Orthodontics in Studio City, CA

Orthodontics FAQ

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and correcting malocclusions — misalignments of the teeth and jaws. Treatment uses appliances such as fixed brackets and archwires, clear aligners like Invisalign, or removable retainers to achieve proper occlusion and alignment.

What are malocclusions?

Malocclusions are misalignments classified as Class I (crowding with a normal molar relationship), Class II (overjet or overbite where the upper jaw protrudes), or Class III (underbite where the lower jaw protrudes). Other common types include crossbite, open bite, and dental crowding.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

No. Orthodontic treatment is effective for adults as well as adolescents, provided the teeth and supporting periodontium are healthy. Adult patients at Studio Dental Care in Studio City, CA often achieve excellent results with clear aligner therapy or fixed brackets.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the complexity of the malocclusion, typically ranging from 6 to 24 months. Mild crowding may resolve in as few as six months with clear aligners, while more complex Class II or Class III corrections may require 18 to 24 months with fixed appliances.

What is the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Traditional braces use fixed stainless-steel or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by archwires that apply continuous force. Invisalign uses a series of custom-fabricated thermoplastic aligners (SmartTrack material) that are removable and virtually invisible, changed every one to two weeks.

Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?

For mild to moderate malocclusions — including crowding, spacing, and certain bite discrepancies — clear aligners like Invisalign are comparably effective to fixed braces. More complex cases involving significant skeletal discrepancies, severe tooth rotation, or vertical movement may still benefit from traditional bracket-and-wire systems.

Will orthodontic treatment hurt?

You may experience mild pressure and tenderness for two to four days after each adjustment or aligner change as the periodontal ligament responds to orthodontic forces. Over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen typically manage any discomfort effectively.

How often will I need orthodontic visits?

Progress monitoring appointments are typically scheduled every four to eight weeks. During these visits, archwires may be adjusted or new aligner trays dispensed, and digital progress scans may be taken to ensure treatment is tracking correctly.

How do I care for my teeth during orthodontic treatment?

Thorough oral hygiene is essential during treatment. Brush after every meal using an orthodontic toothbrush or interdental brush, and use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean around brackets and wires. Aligner patients should brush and floss before reinserting trays to prevent plaque accumulation.

How do I get started?

Schedule an orthodontic consultation at Studio Dental Care in Studio City, CA, where digital impressions and diagnostic imaging will be used to evaluate your bite and create a customized treatment plan.