Orthodontics FAQs in Los Angeles CA

Orthodontists are dentists who complete an additional 2–3 years of specialized training to become experts in orthodontics. This advanced education focuses on the biomechanics of tooth movement and the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Dr. Lee attended UCLA for his orthodontic residency training after completing dental school at USC. After residency, orthodontists may pursue Board Certification through the American Board of Orthodontics by successfully completing rigorous written and clinical examinations that include case presentations. Dr. Lee has been a Board Certified Orthodontist since 2016!

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), your child should see an orthodontist at age 7 for his/her initial orthodontic evaluation. At this appointment, we typically take two x-rays – panoramic x-ray and cephalometric x-ray. We use panoramic x-rays to assess the eruption pattern of the permanent teeth and determine whether there will be adequate space for them. Cephalometric x-rays help us to determine the jaw relationship and whether early treatment modality such as a headgear or face-mask will be needed. Although most children do not necessarily need treatment at this early age, this allows us to take a proactive approach, monitor development, and address potential concerns before they become more complex.

No, orthodontic treatment is not limited by age but your periodontal health. Dr. Lee currently has patients in their 70s who wanted to improve both esthetics and function with either modalities – braces and clear aligners. As long you are periodontally healthy – no severe bone loss with excessive tooth mobility, you are not too late to start your orthodontic journey.

Orthodontic treatment duration depends on several factors – age, periodontal health, compliance (aligner wear or elastics). I would say that the average duration of treatment is between 18-24 months.

Imagine going to the gym to work out for the first time in a while. That feeling of muscle soreness is similar to the pressure you feel when starting braces or clear aligners. This feeling is temporary and patients will quickly adapt as treatment progresses. We recommend taking OTC advil or Tylenol as needed for the first 3 days.

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health, function, and smile aesthetics. The cost of treatment varies based on factors such as case complexity, treatment length, type of treatment (braces, clear aligners, hidden braces, or surgical orthodontics), and available insurance benefits. Our goal is to work closely with you to make orthodontic care accessible and affordable, while delivering the best possible results.

We offer metal and clear braces from ORMCO – Orthos Titanium (https://ormco.com/en-us/titanium-orthos-brackets) and Symetri Clear (https://ormco.com/en-us/symetri-clear).

For clear aligners, we offer Spark™ Clear Aligner System (https://ormco.com/en-us/spark-clear-aligners) and Invisalign® Clear Aligners (https://www.invisalign.com).

Your primary dentist can help guide you in determining whether you or your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment. If there are concerns related to tooth alignment or bite, speak to your dentist or contact our office directly to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation. A referral from your dentist is not required for your consultation.

At your initial orthodontic consultation, we will take a set of records – X-rays, photographs, and a 3D scan of your teeth. Dr. Lee will review these records and perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth and bite. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss your main concerns and treatment goals. We will then review the most suitable treatment options, expected length of treatment, and the insurance coverage and financial investment in your smile journey.

With advancements in clear aligner technology, clear aligners can treat a wide scope of cases just as effectively as braces. However, certain cases – such as malocclusions involving severely rotated teeth, ectopically erupted, and/or impacted teeth, and surgical cases - are treated more predictably with braces than clear aligners.

Clear aligners may offer an advantage over braces for en-mass distalization of the dental arch when auxillary appliances such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are not used. Ultimately, the best option depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs, and Dr. Lee will help guide you in choosing the option that is best for you.

• For braces, you can expect your visits to be every 6-8 weeks.
• For clear aligners, your visits will be every 12-16 weeks.

Yes, for the most part you can eat normally with braces. However, there are certain foods we recommend avoiding. As a general rule, foods that are very hard, crunchy, or sticky are not braces-friendly, as can break brackets or get lodged around the braces, leading to discomfort. Also, frequent bracket breakage can also prolong your treatment time so it is best to stick to soft foods to ensure a smooth braces journey.

Here are some foods that are braces friendly: Eggs, rice, pasta, soup, pancakes, soft fruits (bananas, berries), soft candies (Reese’s pieces)

Here are some foods that are not braces friendly: Whole apples or carrots (unless cut into small pieces), hard breads (bagels, baguettes, croutons), hard crunchy foods (hard chips, nuts), sticky/chewie candies (caramel, taffy, Snickers, gum)

At your first braces appointment, we will review food guidelines in detail to help keep your treatment on track.

The ideal time for braces depends on each patient’s specific treatment goals and needs. For example, if an 8-year-old has an impacted canine due to early loss of a primary teeth, starting braces and palatal expander early at that time may be necessary, as delaying treatment could worsen the situation.

With that said, the most common and ideal age to get braces is around 11-12 years old. At this age, the jaws are still growing, which helps with correcting class II relationships and excessive overjet/overbite. In addition, the supporting bone is still developing and more responsive, making teeth movement easier. This period is considered a "window of opportunity" where bone growth and tooth development are optimal for correcting orthodontic issues efficiently.

• Braces: Avoid eating non-braces-friendly foods to help prevent broken brackets or dislodged wires. It is important to brush thoroughly around the brackets and floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene may lead to cavities and white spot lesions around brackets. If your child is having of brackets or dislodgement of wires. If your child is having difficulty keeping their teeth and gums clean, we recommend using an electric toothbrush and a water flosser to make brushing and flossing easier.
• Aligners: Always store your aligners in the case when not wearing to prevent loss or damage. Avoid wrapping them in a napkin, as this is one of the most common reasons aligners are accidentally thrown away. Be sure to brush and clean your aligners daily to keep them clear, fresh, and hygienic.

No, you do not need a referral from your primary dentist to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Lee.

You can take over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol to manage any discomfort during braces treatment. Typically, the initial soreness from braces lasts about 24-72 hours and gradually improves as your teeth adjust.

Phase I orthodontic treatment is an interceptive orthodontic treatment to help improve the alignment and jaw relationship at a pre-pubertal stage. Some examples include severe overjet or underbite, narrow maxilla/mandible, space loss for permanent teeth from early loss of baby teeth, or severe crowding.

At your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will examine to see if Phase I is necessary for your child.

After your orthodontic treatment, we will provide you with retainer options – removable clear or Hawley retainers, or fixed bonded retainers.

The main risks associated with orthodontic treatment include root resorption and an increased risk of cavities or white spot lesions if good oral hygiene is not maintained.

Research over the years has concluded that orthodontic treatment is not directly associated with causing TMJ pain. However, if TMJ symptoms are related to an abnormal bite – such as severe overjet, underbite, anterior open bite, or skeletal asymmetry with a unilateral crossbite – orthodontic treatment aimed at correcting these malocclusions may improve TMJ symptoms.

Depending on your insurance plan, orthodontic treatment may be partially covered. Coverage typically includes a maximum lifetime benefit and may have age limitations. During your initial consultation, our treatment coordinator will review your insurance benefits with you and explain your estimated out-of-pocket costs.