Orthodontics LA offers many options for braces that provide patients flexibility and customization options. When talking with an orthodontist from Orthodontics LA they will offer traditional braces, clear braces, damon braces and Invisalign. To learn more about different types of braces treatments that might be best for you, we advise coming in for an in person consultation with our team. You can schedule an initial new patient consultation on our site or you can also call us at either of our offices. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!

Guide to Braces

Orthodontics LA offers four main types of braces that patients can choose from:

• Traditional (Metal) Braces: Metal or traditional braces are the most commonly used type of brace and often is what comes to mind when thinking of braces. Despite depictions on tv and movies, orthodontic technology has made traditional braces much more comfortable and affordable for patients. Traditional braces are made of stainless steel and straighten your teeth using a combination of brackets and archwires. You can customize your braces with the use of colored elastic bands.
• Clear (Ceramic) Braces: Ceramic braces provide the effectiveness of traditional braces without being so visible as metal braces. Clear braces are made of a translucent material that is virtually clear. This is a great option for patients that are concerned with the cosmetic look of having braces. Clear braces are exactly what they sound like, clear and not easily noticed. Clear braces do have their drawbacks, including being more fragile and requiring more visits. Patients have to be more careful and selective in the foods because of the fragile nature of clear braces.
• Damon Braces: Damon braces provide the newest technology in braces. Damon braces are a tie-less system, which allows for less friction and faster tooth movement. Because of this Damon braces don’t require the typical tightening and require fewer adjustments because they utilize shape-memory wires. Treatment time is shorter, and fewer appointments are required.
• Invisalign® (Clear Aligners) : Clear aligner systems are most commonly known as Invisalign. They use custom-made plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth to their proper positions. These aligners are designed through computer simulation to ensure optimal results. Through these simulations, orthodontists will make a clear removable tray that provides tooth movement. It is esthetic, and can barely be seen by peers. Because Invisalign is a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, it is a very popular treatment among adults and other patients who would like a more discreet treatment option.

During your initial visit with our orthodontists team, we will help you determine which type of braces would best meet your personal needs and preferences. For more information and to schedule your consultation, call us today.

If you’d like to set an appointment, you can visit us at either of our two convenient location in Los Angeles. These two offices are housed in Encino and the city of Glendale.

Guide to What to Eat with Braces

Below is a quick 1 minute guide to what you can and can’t eat while you have braces. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you want to learn more about foods that you can eat, we encourage you read our blog posts. We’ve written a lot about different foods you can and can’t eat.

Food You Can Eat With Braces

Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice
Meat: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meals
Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
Treats: Ice Cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cakes

Foods You Can’t  Eat when you have Braces

Hard foods: nuts, candies, hard pretzels, ice
Sticky foods: caramels, gum
Crunchy food: popcorn
Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice

It’s important to avoid these certain foods that can decrease your risk of cavities or lower your chances of damaging the braces. Cut down on foods mentioned above. Sugary and starchy food generate plaque acid that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Also stay away from hard crunchy snacks. These types of snacks can damage the braces or could get stuck between braces.

It’s important to note that replacing braces can cause the treatment time to increase. Therefore, taking care of your teeth during treatment is vital to having them removed.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Brush and floss your teeth normally, but be sure to brush your teeth more often after meals. This will help you minimize your chances of developing tooth decay or staining your braces. Watch the videos below on the proper care during your orthodontic treatment.

Soreness caused from braces

When you first get braces, your mouth and teeth feel a little tender or sore. Don’t worry this is perfectly normal. Your mouth will not be sore for a very long time. Dissolving one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water will help you relieve pain. Swish and gargle this solution for about 2 minutes.

If the pain doesn’t go away after rinsing, then you can try taking pain relievers such as Advil or ibuprofen. It is not rare for lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for up to two weeks as you get used to the toughen and become accustomed to the braces.

You May Experience Loose Teeth

It is common to feel your teeth loose. The braces must first loosen up your teeth to move them into the correct position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.

Loose Band or Wires On Braces

Don’t panic if your wire or band comes loose. It’s pretty normal for it to happen. Please contact your orthodontist  as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your braces. Be sure to save any bands or wires come off. Bring it to the office and we’ll put them back on. You can temporarily fix a loose wire by simply using a pencil eraser and carefully tucking the wire back.

Damaged braces can increase the length of your treatment. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if your consistently wearing the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your orthodontist.

Athletics with Braces

Please let your orthodontist if you are involved in any athletics or sports. You can still play sports even while going through the teeth alignment treatment. We solely recommend that you wear a mouthguard for the best protection.