BRACES LOS ANGELES CA
Leading Braces for a Radiant Smile
At Nikaeen Orthodontics, your smile is our priority. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you through your options and support you throughout your orthodontic journey.
Led by Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, our practice is dedicated to providing top-tier orthodontic care in a warm and welcoming environment. With extensive experience and a passion for creating beautiful, healthy smiles with braces in Los Angeles CA, Dr. Nikaeen and our team ensure every patient receives personalized attention.
Understanding Braces
Braces are powerful tools in orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth, close gaps, and correct malocclusion—issues with the alignment of the teeth and how they fit together. While many associate braces with children and teenagers, they are equally effective as braces for adults in Los Angeles. In fact, about one in five orthodontic patients in the United States is over the age of 18.
Braces work by applying continuous pressure over time to slowly move teeth into the desired position. This process not only improves the appearance of your smile but also the functionality of your teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
At Nikaeen Orthodontics, we specialize in multiple types of braces in LA, each designed to accommodate different needs and preferences. Our goal is to ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment to achieve a smile that you can proudly show off.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment at Nikaeen Orthodontics extends beyond just straightening your teeth; it significantly enhances your overall oral health and functionality. Here are the key benefits:
Improved Oral Hygiene
Straight teeth are simpler to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, as overlapping areas that trap food and bacteria are eliminated.
Enhanced Chewing and Speech
Properly aligned teeth improve chewing efficiency and can alleviate certain speech impediments, enhancing digestion and clarity of speech.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Aligning your teeth evenly distributes bite forces, which prevents uneven wear and potential jaw pain, protecting your teeth from premature erosion.
Prevention of Dental Injuries
Straightening protruding teeth reduces the risk of them being damaged in accidents, which is especially important for active individuals or sports enthusiasts.
Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence
A well-aligned smile boosts self-confidence, positively impacting social interactions and professional opportunities.
Long-Term Stability
With appropriate care and the use of retainers as directed, the results of your orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime, providing enduring benefits to your dental health and personal comfort.
Types of Braces at Nikaeen Orthodontics
METAL BRACES
METAL BRACESMetal braces are the most traditional form of braces and are known for their strength and effectiveness. These consist of high-quality stainless steel brackets and wires that are visible on the front of the teeth. Despite their visibility, they remain a popular choice due to their reliability and efficiency in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Patients, especially younger ones, can personalize their braces for kids in Los Angeles with colored bands, giving each orthodontic visit a chance to express themselves.
PROS
- Highly durable and strong.
- Cost-effective compared to other types of braces.
- Efficient at correcting severe misalignments and orthodontic issues.
- Offer fun customization options with colored bands.
CONS
- The most noticeable type of braces.
- Can cause discomfort initially and after adjustments.
- Food restrictions are necessary to avoid damaging the braces.
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces function just like metal braces but come with a significant aesthetic benefit—they blend in with the color of your teeth. Made from composite materials, our clear braces in Los Angeles are less noticeable, making them a preferred choice for adults and teens who are conscious of the appearance of braces. While ceramic braces offer a discreet alternative to metal braces, they require careful handling to prevent damage.
PROS
- Less visible as they blend with the color of your teeth.
- Effective in treating various orthodontic issues, similar to metal braces.
- Suitable for patients concerned about the aesthetics of their braces.
CONS
- More fragile than metal braces and can break more easily.
- Slightly more expensive than metal braces.
- Can stain if not maintained properly.
SELF-LIGATING BRACES
SELF-LIGATING BRACESSelf-ligating braces use the same materials as traditional braces but do not require elastics, making them less noticeable and reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth. They feature a sliding mechanism that allows the wire to adjust as your teeth move. This design simplifies adjustments, reduces the number of dental visits, and can potentially shorten the treatment period.
PROS
- Require fewer dental visits for adjustments.
- Generally provide a shorter treatment time.
- More comfortable than traditional braces as they create less friction.
CONS
- More expensive than traditional metal braces.
- Still visible, though less so than metal braces.
LINGUAL BRACES
LINGUAL BRACESLingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They are customized to match the shape of your teeth, providing a comfortable fit and an effective treatment for a variety of alignment issues. Ideal for patients who prefer a completely discreet option, lingual braces are especially popular among adults with professional careers.
PROS
- Completely hidden from view as they are placed on the back of the teeth.
- Effective for most types of misalignments.
- Aesthetic option preferred by adults in professional roles.
CONS
- More expensive due to customization.
- Can be more uncomfortable at first, especially affecting speech and tongue irritation.
- More challenging cleaning process.
CLEAR ALIGNERS
CLEAR ALIGNERSClear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer the most aesthetic alignment option. These are custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth, gently moving them over time. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without most people even noticing.
They also allow for normal brushing and flossing without additional tools. Clear aligners are best suited for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues.
PROS
- Virtually invisible, offering the most discreet form of treatment.
- Removable, allowing for easier eating and oral hygiene.
- Typically results in less discomfort than traditional braces.
CONS
- Generally, more costly than metal and ceramic braces.
- Not suitable for severe orthodontic issues; best for mild to moderate cases.
- Require disciplined use (must be worn 20-22 hours a day) to be effective.
6-MONTH BRACES
6-MONTH BRACES6-Month Braces are designed to achieve noticeable orthodontic improvements in approximately six months. It focuses on adjusting the teeth that show when you smile, combining the effectiveness of traditional braces with the speed of modern techniques.
It’s particularly appealing to adults who may have missed the opportunity to correct their teeth earlier in life or who are looking for rapid results due to upcoming events like weddings or professional engagements.
PROS
- Rapid treatment time, with most cases completed in about six months.
- Clear or tooth-colored braces make this option discreet.
- Less discomfort due to the lower force used compared to conventional braces.
- Fewer visits are required, generally once a month, which is convenient for busy lifestyles.
CONS
- Not suitable for correcting severe orthodontic issues.
- Limited to adjustments of visible teeth, so it may not address more complex bite issues.
INBRACE
INBRACEInBrace offers a “set-it-and-forget-it” orthodontic solution that integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle while discreetly enhancing your smile. This innovative system uses a unique Smartwire® technology that operates like autopilot, constantly adjusting your teeth without the need for manual tightening or tray changes. It’s a hassle-free approach that allows you to eat, drink, brush, and floss normally, letting the treatment progress naturally in the background.
PROS
- Fewer adjustments make it more comfortable than traditional braces.
- There are no food restrictions.
- Treatment time is often faster than other orthodontic methods.
- Maintenance is minimal since there are no aligners to remove or clean.
CONS
- Speech might initially be affected until you adapt to the braces.
- It can be more costly due to its advanced technology and customization.
- Cleaning the braces on the back of the teeth can be more difficult.
Procedure and What to Expect
Choosing to improve your smile with braces is an exciting step towards better dental health and confidence in your appearance. Here’s what you can expect when you decide to pursue orthodontic treatment at Nikaeen Orthodontics:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Nikaeen. During this visit, we’ll discuss your dental history, concerns, and treatment goals. He will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and facial balance to determine the best treatment options for you.
Custom Treatment Plan
Based on the initial consultation, Dr. Nikaeen will craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique orthodontic needs. This plan will outline the type of braces recommended, the estimated duration of treatment, and any preparatory work needed before the braces are fitted.
Fitting Your Braces
Once you’ve decided on the type of braces, we will schedule a fitting appointment. During this session, the braces will be applied to your teeth. This involves bonding the brackets to your teeth and connecting them with the archwire.
Regular Adjustments
Throughout your treatment, you will visit Nikaeen Orthodontics for regular adjustments, which are crucial for progressing your treatment. For traditional braces, adjustments involve tightening or changing the archwire and bands, which gradually move your teeth into their new positions.
Monitoring Progress
Dr. Nikaeen will monitor your progress at each visit, ensuring the treatment is moving along as planned. These appointments are also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment or oral hygiene.
Completion of Treatment
Once your teeth have reached the desired position, your braces will be removed—a moment worth celebrating. Following the removal, you will receive retainers to wear according to Dr. Nikaeen’s instructions. Retainers are crucial for maintaining the alignment of your new smile.
Follow-Up Care
After the treatment is complete, periodic follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the stability of your results and ensure that your smile remains beautiful and healthy.