Life with braces
Braces can be a major lifestyle change.
Here’s what to know about your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile.
What to expect when you get braces
From the first visit to your brand-new smile, our team is here to guide you through every step of your braces journey.
Certified
orthodontists
All orthodontic treatments at Western Dental are supervised by a certified orthodontist who guides your care.
Personalized
treatment
Your orthodontist will study your bite, design your future smile, and create a treatment plan tailored to your exact needs.
Regular
appointments
You’ll have an appointment with your orthodontist every 5-6 weeks to evaluate your progress and adjust your braces.
New to orthodontics? Start here.
Orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth. It’s also about creating a healthy bite and supporting long-term oral health. Learn about different bite issues and how appliances like braces work to guide your smile into place.
Flexible payment options for everyone
We accept most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicaid, and offer financing options to fit your budget. Whether you’re insured or not, we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
Hear what’s making our patients smile
I was nervous about my root canal, but the team at Western Dental was kind and calming. The procedure was pretty painless, and I feel at ease returning for my next appointment.
Gloria helped transfer my DHMO plan and book fast care for me and my son. The dentist explained everything clearly, and we even got a free orthodontic consultation.
I was so embarrassed to smile before. Rochelle at Western Dental gave me my confidence back. The staff is friendly and made every visit feel comfortable. Thank you!
Life with braces FAQs
Your orthodontist will do a complete survey of your teeth, jaw, and the roof of your mouth to determine if you need orthodontic care. This will include digital X-rays that give us the full picture.
If you do need braces, your orthodontist will work with you to create a personalized plan. Some parts of your treatment may be designed to improve your bite, speech, or overall structure, and others may be for aesthetic purposes. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that improves both your dental health and appearance.
Sometimes braces can dig into lips or cheeks. To make your braces more comfortable, your dentist or orthodontist can provide dental wax to place over any sharp parts to protect your mouth. You can also pick up dental wax from a local drugstore.
The wires on your braces are held in place with small rubber bands that come in a rainbow of colors. You can change the colors whenever you get your braces adjusted. Feel free to match the holidays, represent at events, or simply stick with your favorites!
There are two main types of food that you should avoid when wearing braces: sticky foods and hard foods. Anything sticky can get trapped in your braces and pull off wires and bands, while hard foods can break off brackets.
Here are some foods to avoid during treatment:
- Food you have to gnaw or chew: jerky, bagels, sourdough
- Crunchy food: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky food: gummies, caramel, candy bars, gum
- Hard food: nuts, pretzels, hard candy
- Sugary food: candy, fudge, chocolate, soda
- Things you have to bite into: apples, carrots, corn on the cob