Orthodontics at the Los Angeles Center for Dentistry from Dr Linda Nguyen and Dr Tom Nguyen

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental irregularities. Drs. Linda and Tom Nguyen have over 15 years experience using Braces and Invisalign to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. In orthodontics, tooth movement is accomplished by light pressure exerted on the teeth. The pressure is applied by a variety of orthodontic appliances. These appliances have progressed by use of space aged research to apply gentile forces over the course of treatment. These are not "my fathers braces", braces now come in clear or metal. They no longer need "bands" to go completely around the teeth. Many of your friends have braces or have completed treatment, look at the difference it has made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

How much do braces cost?

The price of orthodontic appliances can vary, depending upon the severity of the malocclusion, appliance, treatment time and the orthodontist's fee. The price range is quite large, but you will probably end up paying between $3600-4800. The best way to get a quote is to ask your orthodontist.

Do I have to?

No one is going to force you to wear braces. However, if you have some sort of malocclusion, it will cause you problems later in life if it is left untreated. Braces line your teeth up in the best possible manner to avoid plaque build-up, and undue wear and tear on your teeth and gums. They also help to improve your self esteem by giving you the best possible smile.

Will my braces hurt?

It doesn't hurt to apply your braces, but for the first week after you've had them put on, your teeth and jaw may ache. If any parts of the braces start to hurt the inside of your mouth, you can apply wax to the braces to smooth things over. You can also take an aspirin or Disprin to help the ache. Remember - the pain doesn't last very long. It will also help to limit your diet just to soft foods for the first week.

How old is too old for braces?

You are never too old to benefit from wearing braces. However, there may be some limitations, depending on your age.

What age should I send my child to an orthodontist?

Once the deciduous teeth start to fall out (exfoliate), the child should be examined by an orthodontist. If the baby teeth have fallen out too early, a preventative treatment may be needed to stop the erupting teeth from overcrowding.

When will I get my braces off?

This depends on how severe your malocclusion is. It also depends on your age, your growth spurts and how willing your teeth are to move! You can speed up the process by not breaking your braces, maintaining good oral hygiene, and wearing your appliances correctly. The usual time for braces is 18 - 24 months.

Are there any foods I can't eat?

Yes! Some hard crunchy foods may break your braces, so you'll have to wear them longer. These food include carrots, peanuts, gum, candy, popcorn, ice, hard chips and biscuits.

Can I chew gum?

There are some types of gum that you can chew, which will stimulate saliva production in your mouth. Sugar-free gums such as Wrigleys are great. However, do not chew sticky gum that will get caught in your braces.

Brushing & Flossing:

The biggest enemy of your teeth is plaque and the most common and effective means of removing plaque from your teeth is regular brushing and flossing:

Brushing

• Hold the brush at an angle and press firmly against the teeth, flexing the bristles.
• Move the brush in small circles, cleaning the tooth surface.
• Brush above the arch wire and below it.
• Brush the backside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth.

Flossing

• Slide the floss gently between the teeth.
• Avoid snapping the floss through a tight space.
• Rub the floss up and down the sides of each tooth.
• Do not use a shoe shine or see-saw motion.

Sometimes, a parent whose child is being treated will choose to correct his or her bite at the same time. The fact is, braces can improve a persons smile-and confidence-at almost any age. More and more adults are turning to orthodontic treatment to correct a smile that's bothered them most of their lives. With the help of your dentist you can have a healthy, beautiful smile. And with today's smaller, less visible, more comfortable braces, plus the affordable payment plans that many orthodontists offer, adult patients are finding braces more appealing than ever. Some orthodontists even offer special payment plans for adults and their children who go through the treatment at the same time.

Depending on how much correction is needed, some patients opt for braces on the back surface of their teeth, where they're not visible to the eye. For many adults, the improvement in their health and appearance after braces is well worth the time and expense. We also offer Invisalign®, a nearly invisible mouthpiece.

While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem. Of course, the check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and that can be comforting news. Even if a problem is detected immediate treatment may not be recommended.. Chances are, your doctor will take a "wait and see" approach, checking on your child from time to time as the permanent teeth come in and the jaws and face continue to grow. In some cases, there are problems that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing, and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Typically, early treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances, which may be removable, to guide the growth of young bones and create a better environment for adult teeth as they emerge. In some cases, one will be able to achieve results that wouldn't be possible once the face and jaw have finished growing. Early treatment gives your child's dentist the chance to:

• Guide jaw growth
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits?Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Improve the way lips meet

It's not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite, and that's why it's important to take your child for that first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Breathing through the mouth
• Thumb-sucking
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
• Jaws that are too far forward or back
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Upper and lower teeth don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
• An unbalanced facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth