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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.