Orthodontics FAQs Carson, CA

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist by the age of seven. At this point, they’ll have enough adult teeth for the orthodontist to identify any potential issues.

Are Braces Just for Kids?

Absolutely not! We recommend treating kids because it’s a faster, easier process when you find alignment issues early. But your Carson orthodontist can treat patients of any age. Mature bone is more rigid, so the teeth tend to move more slowly in adults, which can slow the process a bit.

However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in braces for years and years. It all depends on the complexity of your case and your goals. Your Carson orthodontist will present you with a timeline, so you have a good idea of how long you’ll wear braces or clear aligners.

While many think the only reason to get braces is to straighten crooked teeth so you can have a more attractive smile, that’s not the main reason your dentist recommends orthodontics in Carson.

Braces and clear aligners help correct tooth and jaw misalignment issues such as:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Openbite

When the teeth and/or jaw are misaligned, the teeth sustain excess pressure, causing cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. Additionally, the muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments of the head and neck are constantly strained, resulting in:

• Difficulty chewing
• Tight muscles
• Loss of jaw/muscle mobility and flexibility
• Facial pain
• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Ear pain

Some patients experience tooth, gum, and/or jaw tenderness during the first few days of orthodontic treatment or after an adjustment.

Most patients report that the soreness they experience is relatively mild. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help, as can ice packs.

If you experience extreme pain or your symptoms don’t go away after a few days, contact your Carson dentist, as this might signify a more serious problem.

The cost depends on the type of treatment you need. Invisalign® clear aligners tend to cost a bit more than traditional metal braces because we need to outsource the aligner fabrication. We also need to replace the aligners with new ones every few weeks.

Other factors that impact the cost are your case’s complexity and whether you’ll need additional orthodontic treatments, like headgear or a palatal expander.

Will My Insurance Pay for Orthodontic Treatment?

Some insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost of orthodontics in Carson. Those that do might have certain restrictions, so check with your insurance first.

What Type of Payment Options Do You Offer?

Once we know how much (if anything) your insurance will pay, we can create a custom treatment plan that works with your budget. We also offer various third-party financing options.

Most patients need to see their Carson orthodontist every four to six weeks, whether they’re wearing braces or clear aligners. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces or deliver new Invisalign® aligners during these appointments.

What Happens After Orthodontic Treatment?

Once you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will give you a retainer. You’ll need to wear this 24/7 for the first 12 months post-treatment. After that, you may need to only wear it at night, but you’ll do so permanently. Failing to wear your retainer can result in the teeth shifting back to their original positions.

It depends on your unique needs. Your Carson orthodontist will consider all your needs, including your concerns about aesthetics and how treatment will impact your life.

It depends on the complexity of your case.

If you’ve gone through orthodontic treatment in the past and didn’t wear your retainers, you might need six months of treatment to correct the minor misalignment.

However, if this is your first time getting treatment, you’re an adult, and you have complex alignment issues, you’ll spend a few years in braces or aligners. On average, orthodontics in Carson takes between 18 and 24 months.