Smile Visualization
Take a smiling selfie and we’ll show you what Invisalign® treatment can do for you. Sometimes insurances can cover upto $2500 of invisalign treatment. Call our office or follow the link to find out.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on aligning teeth and jaws so they look better and function properly. Straight teeth are often easier to keep clean, more comfortable to use when biting and chewing, and less likely to cause uneven wear over time. When growth patterns or tooth positions create spacing, crowding, or bite differences, orthodontic treatment can restore balance and harmony to the mouth.
Treatment may be aimed at a single problem—such as rotating a stubborn tooth—or a comprehensive correction that improves how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another. In many cases, skeletal discrepancies are involved and require careful planning to ensure both cosmetic and functional goals are met. A clear treatment plan, based on diagnostic imaging and a thorough exam, helps guide predictable outcomes.
Today’s orthodontic care is highly individualized. Options include fixed braces, removable appliances, and clear aligner systems, each selected to match the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and clinical objectives. Advances in materials and digital planning mean treatments are more comfortable and discreet than ever before.
At Fuller Smiles San Fernando Valley we take a collaborative approach to orthodontics, integrating modern diagnostics and patient-centered planning so that both children and adults can pursue healthier, more confident smiles.
Beyond aesthetics, proper alignment supports long-term oral health. Teeth that fit together correctly distribute chewing forces evenly, reducing the risk of excessive wear and protecting the structures that support each tooth. Proper alignment also minimizes places where plaque and food can collect, which helps lower the risk of decay and gum problems.
Alignment influences how the lips and cheeks protect the teeth as well. Teeth that protrude or are poorly positioned can be more vulnerable to injury. When the bite is balanced, routine functions—biting, chewing, and speaking—tend to be easier and more efficient, contributing to daily comfort and overall quality of life.
A well-aligned bite has implications for jaw joint health, too. When the teeth and jaws work together in harmony, there is less strain on the temporomandibular joints and associated muscles. Addressing alignment issues can therefore play a role in reducing chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other related symptoms.
Easier oral hygiene — reduced hiding places for plaque and bacteria.
Lower risk of dental trauma for teeth properly supported by surrounding tissues.
Improved chewing efficiency and clearer speech patterns.
Reduced uneven or premature tooth wear from misaligned occlusion.
Better support for jaw joints and muscles, which can lessen related discomfort.
Enhanced overall oral health and well-being as alignment supports daily maintenance.
Choosing the best orthodontic approach begins with a detailed evaluation: clinical exam, dental history, and appropriate imaging. We assess tooth positions, jaw relationships, and facial balance to determine whether limited tooth movement, full comprehensive treatment, or combined orthodontic-orthopedic strategies are needed.
Children’s smiles are monitored over time so we can identify the ideal moment to intervene. Early visits allow clinicians to guide growth, preserve space for adult teeth, and correct habits that could harm development. For many youngsters, the goal is to harness growth to make later treatment more predictable and less invasive.
Adults often seek orthodontics to correct changes that developed over time or to improve function and aesthetics after prior dental work. While adult care can be highly successful, it sometimes requires addressing existing dental conditions—such as restorations or periodontal considerations—before appliances are placed.
Several factors influence the recommended treatment path, including the complexity of the bite, the amount of crowding or spacing, jaw relationships, whether supportive devices are needed, and the degree to which the patient can commit to maintenance and follow-up.
Severity and type of malocclusion or bite discrepancy.
Amount of crowding or spacing present among the teeth.
Need for growth modification or coordination of the jaws.
Length of time appliances are expected to be worn.
Whether additional devices (e.g., expanders, temporary anchors) may be required.
Patient cooperation with recommended care, hygiene, and appointment schedules.
Orthodontics has evolved quickly thanks to innovations that improve comfort, precision, and predictability. Digital imaging and planning tools allow clinicians to visualize outcomes before treatment begins and to tailor appliance designs to each patient’s anatomy. These tools also help communicate the plan clearly with patients and caregivers.
Materials and appliance design have also improved. Brackets are smaller and more refined, while new wire technologies deliver gentler, more continuous forces that move teeth efficiently with less discomfort. Self-ligating systems and ceramic options provide alternatives for patients concerned about appearance.
Temporary anchorage devices and other adjuncts give clinicians more control when moving teeth in three dimensions, often reducing the need for more intrusive procedures. Meanwhile, accelerated techniques and refined biomechanics can shorten certain phases of care when clinically appropriate.
Smaller, more comfortable metal bracket systems.
Tooth-colored ceramic brackets for a less visible option.
Self-ligating braces that reduce friction and can improve efficiency.
Lingual braces that sit behind the teeth for near invisibility.
Clearly designed aligner systems that are removable and discreet.
3-D imaging (CBCT) for more precise diagnosis and planning.
Digital impressions and intraoral scanners that replace messy trays.
Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for advanced tooth movements.
Protocols aimed at safely accelerating specific stages of treatment.
Clear aligners combine discretion with convenience. Custom-made from clear, smooth plastic, aligners are worn most of the day and swapped at planned intervals to guide incremental tooth movement. Their removable nature makes daily oral hygiene straightforward and allows patients to eat without altering their diet.
Because aligner therapy is digitally planned, clinicians can stage tooth movements precisely and monitor progress closely. Many patients appreciate the ability to see a projected treatment plan and experience changes gradually without metal brackets or wires.
While aligners offer an excellent solution for many types of alignment issues, they may not be the best choice for every case. The ultimate recommendation is based on clinical goals and which system can deliver predictable, stable results for the individual patient.
Interceptive orthodontics for children can simplify later treatment by addressing developing problems early—such as space management, habit correction, or asymmetries in jaw growth. Regular monitoring during growth years helps clinicians determine if and when intervention will be most effective.
Adult orthodontics benefits from the same technological advances and offers multiple aesthetic options. Treatment for adults often coordinates with restorative or periodontal needs and emphasizes preserving long-term oral health while improving function and appearance.
Finishing active tooth movement is a milestone, but maintaining those results is an ongoing commitment. Retainers are designed to support the teeth while the surrounding tissues stabilize after treatment. Wearing retainers as prescribed helps prevent relapse and preserves the time, effort, and results achieved.
The teeth are connected to the bone by elastic fibers that have memory; after orthodontic movement, those fibers slowly reorganize. Retention allows time for this reorganization so that new tooth positions become stable. The type and duration of retention depend on the original problem and the specifics of the correction.
Good long-term outcomes also depend on routine dental care and a healthy oral environment. Regular checkups, diligent hygiene, and prompt attention to any changes help ensure that the new alignment is preserved for years to come.
In summary, modern orthodontics offers many paths to a healthier, more functional smile. Whether you’re considering treatment for your child or exploring options as an adult, the practice takes a careful, evidence-based approach to recommend the method that best meets your goals. Contact us to learn more about how orthodontic care can improve your oral health and confidence.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misalignment of the teeth and jaws. It uses customized appliances to apply controlled forces that move teeth into healthier and more functional positions. Proper orthodontic care addresses both cosmetic concerns and functional issues such as bite problems and uneven tooth wear.
Orthodontic treatment can range from minor tooth movement to comprehensive care that repositions the entire bite and jaw relationship. Treatment planning often incorporates digital imaging, study models and collaboration with other dental specialists when necessary. The goal is a stable, well-aligned smile that supports long-term oral health and comfortable jaw function.
Guidelines from dental organizations recommend an orthodontic checkup by age 7 to identify growth-related concerns and developing bite problems. At this stage, an exam can reveal early signs of crowding, abnormal jaw relationships, or habits that may affect future tooth eruption and alignment. Early evaluation does not always mean immediate treatment, but it allows timely monitoring and intervention when appropriate.
When intervention is needed, early care can guide jaw growth, preserve space for incoming permanent teeth or address habits like thumb sucking that can alter development. Many children benefit from periodic reassessments during mixed dentition to determine the optimal timing for braces or other appliances. Prompt evaluation helps families understand options and plan treatment that uses a child’s growth to the best advantage.
Modern orthodontics offers a variety of alternatives to conventional metal braces, including clear aligners, ceramic (tooth-colored) brackets, lingual braces and self-ligating systems. Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays that move teeth incrementally, while lingual braces attach behind the teeth for a hidden appearance. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs), fixed functional appliances and other adjuncts can also be used to address specific tooth or jaw movements.
The choice of appliance depends on the severity of the problem, patient preferences, oral health and treatment goals. Digital tools such as intraoral scanners and 3-D imaging improve diagnostics and allow precise planning for many systems. Your clinician will explain the benefits and limitations of each option and recommend the approach that best meets functional and aesthetic needs.
Treatment duration varies widely based on the complexity of the case; minor tooth movements can take several months, while comprehensive bite correction commonly requires one to three years. Factors that influence timing include the severity of crowding or jaw discrepancy, whether growth modification is needed, and how consistently the patient follows appliance instructions. Biological response to tooth movement and any required preparatory dental treatment also affect overall length of care.
Regular monitoring and timely adjustments help maintain steady progress toward the treatment objectives, and most follow-up visits occur every four to eight weeks. In some cases, adjunctive therapies such as accelerated orthodontic techniques or temporary anchorage devices can shorten treatment time when clinically appropriate. At the end of active movement, a retention phase with retainers is typically prescribed to stabilize the result.
Yes, adults are widely treated with orthodontics and many modern options make treatment more comfortable and discreet than in the past. Successful adult treatment requires healthy teeth and supporting periodontal tissues, so any cavities, gum disease or bone loss should be addressed before starting orthodontic movement. Interdisciplinary care may be needed when restorative work, implants or periodontal therapy are part of the overall plan.
Adults can choose from clear aligners, ceramic braces, lingual systems or small metal brackets depending on aesthetic and functional priorities. Treatment goals for adults often include improving function, reducing excessive wear, addressing shifting teeth after earlier extractions, and creating a foundation for restorative dentistry. The clinician will evaluate oral health, bone support and realistic expectations to recommend a safe, effective course of care.
An orthodontic consultation begins with a comprehensive exam that reviews dental history, facial growth, bite relationship and oral health. Diagnostic records typically include digital photographs, dental x-rays or 3-D CBCT imaging when indicated, and digital impressions or intraoral scans for precise treatment planning. This information allows the clinician to diagnose the type and severity of malocclusion and to outline treatment goals and options.
During the visit the orthodontist will discuss recommended appliances, expected timelines, and any additional dental needs that should be addressed before or during treatment. The consultation also covers what to expect during active care, typical follow-up intervals and retention strategies after appliances are removed. Patients leave with a clear plan for next steps and an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed approach.
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays that apply controlled forces to move teeth incrementally according to a digital treatment plan. Each aligner is worn for a prescribed period, then replaced by the next in the series to produce stepwise tooth movement. Attachments, precision cuts and auxiliary features can be used with aligners to achieve specific movements that would otherwise require fixed appliances.
Good candidates for aligners are patients with mild to moderate spacing or crowding and those who will reliably wear the trays for the recommended daily hours. Complex tooth movements, severe jaw discrepancies or certain vertical corrections may require fixed braces or combined approaches. A thorough clinical assessment and digital planning will determine whether aligner therapy alone or a hybrid plan is the most predictable option.
Retainers are essential because teeth have an elastic tendency to move back toward their original positions after active orthodontic movement. The connective fibers and surrounding bone need time to reorganize and stabilize around the teeth in their new positions, and retainers hold those positions while healing occurs. Without appropriate retention, relapse can occur due to tissue memory, growth changes or functional forces from the tongue and lips.
Retention protocols vary by case and may include removable clear retainers, Hawley-style retainers or fixed bonded retainers placed behind the front teeth. Your orthodontist will recommend the type and schedule that best protects the result, often beginning with full-time wear and tapering to nightly use over time. Long-term monitoring helps ensure the smile remains stable and functional for years to come.
Orthodontic treatment aims to create a balanced occlusion where the teeth meet properly and the jaws function comfortably, which can reduce abnormal wear and undue stress on the temporomandibular joints. Improving tooth alignment and bite relationships may alleviate muscle strain and help distribute chewing forces more evenly across the dental arches. In some cases, correcting a significant jaw discrepancy can improve jaw function and decrease symptoms related to joint dysfunction.
However, TMJ problems are multifactorial, and orthodontics is one component of a broader evaluation and treatment strategy when joint symptoms are present. A careful diagnostic process distinguishes joint pathology from bite-related issues and guides appropriate interventions, which may include splint therapy, physical therapy or coordinated care with oral and maxillofacial specialists. The objective is to restore comfortable jaw function while achieving a stable, healthy bite.
Fuller Smiles San Fernando Valley emphasizes a patient-centered approach that integrates modern diagnostics, individualized treatment planning and coordinated care across dental specialties. We utilize digital impressions, 3-D imaging and evidence-based techniques to evaluate growth, tooth position and jaw relationships before recommending an appliance. This approach ensures treatment choices are tailored to each patient’s functional needs and aesthetic goals.
The practice monitors children’s development to identify optimal timing for intervention and offers a full range of adult-friendly options, including discreet aligner therapy and cosmetic bracket systems. Throughout care the focus remains on oral health, predictable outcomes and long-term stability, with clear guidance on retention and follow-up to preserve results. Our team works with patients to set realistic expectations and to support healthy, lasting smiles.
Take a smiling selfie and we’ll show you what Invisalign® treatment can do for you. Sometimes insurances can cover upto $2500 of invisalign treatment. Call our office or follow the link to find out.
