Everyone knows the power of a terrific smile – but did you know that straight teeth are also good for your oral health? When your teeth and bite are properly aligned, it reduces unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth, protects your sensitive jaw joints, and enables you to better clean your teeth with brushing and flossing at home on a daily basis. At Claire Cho DDS practice in the Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods, and surrounding CA areas have several orthodontics options when it comes to straightening their teeth or correcting bite problems.
Causes of tooth and bite misalignment
While your genetics do play a significant role in how your teeth and jaw develop, there are also a number of other factors that can contribute to crooked teeth or bite problems. These include:
- Thumb sucking
- Oral disease
- Breathing through your mouth
- Abnormal swallowing patterns
- Losing your baby teeth too early or late
- Inadequate nutrition
- Poor oral hygiene
- Traumatic injuries
Some patients may experience more than just the cosmetic effects of misaligned teeth. Jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain are all common effects of teeth or jaw misalignment, as well as conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or wearing down of the biting surfaces on your teeth. By seeking orthodontic care, you can prevent many costly complications from these issues down the road in addition to achieving a fantastic, straight smile!
Six Month Smiles®
If you want to correct the alignment of only the front teeth that are visible when you smile, Six Month Smiles® may be right for you. This treatment uses traditional bracket-and-wire braces that are tooth-colored so they are discreet. These invisible teeth braces gently move the front teeth into their correct position in as little as six months.
Six Month Smiles® at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center
At Dr. Cho’s office, we offer Six Month Smiles®, which is a clear bracket system. It’s meant to be short-term, usually within six months of treatment.
It’s for cases where there is crowding, and for someone wants to improve their smile. It doesn’t change the molars or the bite,
It straightens the teeth in the aesthetic zone so that we can have a straight and pretty smile as adults in a short period of time.
Make an appointment with us today to learn more about Six Month Smiles®.
Invisalign
For patients who are interested in options to straighten their teeth without braces, Invisalign can be a great choice. Using a series of custom-designed, clear aligners, your teeth are gradually shifted into a straight and healthy position—without anyone knowing you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The aligners are switched out every two weeks for the next in the series, and we perform periodic check-ups to monitor your progress. Many patients can complete their Invisalign treatment in just 12 months.
Invisalign® treatment at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center
What are the orthodontics options available at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center?
At Dr. Cho’s office, I have had two years of post-graduate training in Orthodontics, and we offer Orthodontics, whether it’s metal brackets, clear brackets, or clear aligners such as Invisalign®.
Different types work differently depending on the person’s skeletal structure, age, and the end goal that they have in mind.
We offer all phases of orthodontics to be able to achieve the patient’s goal is.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a very popular aligner where patients change the aligners every two weeks to get their teeth straight.
Patient compliance is very important. Usually, on children, we would not be using that. But we have many different types that we use.
At a consultation at Dr. Cho’s office, we would go over everything in detail to discuss and determine the right type of orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
Which orthodontic option is best for adults who want discreet treatment?
For adults seeking a subtle approach, Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are excellent options. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible, while Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to blend with your natural teeth. Both options allow you to maintain a professional appearance while gradually correcting alignment issues without the look of traditional braces.
Can orthodontic treatment correct bite problems as well as straighten teeth?
Yes. Orthodontic appliances can address bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites while aligning teeth. Correcting bite problems not only improves appearance but also enhances chewing efficiency and reduces the risk of jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Our Sun City dentists evaluate both cosmetic and functional needs to recommend the right treatment for your smile.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of misalignment and the type of orthodontic appliance used. Six Month Smiles generally focuses on cosmetic corrections and may take, as the name suggests, around six months. Invisalign and traditional braces may require 12 – 24 months for comprehensive realignment. Regular check-ins help ensure progress stays on track and adjustments are made as needed.
What should I expect in terms of maintenance during orthodontic treatment?
Proper care during treatment is essential for optimal results. Brushing and flossing around brackets or aligners is critical to prevent plaque buildup and staining. Invisalign aligners should be worn 20 – 22 hours per day and cleaned regularly. Additionally, attending scheduled adjustment appointments allows the dentist to monitor progress, make necessary corrections, and ensure your teeth and bite are moving as planned.
How much should I budget for orthodontic treatment at your office?
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type of braces or aligners you choose, the complexity of your case, and the estimated treatment duration. At Wildflower Dental in Sun City, Arizona, we provide general cost ranges for Six Month Smiles, Invisalign, and traditional braces during your consultation. Additional factors such as follow-up visits, retainers, or any preparatory work may also influence the final price, allowing us to create a personalized plan that fits your budget.
How can orthodontics improve my oral health or smile?
Orthodontic treatment aligns teeth properly, which can make brushing and flossing more effective, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth also help prevent excessive wear on enamel and reduce strain on your jaw joints. Beyond health benefits, straightened teeth enhance the aesthetics of your smile, boost confidence, and can even improve speech clarity and bite function.
How soon can I receive orthodontic treatment at your Sun City, Arizona office?
Scheduling for orthodontic treatment at Wildflower Dental is designed to be convenient for your lifestyle. After an initial consultation and evaluation, many patients can begin treatment within a few weeks. We coordinate appointments to minimize waiting times, and our team can guide you on the best starting date for Six Month Smiles, Invisalign, or traditional braces based on your treatment goals.
Traditional braces
Traditional metal bracket-and-wire braces are one of the most versatile orthodontic treatments available. They can be used even in severe cases of crowding, misalignment, gaps, or bite problems, and can be a great solution for many patients. Braces work by placing a gentle, yet persistent pressure on the teeth in a strategic direction to gradually move them into their optimal position. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, treatment with traditional braces generally takes between 12 and 30 months.
To learn more about the best options for straightening your teeth for both a beautiful and healthy smile, call the team at Claire Cho DDS in Aliso Viejo, CA today! We can be reached at (949) 541-2529
Traditional braces at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center
Traditional braces at Dr. Cho’s office are mainly used on growing children.
Metal brackets are used because we are skeletally trying to change the positioning of their teeth as they grow, and it takes anywhere between 12 – 18 months.
Traditional braces work the best if there are a lot of alignment changes to be done.
We have control of the wire, movement, and positioning of the teeth.
Straightening can be done as needed instead of depending on the patient to wear their aligners if they use a service such as Invisalign®.
Invisalign® isn’t recommended for children. Six Month Smiles® are offered to adults.
Traditional braces are usually offered to someone who has a lot of movement to make or is in their growing stage.
Make an appointment with us today to learn more about traditional braces.
