Orthodontics
Braces
Getting braces can be one of the best choices you can make for your smile. If you think that braces mean a mouth full of metal, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Today’s braces are smaller and less noticeable than previous generations, and the appliances are designed to work efficiently and effectively.
Orthodontic treatment can give you an attractive smile, reduce pressure on the jaw joint, make your teeth easier to clean and keep healthy. If you have crooked teeth or an imbalanced bite, Dr. Lozada, our Santa Clarita braces dentist, can help you decide if braces are right for you.
- our expert in braces in Santa Clarita, will begin by developing your treatment plan, which requires records such as dental impressions and dental X-rays. You may need a cleaning before your treatment can begin. The cleaning will remove any build-up from your teeth and polish them to a shine.
- Once your teeth are ready and your treatment plan has been designed, it will be time to attach the brackets and metal bands. Each tooth will have a bracket bonded to it, and archwires are attached to individual brackets using special elastics. The wires are anchored to bands.
- Most patients adjust quickly. You will need to schedule periodic adjustments. As your treatment progresses, the periodontal ligaments and jawbone will gradually adjust to hold your teeth in their new positions.
Dr. Lozada, our expert in braces in Santa Clarita, will explain the best ways to maintain your braces during treatment. You might need to avoid certain foods, like popcorn or caramel, which could damage your braces. You will also need to take special care to brush and floss thoroughly so that you can keep your teeth healthy during treatment.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligner trays. Each aligner tray is designed to fit your smile at a specific treatment stage. Trays are switched periodically as your teeth adjust, and as your teeth move closer to their final positions, you will see your new smile starts to emerge. Dr. Lozada, expert in Invisalign in Santa Clarita, can use Invisalign to treat crossbite, overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, spaced teeth, and crooked teeth.
- At your first appointment, Dr. Lozada, Santa Clarita Invisalign dentist, will determine if Invisalign is right for you.
- Next, he will create your treatment plan, which is based on images, impressions, and X-rays of your smile, which are digitized to create a 3D model of your teeth. Each tooth in this model is moved and adjusted until it is in the proper position.
- Once the aligners have been created, you will begin wearing them for twenty to twenty-two hours a day and move on the next one about every two weeks. You will only remove the aligners during meals or for brushing and flossing.
During treatment, good dental hygiene is absolutely essential. Brush thoroughly after each meal before replacing your aligners, and floss at least daily. Be sure to clean your aligners as recommended. Visit Dr. Lozada, expert in Invisalign in Santa Clarita, for professional cleanings about twice a year or as recommended. You might also benefit from professional fluoride treatments, which can strengthen your teeth against tooth decay and help combat oral bacteria.