Braces for teens and adults in Anaheim, CA

Braces in Anaheim, CA

Millions of teenagers and adults wear braces to straighten their teeth and improve jaw alignment. At AppleTree Dental in Anaheim, CA , Mike Kang, DDS, a certified orthodontics provider, and his dedicated team offer both traditional metal braces and tooth-colored ceramic braces to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. To make an appointment for you or your child to get braces, call (714) 907-0606 or schedule an appointment online today.

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What Are Braces?

Braces are custom orthodontic appliances bonded to the front of your permanent teeth. Once placed, they apply gentle, steady pressure that gradually moves your teeth and jaw into their ideal positions. Many people think of braces as a treatment for teens, but thanks to advances in orthodontics, a growing number of adults are choosing braces to improve their smiles, too.

Straighter teeth aren’t just about appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, and a balanced bite reduces uneven wear and jaw strain.

Alignment Issues Braces Can Correct

Dr. Kang uses braces to treat a variety of orthodontic concerns, including:

  • Overcrowding or spacing issues
  • Misaligned jaw
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Chewing and speech problems related to tooth position

You may also benefit from braces if you feel self-conscious about how your teeth look when you smile.

Types of Braces Available at AppleTree Dental

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets, archwires, and rubber bands. Dr. Kang bonds the brackets to the front of your teeth and threads the archwires through them. The wires and bands apply controlled pressure that gradually aligns your teeth and jaw. Metal braces are highly effective for both simple and complex cases.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material that blends in with your natural enamel. They offer a more discreet look, making them a popular choice for adults and image-conscious teens.

Prefer a removable option? Dr. Kang also offers ClearCorrect® clear aligners as a nearly invisible alternative to braces.

What to Expect When Getting Braces

Before recommending braces, Dr. Kang reviews your dental records, discusses your smile goals, and performs an oral exam. He also takes digital X-rays and imaging to evaluate your tooth and jaw alignment and create a personalized treatment plan.

Placing braces typically takes 90 minutes or less. After numbing the area if needed, Dr. Kang bonds the metal or ceramic brackets to your teeth, threads the archwires, and attaches the rubber bands. He then checks your bite, answers your questions, and gives you detailed care instructions.

Throughout treatment, you’ll visit our office every few weeks so Dr. Kang can monitor your progress and make adjustments as your teeth move.

How Long Does Treatment With Braces Take?

Treatment with braces takes between 12-18 months* on average. It may take longer depending on your age, oral health history, and the complexity of the alignment problems being corrected. Following Dr. Kang’s instructions and attending each checkup helps keep your treatment on track.

Caring for Your Braces

  • Brush after meals and floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser
  • Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires
  • Wear a mouthguard during sports
  • Keep up with regular cleanings and exams

If a bracket or wire breaks, contact our office for emergency dental care. When treatment is complete, you’ll wear a custom retainer to keep your new smile in place.

Start Your Orthodontic Journey in Anaheim

To see if braces can help enhance your smile, call AppleTree Dental at (714) 907-0606 or schedule an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary

Braces FAQs

What types of braces does AppleTree Dental offer?

AppleTree Dental offers traditional metal braces and tooth-colored ceramic braces. ClearCorrect clear aligners are also available as a removable alternative.

Are braces only for teenagers?

No. Braces are effective for both teens and adults, and a growing number of adults choose braces to improve their smile and bite.

How long do I need to wear braces?

Treatment with braces takes 12-18 months on average, though it may take longer depending on your age, oral health, and alignment needs. Individual results vary.

Does getting braces hurt?

Placing braces is not painful. Some soreness is common for a few days after placement and adjustments, and it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How often will I visit the dentist during treatment?

Most patients visit AppleTree Dental every few weeks so Dr. Kang can monitor progress and adjust the braces as needed.

What is the difference between metal and ceramic braces?

Both work the same way, but ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your teeth for a more discreet appearance.

Will I need a retainer after braces?

Yes. After your braces come off, you will wear a custom retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.