Braces are specialized orthodontic appliances designed to gradually and precisely move teeth into their correct alignment. They work by applying continuous, gentle pressure over a period of time, slowly shifting teeth through the bone to their optimal positions. While often associated with teenagers, modern braces are a fantastic option for adults too, addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues. Our goal at Smiles By Eddie is to provide effective and comfortable orthodontic solutions in Woodland Hills, leading to beautiful, lasting results.
At Smiles By Eddie, I believe that a beautifully aligned smile is a cornerstone of both oral health and self-confidence. If you or your child are dealing with crooked teeth, overcrowded arches, or bite issues, braces are a proven and effective solution to gently guide teeth into their ideal positions.
This transformative journey not only enhances aesthetics but also improves chewing function, oral hygiene, and long-term dental health. My team and I are dedicated to providing personalized orthodontic care right here in Woodland Hills, helping patients of all ages achieve the straight, healthy smile they’ve always dreamed of.
Beyond simply making your smile look better, properly aligned teeth and a corrected bite offer numerous health and functional benefits. During your initial consultation at my Woodland Hills dental office, I’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine if braces are the right course of action for your unique needs.
You might benefit from braces if you or your child experience:
- Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: The most common reason, where teeth are simply not straight.
- Crowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to erupt properly, causing them to overlap or become displaced.
- Gaps or Spacing Issues: Large spaces between teeth that can impact aesthetics and trap food.
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower front teeth or jaw protrude in front of the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Open Bite: When the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, making biting difficult.
- Impacted Teeth: Teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line and bone, unable to erupt properly.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Misaligned teeth can impair these vital functions.
- Uneven Wear of Teeth: Poor alignment can cause certain teeth to wear down faster.
- Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues: Bite problems can contribute to discomfort in the jaw joints.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
At Smiles By Eddie, we understand that every smile is unique, and so are individual preferences. That’s why we offer a range of modern brace options, allowing us to tailor your treatment to your specific needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires. We’ll discuss all available choices during your consultation in Woodland Hills.
Traditional Metal Braces: These are the classic and most common type of braces. Made from high-grade stainless steel, they consist of small brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, connected by a thin archwire. Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than ever before. They are incredibly strong, efficient, and cost-effective for addressing a wide variety of orthodontic issues.
- Benefits include: Highly effective for complex cases, very durable, often the most economical option.
Clear Braces (Ceramic Braces): Clear braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but use translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in more discreetly with your natural teeth. They are a popular choice for older teens and adults in Woodland Hills who desire a less noticeable orthodontic solution.
- Benefits include: Less visible than metal braces, strong and effective, blend well with natural tooth color.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners (A Popular Alternative): While not “braces” in the traditional sense, Invisalign is a highly popular and effective clear aligner system that we offer as an alternative for many patients. It uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. They offer exceptional aesthetics and convenience.
- Benefits include: Nearly invisible, removable for eating/brushing, comfortable, no dietary restrictions.
DR. EDMOND
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Choosing the right dentist for orthodontic treatment is a significant decision. Here’s why patients in Woodland Hills, CA, and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, trust Smiles By Eddie for their braces and smile transformation needs:
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Expertise: I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthodontic issues for patients of all ages, from minor adjustments to more complex bite corrections. You are in skilled and knowledgeable hands.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every smile is unique! I take the time to conduct thorough assessments and create highly individualized treatment plans that specifically address your unique orthodontic needs and aesthetic goals, ensuring the most effective and efficient path to your ideal smile.
- Patient-Centered Comfort: I understand that orthodontic treatment is a journey. My team and I are dedicated to making every appointment as comfortable and positive as possible. We prioritize gentle techniques, clear communication, and address any concerns or anxieties you may have.
- Advanced Technology & Techniques: Our Woodland Hills dental office is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and advanced orthodontic techniques, allowing for precise treatment planning and optimal results, often with shorter treatment times and increased comfort.
- Holistic Oral Health Focus: Beyond just straightening teeth, I emphasize the overall health benefits of proper alignment, including improved chewing, easier hygiene, and reduced risk of future dental problems. We look at the complete picture of your oral well-being.
- Long-Term Smile Maintenance: Your beautiful, straight smile is an investment. I provide detailed guidance and support for the crucial retention phase, ensuring your results last for a lifetime.
- Convenient & Welcoming Local Practice: Located right here in Woodland Hills, our friendly office offers a comfortable and accessible environment for all your orthodontic needs. We’re proud to be your local choice for braces and orthodontics in Woodland Hills.
Embarking on your orthodontic journey with braces at my Woodland Hills dental office is a well-planned and exciting process. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation & Comprehensive Exam: This is your first step! I’ll conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite. We’ll take digital X-rays, photographs, and possibly 3D scans or impressions to create a detailed record of your oral structure. We’ll discuss your smile goals, address any concerns, and determine the best orthodontic treatment plan for you.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnostic records, I will develop a precise, customized treatment plan outlining the exact movements needed for your teeth, the type of braces best suited for you, and the estimated treatment duration.
- Braces Placement: During this visit, the brackets will be carefully bonded to your teeth, and the archwires will be threaded through them. This process is generally comfortable, and we’ll ensure you understand all the initial care instructions.
- Regular Adjustments: You’ll visit our office periodically (typically every 4-8 weeks) for adjustments. During these appointments, I’ll tighten or change the archwires, and sometimes adjust elastic bands or other components, to continue guiding your teeth into their correct positions.
- Oral Hygiene Guidance: Throughout your treatment, my team will provide ongoing instructions and tips for maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy.
- Debanding (Braces Removal): Once your teeth have reached their ideal alignment and your treatment plan is complete, the braces will be gently removed. This is an exciting milestone!
- Retention Phase: This is a crucial final step! After braces are removed, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions. To prevent this, retainers (removable or fixed) are essential. I’ll custom-make your retainers and provide clear instructions on how to wear them to maintain your beautiful new smile for life.
FAQ
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. While most children won’t need braces at this age, it allows me to identify any developing issues early and determine the ideal time to begin treatment, if necessary.
Absolutely not! A significant percentage of orthodontic patients are adults. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can achieve a beautifully straight smile at any age. Many adults in Woodland Hills are choosing to improve their smiles with braces or clear aligners.
Treatment duration varies significantly based on the complexity of your case, the type of braces chosen, and your cooperation with instructions. On average, treatment with braces can last from 18 to 36 months, but I’ll provide a more precise estimate during your consultation.
You may experience some soreness or discomfort for a few days after your braces are first placed and after some adjustment appointments. This is normal as your teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and the discomfort usually subsides quickly.
To protect your braces, it’s best to avoid sticky foods (gum, caramels), hard foods (nuts, hard candies, popcorn, ice), and chewy foods (bagels, licorice). Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces is crucial. You’ll need to brush carefully after every meal, paying attention around the brackets and wires. Flossing will require special tools like floss threaders or an orthodontic flosser. We’ll provide thorough instructions and demonstrate proper techniques.
After your braces are removed, the retention phase begins! This is a critical step where you’ll wear a retainer (either removable or fixed) to hold your teeth in their new positions. Wearing your retainer as instructed is essential to preserve your beautiful new smile for life.
Many dental insurance plans, particularly those with orthodontic benefits, provide some coverage for braces, especially for children. Coverage for adults varies. My team will gladly help you understand your specific insurance benefits and provide estimated costs during your consultation.
Yes, braces are highly effective at correcting various bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Correcting your bite is vital for proper chewing function, speech, and preventing jaw joint problems.
Both types function similarly using brackets and wires. The main difference is aesthetics: metal braces use visible stainless steel brackets, while clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend more discreetly with your natural tooth color. Clear braces may be slightly more prone to staining and typically cost a bit more.