Studio City Dental Group provides the latest advances in orthodontic care for both adults and children, combining a fun, caring atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to help create smiles that will last a lifetime.

Studio City Dental Group offers a variety of orthodontic treatments to meet the individual needs of our patients, including traditional braces, ceramic (tooth-colored) braces, Invisalign, and retainers. Often there is more than one option for straightening teeth or correcting jaw discrepancies. We will discuss the different options available with you and create a customized treatment plan to achieve your desired results. Like most of your oral healthcare needs, orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation with your dentist. If you have more questions or if you are ready to meet with our team of professionals to discuss your personalized treatment options, give us a call.

Why Orthodontics?

The most common answer to this question is “a big, beautiful smile!” Certainly, a beautiful smile provides a compelling reason for orthodontic care. But the best reason for orthodontic care is what that smile shows – healthy teeth. Orthodontic care may often be viewed as primarily cosmetic, but it’s really an important part of long-term health care.

Orthodontic problems are often very visible. Overbites, uneven teeth and misalignment of the jaw are recognizable to most people upon casual observation.

However, what isn’t visible, or often known, is that correcting those issues may prevent many health concerns that, left uncorrected, could cause lifelong problems, including: 

• tooth decay
• expensive dental care
• abnormal tooth wear
• gum disease
• bone destruction
• TMJ (jaw joint) problems
• psychological stigma
• digestive difficulties

Of course, the feeling that a brilliant smile brings is certainly very important as well. Orthodontic patients and their parents consistently point to improved self-confidence as one of the major benefits of orthodontic care. And one of the best things about orthodontic treatment is that these benefits can last a lifetime. Even after treatment is finished, patients are able to enjoy a continuing positive self-image, great wedding photos, confident job interviews, improved speech, and teeth that are easier to clean.

Today’s orthodontic care is appropriate for children, adolescents and adults. So, please read more about the care you are considering, and may the world smile with you!

Orthodontic FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

At what age can people receive orthodontic treatment?

The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics. It is recommended that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Treatment may take a little longer for adults. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone.

What causes orthodontic problems?

An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, meaning "bad bite." Some examples of causes of malocclusion are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or sucking of the thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time. 

How are orthodontic problems corrected?

First, pretreatment records are made. These records are important tools for the dentist to use in making an accurate diagnosis. They include medical/dental history, a clinical examination, plaster study models of teeth, photos of your face and teeth and x-rays of your mouth and head. This information will be used to decide on the best treatment.

A custom treatment plan is outlined for each patient. The specific treatment appliance best suited to correct the patient's orthodontic problem is constructed, with a variety of different orthodontic appliances that may be used.

When the orthodontic appliances are in place, this is considered the "active treatment" phase. Appliances are adjusted periodically so that the teeth are moved correctly and efficiently. The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. An important factor in how long a patient wears braces is how well the patient cooperates during treatment — for example, by following instructions to wear rubber bands or head gear.

After active treatment is completed, the "retention" phase begins. A patient will need to wear a retainer so that the teeth stay in their new positions. For severe orthodontic problems, surgery may be recommended.

Are there less noticeable braces?

Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets can be metal, clear, or tooth-colored. In some cases, brackets may be put on the back of the teeth (lingual appliances). Modern wires are also less noticeable than their predecessors. Today's wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, making the tooth-moving process faster and more comfortable for patients.