Your Path to a Confident Smile Begins Here
A confident smile can change everything—how you feel about yourself, how others see you, and how you approach the world. At our Santa Clarita office, we’re proud to help patients of all ages achieve stunning, healthy smiles with braces. Whether you're exploring options for yourself or your child, our expert orthodontists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Braces Are the Right Choice for Straightening Your Teeth
Braces are more than just a cosmetic treatment. They play a crucial role in improving oral health, correcting alignment issues, and creating a balanced bite. Whether you have crowded teeth, gaps, or jaw alignment concerns, braces offer a proven solution to achieve a beautiful outcome.
The Benefits of Choosing Braces for Your Orthodontic Needs
Choosing braces for your orthodontic needs offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond just a beautiful smile. Braces can significantly improve the functionality of your teeth by correcting bite issues, making chewing and speaking easier. They also enhance your appearance by straightening crooked teeth and closing gaps, giving you a flawless smile.
Braces even contribute to better oral health! Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Ultimately, achieving a straight smile with braces can provide lasting confidence, boosting your self-esteem and helping you feel your best in all aspects of life.
Types of Braces We Offer
Everyone’s teeth are unique, and so are their orthodontic needs. That’s why we offer a variety of braces, each tailored to fit your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and treatment goals.
Invisalign
If you are unsure whether or not braces are for you, ask us whether or not you may be a candidate for aligner treatment! Clear aligners are removable trays that straighten your teeth just like braces.
The big difference is that they are invisible! Because they are removable, there are fewer dietary restrictions than braces. Excellent oral hygiene is much easier to maintain, as well! There are no metal braces inside your mouth, so there are often no lip or cheek issues after beginning aligner therapy.
This is one of our most popular options for teens and adults!
Incognito
Incognito™ Hidden Braces are a unique orthodontic treatment option featuring customized braces placed on the back side of the teeth where they are completely hidden from view. Since they are completely customized for you, Incognito Hidden Braces offer many treatment options which can treat nearly any orthodontic issue. No matter which option you choose, no one will know you’re wearing braces – unless you tell them! You know a great smile can make a difference, not only personally, but professionally. If you’re ready to smile with confidence through life’s big moments, then Incognito™ Hidden Braces are for you.
Traditional Metal Braces
The most common type of braces is the traditional silver or metal braces. But, these aren’t the braces you may have heard questionable stories about! With today’s advanced, space-aged technology, these sleek and stylish brackets are comfortable and move your teeth more efficiently than ever before.
Developed with surgical-grade stainless steel these braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and wires that are less noticeable.
Many of the patients choose to add their favorite team colors to their braces or celebrate special events by showcasing unique color combinations from the orthodontists in Santa Clarita. Colors are simple elastics added to the braces and may be changed at each appointment.
Ceramic Braces
Some patients prefer a more esthetic option. For patients who want orthodontic correction, but do not want the look of metal braces on their teeth, we offer clear or tooth-color braces which are made of ceramic or porcelain materials. These braces aren’t as visible and are a great option for our adult patients. If you choose our esthetic braces, our team will be happy to answer all of your questions and cover all aspects of the difference in care.
Life with Braces: What to Expect
Starting your orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone! Here’s what you need to know about adjusting to life with braces and keeping your smile on track.
Your First Week with Braces
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash can relieve this soreness. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take an over-the-counter pain reliever in the recommended dosage every 4-6 hours. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You may use wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how! We are here to help.
Maintaining Your Braces
Keeping your braces clean ensures your teeth stay healthy throughout treatment. Brush and floss carefully to remove plaque and food particles. Our team will show you the best techniques to care for your braces. Compliance with prescribed rubber bands or other appliances is also key to achieving your treatment goals on time. Working together with our orthodontists will result in the best outcome.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
To protect your braces, avoid these food items during treatment:
- Chewy foods like bagels, hard rolls, and licorice
- Crunchy foods like popcorn, ice, and chips
- Sticky foods like gum and caramels
- Hard foods like nuts and candy
- Foods you bite into like whole apples, carrots, and corn on the cob
Instead, opt for softer foods and cut harder items into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Avoid chewing on hard things like pens, pencils, and fingernails. Protecting your braces from damage will keep your treatment on track.
Braces Emergencies
Occasionally, issues like loose wires or broken brackets can occur. If something feels wrong, don’t stress—call our office so we can help. Here are some quick fixes before your visit:
- Poking wire: If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place orthodontic wax on the wire to reduce irritation. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
- Broken bracket or band: Call our office immediately! We will arrange for a repair visit or at least a comfort visit. You can place wax on the broken brace to stabilize it (if it’s still attached to the orthodontic wire) or bring it to us for repair or replacement.
If you play contact sports, we recommend using a mouthguard to protect your braces and smile. We’re happy to provide a custom mouthguard for added safety.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Are you ready to start your orthodontic journey? Whether you’re exploring options or eager to begin, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the straight, confident smile you deserve. Your dream smile is closer than you think—contact us now!
