How do I know if I need braces?

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.

What happens if I need braces?

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.

Are braces customizable?

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!

What foods should I avoid while wearing braces?

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

Home Dental services Braces & orthodontics Life with braces

Life with Braces:
Tips & Care

Braces can be a major lifestyle change.
Here’s what to know about your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile.

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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.

Learn about orthodontics

Affordable payment
options for dental care

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.

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*Not valid for patients with dental benefit insurance or coverage, regardless of whether such coverage is provided by a Western Dental plan or discount program coverage, or coverage by health or dental insurance or any government program, including Medicaid / Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal. The regular price for these procedures in California is $378. This offer is valid for new patients until 12/31/25 for exam, X-rays & consultation only. X-rays do not include panoramic or cephalometric images. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Diagnosis may result in treatment at an additional cost to the patient. No purchase obligation required.

Hear what’s making our patients smile

Just came back from getting our braces. Wires done. Had a good time. A lot of explanation by the doctors got to pick out new colors. It’s a good time over here at Western Dental orthodontics.

I’ve had such a beautiful experience here. The ladies at the front desk are always so warm, welcoming, and effortlessly on top of everything—they truly set the tone the moment you walk in. As for my braces journey, the team has been nothing short of amazing. They’re precise, professional, and consistently deliver with care and excellence. I always feel taken care of, and their kindness never goes unnoticed. It’s rare to find a place that combines such high-level service with genuine energy—absolutely love it here. Thank you !

Communication was clear and organized—everything from my current treatment to upcoming appointments was explained in detail, so I always knew what to expect. Additionally, a specialist from the orthodontic section provided me with a free consultation for braces. She was extremely helpful, friendly, and took the time to carefully go over options for improving my smile.