Braces and Clear Aligners in Murrieta

Orthodontic care is coming to our office

Orthodontic care is on its way to Golden Triangle Dentistry. Dr. Neff’s letter to our patients shares that orthodontics (braces and aligners) will be available right here, so you will not need to travel to another office.

It’s part of a bigger change. With Dr. H. Pourshirazi, DMD, now caring for patients and Dr. Meerweis Stanisai, DDS, continuing to see patients, the letter describes “specialists under one roof” for oral surgery, root canal treatment, orthodontics and children’s dentistry.

If you’ve been searching for orthodontic care in Murrieta, call us first. Our team will tell you who will provide braces and aligner care here and how to plan your first visit.

The same caring team, the same office and the same phone number are staying. Your records stay right here, too.

How do braces and clear aligners work?

Both braces and clear aligners move teeth with gentle, steady pressure over time.

Braces use small brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire that is adjusted from time to time. The brackets can be metal or tooth-colored, and sometimes they’re placed behind the teeth.

Clear aligners, such as the Invisalign system, are a series of thin plastic trays shaped to fit your teeth. Each set moves your teeth a little further, and you usually switch to the next set about every two weeks.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says braces can treat most orthodontic problems, and aligners work for many, depending on the case. The right choice depends on your bite and your routine.

What signs mean a bite needs attention?

Crowded, crooked or widely spaced teeth, and teeth that don’t meet the way they should, are common signs it’s time for an orthodontic check. Learn more about crooked teeth and bite problems, or watch for these:

• Crowded, overlapping or crooked teeth
• Gaps or wide spaces between teeth
• Upper teeth that sit far in front of the lower teeth (overbite), or lower teeth that jut forward (underbite)
• Front teeth that don’t touch when you bite down (open bite)
• Trouble biting or chewing, or pain when you chew
• In children: losing baby teeth much earlier or later than usual, mouth breathing, constant cheek biting, or a jaw that shifts or clicks

What is the right age for orthodontics?

There’s no single right age. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, treatment often starts between ages 8 and 14, and healthy teeth can be moved at any age.

An early check-up doesn’t mean braces right away. It shows how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing and whether treatment might help later. If you notice a problem sooner, you don’t need to wait.

Bite problems usually become noticeable between ages 6 and 12, as adult teeth come in. Regular children’s dentistry visits are a good time to ask how your child’s bite is developing.

Many teens can choose braces or clear aligners. Aligners suit teens who will wear them nearly all day; braces stay on, so there’s nothing to remember.

Teens who play sports should wear a mouthguard, which the ADA says may be especially important with braces. Ask which type to use.

Is it too late to straighten teeth as an adult?

No. The ADA says healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and the AAO reports that about 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today are adults.

Adults often choose treatment to close gaps, fix crowding or improve how their teeth meet. The AAO notes that misaligned teeth are harder to clean and can contribute to gum disease.

Because healthy gums matter during treatment, it’s smart to be up to date on your cleanings and exams before you start.

Our office is also adding 3D imaging and digital impressions, which Dr. Neff’s letter says are “for more comfortable visits and fewer appointments.”

What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontic treatment follows a few clear stages, from an exam and a custom plan to active tooth movement and a retainer at the end.

• An exam of your teeth, bite and jaws, often with X-rays or other images
• A treatment plan that explains which options fit your bite
• Active treatment, with braces or a series of aligners moving teeth a little at a time
• Regular check-ins to make sure teeth are moving as planned
• A retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions

Do you need a retainer after braces or aligners?

Yes. After braces or aligners come off, teeth can drift back toward their old positions, and a retainer holds them where they belong.

Retainers can be removable, like clear plastic trays or a wire-and-acrylic design, or fixed, with a thin wire bonded behind the teeth.

Cleveland Clinic says many people wear a retainer day and night for at least four to six months, then at night long-term.

Clean a removable retainer daily, and keep it in its case, away from pets, when it’s out.

How do you care for your teeth during treatment?

Brush well after meals and before bed, clean between your teeth every day, and follow the food rules for your type of treatment.

• With braces, the AAO suggests brushing for two minutes after every meal or snack and before bed, and flossing at least once a day.
• Skip hard, sticky and crunchy foods like popcorn, caramels, hard pretzels and taco chips, which can damage brackets and wires.
• Tap water and milk are good drinks with braces. The AAO advises avoiding regular and diet soft drinks.
• With aligners, take them out to eat or drink anything except tap water, and brush before you put them back in.
• Keep up regular cleanings, since plaque builds up easily around brackets and under trays.

What affects the cost of braces or aligners?

The cost of orthodontic care depends mostly on how complex your bite is, how long treatment takes and which type of appliance fits your needs. Our braces vs. clear aligners cost guide explains each factor in plain terms, and our financing page covers ways to spread out payments.

• How much your teeth and bite need to move
• Whether braces or clear aligners are the better fit
• How long treatment lasts and how many check-ins you need
• Retainers after treatment
• Whether your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits

Questions & answers

Common questions