Orthodontics In Los Angeles, CA

Orthodontics in Los Angeles, CA, is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, primarily involving the alignment of teeth and jaws. Using orthodontic appliances such as braces, aligners, retainers, and other corrective devices, our dentists in Los Angeles, CA, aim to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental health and facial aesthetics.

Orthodontic treatment addresses many conditions, including crowded or crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth. Beyond cosmetic benefits, orthodontic intervention is crucial in enhancing oral function, alleviating speech impairments, preventing tooth wear and gum disease, and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Early orthodontic evaluation and intervention in children can also intercept potential problems and guide proper dental development, leading to more stable and harmonious dental and facial structures later in life.

Orthodontics enhances the smile's appearance and contributes significantly to long-term oral health and overall well-being.

Common Orthodontic Conditions

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. This includes various types, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arch for all teeth to align correctly. This can result in teeth overlapping or twisting out of alignment, leading to aesthetic and functional concerns.

Spacing

Spacing refers to gaps or spaces between teeth. This can occur due to missing teeth, small teeth, or excessive space in the dental arch. Spacing issues can impact the smile's appearance and may contribute to dental problems such as food impaction and gum disease.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when certain teeth fail to make contact when the jaws are closed, leaving a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth. This can affect chewing efficiency, speech, and facial aesthetics.

Crossbite

Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. This can happen in the front or back teeth, leading to asymmetrical jaw growth, uneven teeth wear, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Overbite

Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically. While a slight overbite is normal, excessive overbites can lead to jaw pain, dental wear, and aesthetic concerns.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth are teeth that fail to erupt properly through the gums due to obstruction or lack of space within the jawbone. This commonly occurs with wisdom teeth but can also affect other teeth in the dental arch. Contact us today to learn more!

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the most well-known and widely used orthodontic appliance. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by archwires, and often supplemented by elastic bands. These braces apply controlled pressure to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. Contact us today to learn more!

Benefits:

• Effective for correcting complex alignment issues
• Suitable for patients of all ages
• Provide reliable and predictable results
• Can address severe malocclusions and jaw discrepancies
• Cost-effective compared to some alternative treatments

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional braces but use brackets made from tooth-colored or clear materials. This makes them less noticeable than metal braces and a popular choice for patients seeking a more discreet orthodontic option.

Benefits:

• Aesthetic appeal due to tooth-colored or clear brackets
• Blend in with the natural tooth color, making them less noticeable than metal braces
• Effective for treating moderate to severe misalignments
• Durable and resistant to staining

Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances made from transparent plastic. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and apply gentle pressure to shift the teeth into alignment gradually. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and allow for easier oral hygiene since they can be removed for eating and brushing.

Benefits:

• Virtually invisible, providing a discreet treatment option
• Can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene
• More comfortable than traditional braces with no metal wires or brackets
• Custom-made for each patient, ensuring a precise fit and optimal results
• Made from smooth plastic material, minimizing irritation to the gums and cheeks

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but are attached to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, making them hidden from view. This option provides effective treatment and a more discreet appearance, as the braces are not visible from the outside.

Benefits:

• Completely hidden from view as they are attached to the back of the teeth
• Ideal for individuals who desire a discreet treatment option
• Effective for treating various alignment issues, including severe cases
• Customized for each patient's unique dental anatomy

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic or jaw surgery corrects severe jaw discrepancies or skeletal abnormalities. It involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to improve bite function, facial aesthetics, and oral health. Orthognathic surgery is often combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.

Benefits:

• Corrects severe jaw discrepancies and skeletal abnormalities
• Improves facial aesthetics and symmetry
• Enhances bite function and chewing efficiency
• Addresses breathing and speech problems associated with jaw misalignment
• Long-lasting results that contribute to overall oral health and well-being

Retainers

Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to maintain the results achieved through orthodontic treatment. They help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions and promote long-term stability. Retainers may be removable or fixed, depending on the patient's needs and the dentist's recommendation.

Benefits:

• Maintains the results achieved through orthodontic treatment
• Prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions
• Customized to fit each patient's unique dental anatomy
• Comfortable and easy to wear, typically during sleep or for specified periods
• Help preserve the investment made in orthodontic treatment by ensuring long-term stability

Orthodontics is crucial in enhancing oral health, aesthetics, and overall well-being. Various treatment options are available for individuals of all ages, allowing them to achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Visit Kawata Dental Inc. at 12211 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, or call (310) 826-6123 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists today and take the first step towards achieving the straight, healthy smile you've always wanted.