Braces For All Ages

No matter your age, we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. At Allen Orthodontics in Oceanside, we create custom treatment plans that fit your specific needs and smile goals. After all, adults need one level of attention and care while children need a completely different level. We understand this which is why we’re one of just a few San Diego County orthodontists that don’t treat you like a case number, but rather as a person.

For Children

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends every child see an orthodontist by the time they’re 7. After all, that’s when they’re grown-up teeth start coming in. Early treatment allows Dr. Allen to correct and guide your child’s jaw, create more space for crowded teeth, avoid the need for extractions later in life, and can correct thumb sucking and minor speech problems. If you’re ever curious about whether or not your child needs to see an orthodontist, look out for these things: crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or popping jaws. These are all signs that it’s probably time to see Dr. Allen.

For Teens

In the ’80s braces were heavy and painful. Today, braces come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors making life with braces easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish. In fact, there are several treatment options to choose from, including traditional metal, ceramic, and invisible braces. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you want. Regardless of the type of braces you choose, it is important to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as these may damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.

For Adults

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists cites that 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. While some adults are getting treatment to look better, others are doing it for their overall oral health. Today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs, such as clear braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Remember, a straight smile isn’t just beautiful; it will help you maintain the health of your teeth for your entire life.

Two-Phase Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life. The goal of phase one treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.