Orthodontics FAQs El Segundo, CA

Ultimately, orthodontic treatment is all about how well your teeth and jaw joint function. Pleasing aesthetics are just icing on the cake.

Malocclusion can cause severe issues, leading to:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Broken teeth
• Jaw joint pain
• Periodontal disease
• Dental decay
• Nutrient malabsorption
• TMJ disorder
• Chronic headaches or migraines

Correcting your bite can help reduce your risk of developing conditions that are not only painful but financially costly.

Your orthodontist will start evaluating your child’s bite early on. Orthodontic treatment can start as early as age seven.

There isn’t an age limit for braces. Adults well into their senior years can successfully complete orthodontic treatment.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case, how long you’ll need to undergo treatment, and whether you need additional treatments, such as:

• Headgear
• Space maintainers
• Palatal expanders

Patients with severe malocclusion will generally need to wear traditional metal braces.

If you have mild to moderate malocclusion issues, you can undergo orthodontic treatment in El Segundo with the aid of clear Invisalign® aligners.

Even patients with severe malocclusion have an aesthetic option: Porcelain ceramic braces. These are made up of the same components as metal braces (bracket, archwire, and bands), but everything is white or clear. While not as invisible as Invisalign®, they are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces.

Orthodontic treatment should not be painful. However, it isn’t uncommon for people to experience some soreness when they first get their new Invisalign® aligners or braces. Soreness is also common after orthodontic adjustments or receiving new clear aligners.

If you have any soreness, stick to soft foods for a few days. Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce gum inflammation. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help, too, if a doctor approves you to take them.

Some people with metal or porcelain braces might have soft tissue sensitivity when the brackets rub against their cheeks, lips, and tongue. Again, warm salt water can help, as can dental wax.

It depends on the complexity of your case. Patients with minor corrections can be in and out of braces in six months. Others can take up to two years.

On average, Invisalign® users finish treatment within 12 months. Those who wear braces generally take about 18 months to complete their treatment.

Whether you had orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces or Invisalign®, you must wear a retainer.

An Invisalign® retainer looks similar to your clear aligners, while a traditional retainer is created from acrylic with a wire attached to it.

For at least the first year, you’ll need to wear your retainer 24/7. After that, you’ll need to wear it only at night, but you’ll need to do so for the rest of your life. Your teeth can shift back to their original positions if you don’t.

You can eat with braces but not with Invisalign®. You will need to remove your clear aligners before eating, placing them safely in their case. Do your best to avoid putting them into a tissue or napkin, as it’s easy to throw them away accidentally.

After brushing your teeth, place the aligners back in your mouth as quickly as possible. The aligners need to remain in your mouth for at least 20 hours each day for best results.

If you have metal or porcelain braces, it isn’t uncommon to experience some gum or tooth sensitivity after an adjustment. On days where you have some discomfort, stick to soft foods – yogurt, soup, eggs, and smoothies.