Orthodontics

Are you wondering, “Does Medi-Cal cover orthodontics?” Find the answers to your orthodontic Medi-Cal questions in this overview.

What Does Orthodontic Discomfort Actually Feel Like? Let’s clear something up right away: if you’re wondering whether orthodontic treatments hurt, the sensation involves discomfort, not the kind you might be imagining. Most patients describe it as mild pressure or tenderness, similar to how your muscles feel after a good workout. Your teeth aren’t used to

What Happens During Your First Orthodontic Consult? Most people wonder whether a first orthodontic visit will hurt or how long it takes. Totally normal. Your first consult is simply a chance to learn about your smile and explore your options with zero pressure. What Is an Orthodontic Consult? An orthodontic consult is an initial evaluation

How Your Bite Connects to Your Digestive Health You probably know that straight teeth look great. But can orthodontic treatment improve your bite and digestion at the same time? The connection between your mouth and your gut is more direct than most people realize, and bite correction for digestion is a topic that deserves more

A posterior open bite with Invisalign can be prevented with ongoing orthodontic care from an experienced professional.

Orthodontic Wax 101 If you or your child wears braces, you’ve probably heard of orthodontic wax — or maybe you were handed a small container at your first appointment and weren’t quite sure what to do with it. Orthodontic wax is one of the most underrated tools in your braces toolkit. It’s simple, safe, and

What Is a Gummy Smile? A “gummy smile” is a smile where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. While there’s no strict clinical definition of how much gum is “too much,” many providers consider more than 3–4 millimeters of visible gum to be excessive. For some people, a gummy

When starting orthodontic treatment, precision matters. Whether you’re preparing for braces or Invisalign in Los Angeles, capturing an accurate representation of your teeth and bite is one of the most important early steps your orthodontist will take. Traditionally, this was done using putty impressions — the kind that many patients remember for their messy texture