options. The team can review the best payment approach for your treatment during the consultation.

  • How often will appointments be scheduled after treatment begins?

    Appointment timing depends on each patient’s treatment plan. Beach Braces schedules visits based on the type of treatment, progress, and clinical needs, while making an effort to respect school, work, and family schedules.

  • Does the office offer flexible appointment times?

    Yes. Beach Braces highlights flexible appointment times, including morning, afternoon, and evening availability. Their office hours include weekday scheduling, with Thursday hours listed later than other days.

  • What if my child needs appointments during school hours?

    Because many patients are school-aged, some school-time appointments may be necessary, especially longer bonding, repair, or appliance-related visits. Beach Braces works to coordinate scheduling as conveniently as possible and can provide school excuses for scheduled orthodontic appointments.

  • How do I schedule a new patient consultation at Beach Braces?

    You can schedule by calling or texting Beach Braces at 310-379-0006 or by using the online new patient consultation option on their website. The Manhattan Beach office is located at 220 N. Aviation Blvd., Suite A, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.