Orthodontics FAQs El Segundo CA
Orthodontics FAQs El Segundo CA

Orthodontics FAQs

Orthodontics FAQs El Segundo, CA

What’s the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams while improving your oral health? Orthodontics in El Segundo, of course!

We know that orthodontic care is an investment of time and money, so we wanted to answer some of your questions. It’s our goal to make you feel confident about your investment and excited to get the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.

Orthodontics in El Segundo - FAQs

Here are some questions we are asked regularly about our orthodontic services. We hope the answers offer some clarification.

Do I Really Need Orthodontic Treatment, or Is It Just Cosmetic?

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.

What’s the Best Age to Start Treatment with an El Segundo Orthodontist?

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.

How Much Does Orthodontics in El Segundo Cost?

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
What Are My Options If I’m Concerned About Aesthetics?

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.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?

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.

How Long Will I Need to Undergo Orthodontics in El Segundo?

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.

How Will I Maintain My Smile After Braces Come Off?

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.

Can I Eat with Braces or Invisalign®?

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.

Do You Still Have Questions?

The above questions are just the basics. It’s natural if you still have more questions – and we encourage you to ask them. The more questions you ask, the more we can provide you with satisfactory answers to make you feel confident going into treatment.

A Healthier Smile Starts with Orthodontics In El Segundo

Contact us if you would like to discuss your case or any questions you have with our orthodontic team.