Do Braces Fix Overbites?

Even if you didn’t know the clinical term for it, you’ve probably seen someone who has an overbite. Also known as an “overjet” or “deep bite,” it’s one of the most common malocclusions that orthodontists treat. 

Malocclusion is the typical diagnosis for a patient whose top and bottom jaws do not close properly. The term stems from the Latin words, “mal” (meaning “bad”), and “occlusion” (or “bite”). An overbite is a specific type of misalignment in which the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth. 

The basic shape of the human skull results in a slight overbite, which is perfectly normal. With a healthy overbite, your top and bottom teeth connect properly as you chew, and when you close your mouth, the top teeth rest comfortably on top of your bottom teeth. To be diagnosed as a malocclusion, an overbite must be excessive enough to impede oral function, affect aesthetics, or impact oral health.

Here at Beverly Hills Orthodontics (BHO), we have corrected countless overbites since opening our doors in 2008. Today, overbite treatments still constitute a substantial portion of our annual cases, and we frequently answer overbite questions during patient consultations. Common questions include:

Below, the BHO team will answer these questions and more as we give you a rundown on overbites and overbite treatments. 

Do Braces Fix Overbites? Yes.
But Wait—There’s More!

The simple answer to “Do braces fix overbites?” is “yes.” The longer answer is “yes, but the braces are just one part of the treatment.”

Model of an overbite

Malocclusions are grouped into different classes and divisions based on the nature and severity of the misalignment. 

Class 1 malocclusions (aka neutrocclusion) display a normal, healthy alignment between the upper and lower jaws but may exhibit some minor problems, like dental crowding or spacing issues. 

Overbites fall under Class II malocclusions, which are organized into two divisions:

Orthodontists use a variety of methods to treat malocclusions of different classes and severity levels. Used in combination with braces, these measures shift the lower jaw into the desired position while braces straighten teeth by applying pressure to them. 

During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine your bite to better understand exactly what kinds of overbite problems you’re dealing with. They will also discuss which treatment options they recommend for your unique issues. 

Overbite Treatment Methods

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we use four methods to treat overbites. Before treatment begins, we always discuss available options with patients to determine the approach that best meets their aesthetic goals and lifestyle preferences. Together, we work with patients to create a holistic care plan that is both effective and comfortable. Possible treatment methods include:

Patients qualify for these treatments based on a combination of age, misalignment severity, and other health factors. In general, treatment takes around 12-24+ months to complete and provides patients with numerous benefits, including:

For more information about overbite treatments, contact one of Beverly Hills Orthodontics’ four Los Angeles-area locations to schedule a consultation.  

Interested In Orthodontic Care? A Consultation at Beverly Hills Orthodontics Will Reveal Your Overbite Treatment Options

Braces are one of the most effective overbite treatments available today. By combining braces with additional measures, like elastics, headgear, or jaw surgery, orthodontists can correct mild-to-severe overbite problems in patients of all ages. 

If you have been considering braces for your overbite, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help you review all your treatment options. Our founder, Dr. Monica Madan, graduated from the top orthodontic program in the country and uses the latest orthodontic tools and techniques to create specialized treatment plans. A consultation at one of our offices in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, our Downtown LA, will allow our team to pinpoint your exact alignment issues and discuss which care options will work best for your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more. 

Braces First Week Tips

Are you preparing for your first week wearing braces? Whether you are still researching orthodontic treatments or just had your brackets and wires bonded in place, it’s good to know what to expect for your first few days in braces. 

Braces: Components

Using braces has been a common practice to realign teeth that predates the beginning of modern orthodontics by a few millennia. In fact, braces are still one of the tools most preferred by orthodontists today, though the design has been updated considerably since ancient Egypt. They consist of at least two parts:

If you have an overbite, underbite, or open bite, your orthodontist may also use elastics (i.e., rubber bands) to help correct the issue.

Braces: Function

Throughout treatment, your orthodontist will periodically tighten the archwire to increase pressure on the brackets. This moves teeth in a controlled manner, allowing your orthodontist to gradually improve your tooth alignment until you have a perfectly straight smile. 

One reason behind the long-lived popularity of braces is their extreme versatility. Braces can correct nearly all mild-to-severe alignment issues, including:

For braces to succeed, however, you will need to follow your orthodontist’s instructions diligently. Below, you will find key advice and a host of braces first-week tips from the Beverly Hills Orthodontics (BHO) team that will help you start treatment off right!

Your Braces: First Week Expectations

First, let’s review what will happen during the first few days of treatment. Once we establish what to expect at the doctor’s office, you can follow our braces first-week tips to begin building good habits.

Attaching Your Braces

As you may have guessed, the first week of treatment begins when your orthodontist attaches your braces to your teeth. While it’s perfectly normal to be concerned or anxious about this process, we have some good news: attaching braces to your teeth is a painless procedure. And, it only takes an hour or two to complete. 

To attach the braces, your orthodontist will:

  1. Clean your teeth and dry them in preparation for bracket attachment.
  2. Use bonding material to attach the brackets across your rows of teeth.
  3. Shine a curing light on brackets to harden the bonding material and create a firm connection.
  4. Slide metal bands over your molars if necessary to anchor the braces. The bands are sized to your molars, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort, just a bit of pressure.
  5. Connect all the brackets together with an archwire. 

Once anchored by metal molar bands and threaded through each bracket, the archwire is cut close to the end of the bands to keep it from irritating the gums or cheeks. If your treatment includes overbite, underbite, or crossbite correction, your orthodontist will also attach elastics to the brackets and show you how to attach them yourself. 

As mentioned previously, the attachment process is completely pain-free. However, you will feel some pressure while bonding the brackets and bands. You should also expect the doctor to place an appliance in your mouth to keep it open for the entire procedure. 

After Your Office Visit

Immediately after your braces are attached, you may experience some short-term effects:

With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at how to make the most of your first week in braces.

Braces First Week Tips:
Begin Orthodontic Treatment on the Right Note

Most braces treatments take around 12 months to 2+ years to complete. Treatment duration is influenced by a number of things, including:

In addition to these aspects, good patient habits can positively influence how quickly your braces produce results. 

As a braces patient, your job is to keep your braces in working order. To do so, you must follow certain best practices and be diligent about your oral care routine. If not, you risk damaging your braces, infecting your gums, and developing cavities—all of which can create major delays in your treatment.

Follow these braces first week tips to form good habits as you start treatment:

  1. Do Not Eat Hard, Sticky, or Crunchy Foods. Many foods can damage your braces during treatment. Eating hard foods (e.g., nuts, carrots, whole apples, etc.) can inadvertently bend wires, loosen bands, and break brackets. Sticky foods (e.g., gum, candy, etc.) can pull wires out of position and loosen bands. Crunchy foods (e.g., hard-shell tacos, chips, etc.) can loosen the brackets bonded to your teeth.
  2. Avoid Nervous Chewing Habits. When many people are nervous or bored, they habitually chew non-food items, like pencils, pens, ice, or fingernails. All of these objects can damage your braces, so if you have been trying to quash that nail-biting habit, now is the time!
  3. Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are always important, but your oral care routine is especially critical while wearing braces. To prevent plaque accumulation and other dental problems, plan to brush your teeth and braces 3 times a day for 3 to 5 minutes, and floss at night. After brushing and flossing, your braces should always appear shiny and clean.
  4. Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Contact Sports. If there is a reasonable chance of someone or something colliding with your braces, you need to wear a mouthguard. One unprotected blow to a mouth with braces can lead to expensive repairs and painful injuries. Minimize this risk by wearing a mouthguard any time you participate in physical activities.

Interested in Braces? Schedule a Consultation With BHO Today!

Braces are one of the most reliable ways to achieve a flawless smile. No matter whether you struggle with crowding, open bite, underbite, or another malocclusion, braces can correct your alignment issues for a perfectly straight set of teeth. 

If you are ready to improve your smile, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is the practice for you. Led by Ivy League graduate Dr. Monica Madan, BHO uses the latest technology to create the best treatment plans possible. From accelerated orthodontic measures to different types of braces, we provide our patients with different care options that maximize comfort and convenience. Contact us today to discuss your treatment plan.

Do Braces Affect Speech?

Orthodontists worldwide use braces to treat all sorts of alignment problems. From overbites and underbites to crossbites and other malocclusions (the medical term for “bad bites”), all can be corrected with treatments using braces, lasting from a few months to a couple of years. 

Although Invisalign and other clear aligner treatments have steadily risen in popularity over the past two decades, braces are still one of the best, most adaptable orthodontic treatments available today. Almost all healthy adults and children/teenagers with malocclusions can benefit from wearing braces, and the treatment is versatile enough to treat even the most complicated alignment problems.

In addition to such wide-ranging capabilities, recent material advancements have improved the look and feel of braces as well. Smaller, more attractive, and more comfortable than braces from years past, many patients today still choose braces over Invisalign for their minimal upkeep requirements and responsibilities. 

If you have been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you probably have questions about how braces impact a patient's daily life. For example, one of the most common questions we hear here at Beverly Hills Orthodontics is, “Do braces affect speech?”

In this blog, we explore how braces can impact speech patterns, both during treatment and after. If you have any additional questions about orthodontic treatment, contact one of our offices in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, or Downtown LA to find the answers.

Do Braces Affect Speech? Rarely 

We can begin by reassuring you that braces will not negatively impact your speech during treatment. However, some patients report minor changes to speech when their braces are first attached. 

The most commonly reported speech effects are minor lisping and struggling with certain sounds. In both cases, the solution is simple: practice speaking. 

At the same time, orthodontic treatment can change the sound of your “head voice” (i.e., the sound you hear when you speak) without necessarily affecting how your voice sounds to others. 

If you are at the beginning of treatment and feel that your voice has been affected by your braces, we have some suggestions:

  1. Record yourself speaking.
  2. Listen to the recording playback.
  3. Try to pinpoint which sounds you are struggling with.
  4. Repeat speaking any words aloud that contain the problem sound(s) to improve your articulation.
  5. Periodically re-record yourself and listen for progress. Repeat this process until you have eliminated the speech issue.

Almost all patients quickly adapt to their braces and overcome their speech issues within a few days. If your speech problems persist, there could be an issue with the braces themselves. Your orthodontist may have fitted them incorrectly or used improper wires. To avoid fitting issues, you should always seek orthodontic treatment from a trusted, licensed orthodontist. 

Properly performed orthodontic treatment will not disrupt your speaking ability. In fact, braces can actually improve your speech, as well as other oral functions.

How Braces Improve Speech and Other Oral Functions

Moderate-to-severe malocclusions can negatively impact oral functions, including speech. That’s because the physical production of human speech is a complicated process in which multiple body parts must work in harmony. 

In simple terms, your lungs produce air to create noise, your larynx manipulates the air via vocal cords to form the intended sound, and body parts in the mouth and nose (the tongue, soft palate, and sinus cavities) articulate the sound to form specific words. When these body parts can’t work together to form those intended words, it results in a speech impediment.

Speech impediments are complicated issues that are caused by multiple factors, including genetics, brain function, and motor control. Braces will not improve speech impaired by mental or motor functions. However, braces can improve speech clarity and reduce lisping levels influenced by improper jaw and tooth alignment. 

The chart below provides details on how correcting specific bite problems can improve speech:

Bite Issue Orthodontic Treatment Benefit
Irregular Incisors  Clearer pronunciation of “t” “d” and “s” sounds
Irregular Upper Anterior Teeth Clearer pronunciation of  “p” ”b” and “m” sounds
Open Bite Lower lisping levels and clearer pronunciation of  “s” “z” “t” ”d” ”n”  and ”l” sounds
Diastema (i.e., Tooth Gaps) Lower lisping levels
Cleft Palate Overall clearer speech and better pronunciation

By correcting jaw and tooth alignment, braces improve other oral functions as well, including biting and chewing. Proper alignment also makes oral care easier and more effective, leading to numerous health benefits.

So, to finally answer the question, “Do braces affect speech?”—Yes, but only in a positive way!

Have More Treatment Questions?
Call Beverly Hills Orthodontics Today

If you are considering orthodontic treatment but are concerned that braces may change your voice, we have good news: braces will not negatively impact your speech. 

Although you may think you sound a bit funny at the beginning of treatment, patients quickly adjust to their braces and learn to speak clearly within a day or two. Moreover, braces have been shown to improve mechanical speech problems, so you may sound even better once treatment is complete!

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we create a safe and welcoming environment for all our patients. No matter what questions or concerns are making you anxious, our team is here to give you answers and put your mind at ease. BHO’s founder, Dr. Monica Madan, graduated from the #1-ranked orthodontic program in the country and uses her expertise to craft holistic treatment programs that put patient comfort and lifestyle preferences above all else. Schedule a consultation today to learn how BHO can improve your smile!

Wedding Teeth Whitening and Straightening: Getting Ready for Your Big Day

I love weddings! And everything about them! While I could go on and on about wedding planning advice—or even after the wedding advice—I’ll stick to your smile in this article!

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting things in the world. You’ve met the love of your life and now you’re ready to plan the party of the century! From finding a venue to tasting cakes, the next few months are bound to be a whirlwind as you arrange your big day. 

First off, you’re probably already planning on having that perfect “glow” for your special day, in addition to hiring caterers, booking a photographer, and choosing the decor. That glow is about more than finding the perfect dress or tux—we’re talking about your smile!

Statistics from the American Dental Association show that about 25% of adults avoid smiling to hide the condition of their mouth and teeth. Moreover, more than 20% of adults feel anxious and embarrassed by the way their teeth look. 

Couple plans their teeth whitening treatments in time for their wedding

On a day as special as your wedding, you should be able to smile broadly—without feeling self-conscious. As you dance with friends and family, you don’t want to worry about how your teeth will look in your wedding photos.  

If you’re interested in improving your smile before your big day, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help! Located in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, and Downtown Los Angeles, BHO offers wedding teeth whitening and straightening services that can provide you with a flawless wedding-day smile. Here’s how our services can help you look your best.

Teeth Whitening: A Quick and Easy Way to Improve Your Look

Are you one of the countless people who struggle with stained teeth? Although beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and soda might be delicious, they can quickly take your smile from bright white to yellow-brown. Some other factors that can stain your smile include:

Smile Stainers
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Drinking beverages known to stain teeth, like red wine or coffee
  • Eating foods known to stain teeth, like blueberries, candy, curry, etc.
  • Taking certain medications (e.g., some antihistamines, steroids, or antihypertensive drugs)
  • Physical injuries

Stained enamel is notoriously difficult to clean on your own. While whitening strips, rinses, and toothpastes are readily available at most drug stores, they may not be as effective as you think. Over-the-counter whitening products can take more than a month to show results and, even then, they can only lighten your smile by a few shades. 

For an event as special as your wedding, you don’t want to leave things to chance. That’s why Beverly Hills Orthodontics offers in-office and take-home wedding teeth whitening services. Professional whitening treatments use more powerful bleaching agents than OTC options, delivering dramatic improvements. 

In-office treatment is quick, safe, and shows results within 24 hours.  Here’s how we perform whitening at BHO:

  1. We start with a simple cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar. 
  2. We apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth, then we shine a UV light on your smile to activate the whitening agents.   
  3. After 20 minutes of light curing, we apply more whitening gel for another round of whitening.
  4. After another 20 minutes of light curing, we apply more whitening gel for one final round—that’s 3 rounds of treatment for a knockout smile.

Within a day or so, you can expect your smile to lighten by 5 to 10 shades.

If you would rather brighten your teeth at home, BHO also offers a range of take-home whitening products that perform better than their drugstore counterparts. Our offerings include:

BHO Whitening Pen
BHO Aligner Foam

For more information about these different products, call one of our offices today to learn which approach will best suit your needs.

Orthodontics: Your Ticket to a Perfect Wedding-Day Smile

If you have stained teeth, an in-office whitening treatment can significantly brighten your smile within 24 hours. If you have crooked teeth or bite issues, however, treatment may take a little more time. 

On average, orthodontic treatment takes around 12 to 24 months to complete. The more severe and complex the problem, the longer treatment tends to be. 

If your wedding is still far enough in advance, both braces and Invisalign can perfect your smile by the time your big day arrives. If your wedding is just a few months away, we’ll need to be a bit more creative. 

Our team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics excels at treating special cases and creating accelerated treatment plans. Using a combination of Invisalign and accelerated orthodontic measures, BHO can correct your smile significantly faster than conventional treatments. Book a consultation today to learn if our accelerated services might fit into your wedding itinerary. 

Beverly Hills Orthodontics is Your Home for Wedding Teeth Whitening and Straightening

Smiling wedding attendees

If your big day is coming up, it’s only natural to want to look your best. Between the ceremony, reception, and any after-party festivities, you will end up with a lifetime of memories when the day is over. With the help of professional teeth whitening and straightening services from Beverly Hills Orthodontics, you can make sure your smile shines in each and every photo. 

Whether you have slight discoloration or complicated bite problems, Dr. Madan and the BHO team can create a treatment plan that fits into your wedding timeline. Depending on what issues you are dealing with, we can use Invisalign, braces, accelerated orthodontic devices, and other methods to perfect your smile in a comfortable, timely manner. Call us today to learn more. 

Invisalign vs. Braces: Timeline Differences and the BHO Method

If you have been researching orthodontic treatment for yourself or for your children, there’s a good chance that you’ve already started to debate between Invisalign and braces. 

As today’s two most popular treatment methods, Invisalign and braces can treat all mild-to-severe malocclusions (i.e. “bad bites”) like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and underbites. They both correct these misalignments by exerting pressure on teeth, although they use very different methods to do so. 

Inivisalign utilizes custom-made tooth aligner sets to move teeth into the proper positions. Patients wear each aligner for about a week—sometimes only for a few days—before progressing to the next set. Each aligner is designed to move teeth in specific ways, allowing orthodontists to create customized plans for individual patients.

Braces exert tooth pressure via metal brackets and wires. At the beginning of treatment, metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to each of your teeth. An archwire is then threaded through each bracket. By adjusting the wire’s tightness, your orthodontist is able to move teeth in deliberate directions until they are in perfect alignment.

When deciding between Invisalign and braces, there are a lot of factors to consider, including:

In addition to the day-to-day elements, patients at Beverly Hills Orthodontics (BHO) often ask how long each treatment will take to complete. In this post, we’ll give you a timeline breakdown for Invisalign vs. braces. Along the way, we’ll examine what might influence the duration of your treatment and discuss how recent technological advancements are improving treatment times.

Evolving Orthodontic Technology: Changing Treatment Length

When taking a broad look at Invisalign vs. braces timeline differences, the average Invisalign case is shorter compared to the average braces case. Generally speaking, most Invisalign treatments take around 12 months to complete while braces require 18-24 months to deliver equivalent results. However, these general descriptions alone do not mean that Invisalign is quicker for everyone.

Invisalign aligners

Orthodontic issues are diverse, and individual cases vary in complexity. In the past, orthodontists only used Invisalign to treat mild problems, using braces to correct more severe issues. 

Mild issues take less time to correct than severe issues, so Invisalign cases on average took less time than braces treatments. With recent changes in technology, however, the estimated timeframe for treatment is also different. 

Invisalign technology has improved so much in recent years that today, orthodontists can use Invisalign to correct even the most severe cases. Moreover, Invisalign software and hardware enable orthodontists to design intricate treatment plans that move teeth with surprisingly high precision. 

Thanks to these advancements, we have personally seen Invisalign patients complete their treatments more quickly than those with braces. In our next section, we’ll take a closer look at why this occurs.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Timeline Differences + the BHO Method = Faster Results With Invisalign

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, our Invisalign patients tend to finish their treatments more rapidly than braces patients with equivalent results. Why? The answer lies in taking full advantage of Invisalign technology using the BHO Method.

The BHO Method was created by Beverly Hills Orthodontics’ founder, Dr. Monica Madan. It is focused on creating the most efficient care plan possible while simultaneously honoring the preferences of each patient. Following the BHO Method, we:

  1. Calculate the positions of a patient’s teeth by measuring three planes of space: the anterior-posterior plane (front and back), vertical plane (up and down), and transverse plane (side-to-side).
  2. Examine how the teeth relate to one another by measuring the size of each tooth.
  3. Use these calculations to design treatments that maximize efficient realignment.

Our team uses the BHO Method to create all of our care plans, including those that use braces. However, we have discovered that our Invisalign plans and Invisalign hybrid treatment plans lead to the shortest treatment times because there are no compliance issues or side effects like those associated with braces. 

Although braces are highly effective at treating all sorts of alignment problems, they are susceptible to certain vulnerabilities that could extend treatment times, including:

In addition, braces do not move teeth with the same level of precision as Invisalign aligners. Tightening the archwire on a set of braces causes all the neighboring teeth to move; we cannot isolate movement to one tooth. To move teeth into the proper positions, we need to account for individual movements and correct them until your smile is perfectly straight.

Comparatively, Invisalign aligners can target specific teeth and move them with great accuracy. As a result, many Invisalign cases produce faster results than initially projected. While each case differs on an individual basis, many BHO patients complete their Invisalign treatments months before the projected end dates. In some cases, we have seen patients achieve a perfect smile in half the time it would have taken to produce the same result with braces.

Of course, there are additional factors to consider beyond speed when creating a treatment plan. If you’re ready to start planning your orthodontic treatment, call Beverly Hills Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. 

Ready for the Perfect Smile? Schedule an Appointment at Beverly Hills Orthodontics Today

If you are looking for the most efficient orthodontic treatment possible, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, BHO is officially recognized as one of the top Invisalign practices in the country. Led by Dr. Monica Madan, BHO specializes in creating customized treatment plans that meet the unique needs and lifestyle preferences of each patient. 

Using the BHO method, Dr. Madan and the Beverly Hills Orthodontics team can craft your ideal treatment during a consultation. Contact one of our offices in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, and Downtown LA today to schedule an appointment.

Are Braces or Invisalign More Effective at Straightening Teeth?

Thinking about improving your smile? Every year, millions of patients seek out orthodontic care to boost oral health and enhance their appearance. From children to adults to senior citizens, orthodontic care helps people of all ages improve their quality of life.

Today, most patients have a choice between two popular treatments: braces and Invisalign. Both options are capable of correcting the same bite problems and alignment issues, but they do so in very different ways:

Because braces and Invisalign are so different, patients inevitably ask us which is better. That’s a hard question to answer because every patient has unique treatment requirements. While Invisalign may be a better fit for one patient's lifestyle, braces may be better suited for another. 

In this blog post, we answer one of the most common questions we hear during consultations, “Are braces or Invisalign more effective?” Along the way, we will take a closer look at how these treatment methods work and why they excel at treating specific issues.

Q: Are Braces or Invisalign More Effective?
A: It Depends. How Are You at Following Instructions? 

It’s impossible to give a definitive answer about whether one orthodontic treatment is better than another. After all, every smile is unique, and the physical properties of teeth, gums, and jaws, vary from one person to the next. Moreover, malocclusions (i.e., “bad bites,” aka tooth misalignment) come in many forms and disrupt tooth alignment in various ways.

Malocclusions (e.g., crowding, crossbite, open bite, underbite, etc.) also vary in severity, ranging from a simple tooth overlap to complex jaw problems. The seriousness of each condition can be further affected by a number of factors, including:

Given the diverse number of malocclusion cases and the potentially amplifying factors, it’s hard to answer—categorically—whether braces or Invisalign are more effective at straightening teeth. However, we can answer the question according to which kinds of malocclusions braces or Invisalign are more effective at treating.

Braces vs. Invisalign for Specific Malocclusions

Although malocclusion cases vary enormously from person to person, some methods are better suited to treat certain bite problems more efficiently than others. The reasons are related to the different ways braces and Invisalign work.

clear aligners icon

Invisalign aligners offer a higher level of precision when compared to braces. When creating aligners, Invisalign software allows orthodontists to target specific teeth. Consequently, one pair of aligners can move just a few particular teeth while leaving the rest in place. Such precision makes Invisalign more efficient at treating:

In addition to these malocclusions, Invisalign is also more effective at general bite correction than braces. That said, Invisalign alone cannot treat severe malocclusion cases. 

braces icon

Braces move teeth with a system of brackets and wires so the orthodontist can change their positions by adjusting the archwire to exert or release pressure. Because the wire is connected to multiple teeth, it’s difficult to move a single tooth at a time. Attempts inevitably cause the wire to move all other teeth as well. 

In comparison, aligners exert only a limited amount of pressure. For significantly misaligned or impacted teeth, braces can apply enough pressure to move teeth in greater intervals. If you have severe malocclusion, braces offer a simple path toward a perfect smile. 

However, sometimes the most efficient solution to these cases is hybrid treatment—a combination of braces and Invisalign. With a hybrid treatment plan, your orthodontist uses braces to move teeth into a more manageable position before removing the brackets and finishing treatment with a series of Invisalign aligners.

In other words, if Invisalign alone can’t correct your malocclusion, hybrid treatment is the most effective treatment available. That’s why you need an experienced professional like Dr. Monica Madan to design a personalized, yet efficient treatment plan to perfect your smile.

Have More Questions about Braces and Invisalign? Beverly Hills Orthodontics Has Answers

It’s hard to state definitively which treatment option is more effective at straightening teeth. Although Invisalign can treat issues like open bites and crowding more rapidly, there are cases where Invisalign requires additional measures to correct a smile. Braces may be a bit slower than Invisalign, but they can correct severe problems without requiring a hybrid approach. 

Of course, there are many factors to consider beyond speed when choosing an orthodontic treatment. The only way to be certain about the option that’s right for you is by scheduling a professional consultation at a practice like Beverly Hills Orthodontics, 

No matter your age or what issues you’re facing, Beverly Hills Orthodontics can craft a treatment plan that improves your smile in a quick, comfortable manner. Contact one of our four locations to schedule your consultation today, in  Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, or Downtown Los Angeles.

BHO has been improving smiles since 2008 and is recognized as one of the top 1% of Diamond Plus Invisalign providers in the country — as featured on The Doctors and in Allure. Call or text us at 310-785-0770 to learn more, or visit our contact page to book an appointment.

Invisalign vs. Braces for Adults: Choosing Which Is Best for You

Have you been thinking about improving the look and function of your smile? You’re not alone. 

In the last few years, adult orthodontic treatment—usually Invisalign vs. braces for adults—has become more popular than ever before. Today, one out of every three orthodontic patients is 18 or older—an all-time high in the field. 

Although the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that patients begin treatment at an early age, children and teenagers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontic care. Adults can achieve the same results with Invisalign and braces as younger patients. 

Self-Care = Health Care

The only major difference between child and adult orthodontic care usually comes down to the length of treatment. As long as adults have healthy teeth and jawbones, orthodontic treatment can still produce the perfect smile. 

With the aid of Invisalign and braces, practices like Beverly Hills Orthodontics can eliminate any number of issues in adult patients, from mild crowding to severe bite problems. Beyond mere aesthetic improvement, the health benefits of adult orthodontic treatment include:

How To Choose

If you’ve been considering orthodontic work for yourself, it’s important to understand your options. Most adult patients are likely to be eligible for today’s two most popular treatments: Invisalign and braces. 

While certain factors can disqualify some patients from Invisalign treatment, most adults will be able to choose between Invisalign and braces during their initial consultation. So, how do you decide between the two?

To help future patients make the best treatment decision, we’ve created the following guide: Invisalign vs. Braces for Adults. In it, we outline the major differences between Invisalign and braces, including limitations, upkeep, and other ways they can affect the day-to-day lives of adult patients. These quick links allow you to jump ahead to different parts of the guide:

Invisalign vs. Braces for Adults 

As an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you’re probably wondering how Invisalign or braces will impact your daily life. Each treatment option fits into your lifestyle in different ways.

Between work, family, and social commitments, we know that modern life can be hectic. That’s why Beverly Hills Orthodontics makes it a priority to design a treatment plan that works with your schedule. Below, we’ll take a more detailed look at how each option can affect you.

Speech and Appearance

If you are concerned that orthodontic treatments will affect how you speak, we have good news: neither Invisalign nor braces will significantly affect your pronunciation or the sound of your voice. 

When speaking for the first time after your initial aligners or braces treatment, you may think you sound a bit different for a couple of hours. However, you will quickly sound normal to yourself and others afterward. 

Some of our patients have reported a change in the sound of their “head voices” (i.e., the sound of their own words when speaking), but their family, friends, and co-workers can’t tell the difference. Moreover, orthodontic work may even improve your speech once treatment is over. 

When it comes to personal appearance, however, Invisalign and braces have very different effects. In fact, aesthetic change is one of the biggest deciding factors between Invisalign vs. braces for adults. 

Invisalign aligners are extremely discreet. They are completely transparent, and people only really notice them when they are standing close to you. On the other hand, braces are made of metal and will quickly draw the eyes of others. Although ceramic braces and lingual braces are less noticeable, braces in general will change the way you look. Two of the most popular aesthetic options we offer include UnBrace and Lightforce braces.

Lifestyle Impact: Braces

Fortunately, today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than past models. If you are used to the way braces appear in old movies, you will be pleasantly surprised to see how much better today’s braces look! 

Braces are made of three core elements:

By periodically adjusting the archwire, your orthodontist applies pressure to the brackets to move your teeth.

Upkeep

Until treatment ends, your braces will never leave your teeth. As a result, you will have to change your lifestyle a bit to accommodate them and avoid damaging the archwire and brackets. These lifestyle changes include:

Lifestyle Impact: Invisalign

With Invisalign, you will wear a series of removable plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. Each aligner is designed to apply pressure strategically, which gradually moves teeth into better positions. 

After wearing one aligner for a week or two, you will move on to the next one until you reach the end of your set. Because clear aligners can be removed at any time, Invisalign comes with fewer restrictions than braces.

Upkeep

Invisalign does not have any of the same restrictions as braces. As long as you remove your aligners when appropriate, your treatment includes:

Treatment Responsibilities: Invisalign

Although Invisalign carries very few lifestyle restrictions, it does require more personal responsibility than braces. If you choose Invisalign, you will be able to remove your aligners at any time. While you must wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign offers patients unparalleled freedom.

Aligners must be in place for at least 20 hours every day to apply enough pressure to move teeth. Leaving them out for longer than 20 hours a day will not only delay your progress, but you also run the risk of creating additional treatment complications. 

In extreme cases, you may even need new aligners to fix the issue. If you lose or break an aligner, you will run into similar problems. 

Treatment Responsibilities: Braces

With braces, you never have to worry about losing aligners or keeping track of how long you wear them. You simply follow the upkeep instructions outlined in the section above and visit your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks for a check-up and wire adjustment. 

These regular appointments often take less than 15 minutes and establish a time for you to ask any questions and ensure your treatment is on track. 

As an added convenience for those in the Los Angeles area, BHO has four offices across LA, allowing patients to choose the location that best suits their needs. Our locations include:

Have More Questions We Didn’t Cover in Our Guide?
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Invisalign and braces are the two most popular orthodontic treatments offered today. Available to most adults, both Invisalign and braces provide patients with a lifetime of better oral health, improved oral functions, and perfectly straight teeth.

“Should I Get Braces?”
When To Make the Commitment

Over the last few years, adult braces have seen a steady rise in popularity. Although some people automatically associate orthodontic work with children—especially teenagers—recent data shows that more and more adults are wearing braces now than ever before. 

The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) website notes that one-third of all orthodontic patients today are over age 18—an all-time high.

Adult braces are becoming more popular for a number of reasons. After postponing non-essential treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are beginning to resume a regular dental care schedule. In addition, the global shift to remote work has many adults seeking cosmetic dental treatments after watching themselves in countless online meetings. 

An increasing number of adult patients are embracing their braces, thanks to more widely available dental care, greater awareness of treatment options, and a general increase in orthodontist referrals from dentists. A few insurance plans even provide better coverage for adult braces and other orthodontic work. 

Finally, modern braces are more comfortable, attractive, and effective than earlier models. These improvements have convinced more adult patients to seek orthodontic treatment. 

If you’ve been asking yourself—“Should I get braces?”— you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll review the most popular reasons for seeking orthodontic work and outline some of the signs indicating braces may be right for you. 

“Should I Get Braces?” Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

Braces—like all other orthodontic treatments—can benefit patients of all ages. 

Braces

Alignment problems like crowding, smile gaps, crossbites, underbites, and overbites may develop at an early age, but they often cause issues throughout your life. In fact, many of these issues only grow worse with time, and can lead to lost teeth, gum problems, and impaired oral function. 

Thankfully, braces are versatile enough to improve the smiles of adults, as well as children and teens. Here are a few ways you could benefit from orthodontic work.

Cosmetic Improvements

The most obvious benefit of braces is that they can dramatically improve the look of your smile. 

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites often make people feel self-conscious about their appearance. This self-consciousness can cause feelings of embarrassment in public and heighten social anxiety. If you’ve experienced these feelings, you’re not alone. 

According to statistics from the American Dental Association: 

Getting braces will help eliminate the alignment issues that make you feel self-conscious and boost your public confidence.

Better Oral Health

A crooked smile can hurt more than just your self-confidence. It can also cause significant oral health problems over time. 

Overlapping teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth. When brushing and flossing become less effective, unhealthy amounts of oral bacteria begin to grow. 

If you have mild crowding or a slightly misaligned bite, you may not notice any adverse effects. However, if you have moderate-to-severe alignment issues, you have a higher risk of experiencing some significant problems, including:

After completing your braces treatment, your teeth will be much easier to brush and floss, which leads to better long-term oral health.

Improved Oral Functionality

Severe bite problems can also impede essential oral functions, like chewing, speaking, and even breathing. For instance, an open bite may cause someone to develop a lisp, while irregular incisor and upper anterior teeth can impede the proper pronunciation of specific sounds. 

Crooked teeth can also scrape your lips, gums, and cheeks while chewing, causing periodic pain and leading to a higher risk of choking. Severe bite problems may also cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder—a common source of chronic jaw pain. 

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, there is a good chance that braces will bring you relief.

Signs You Should Consider Braces

Now that we’ve seen the many specific benefits, we can address the larger question: “Should I get braces?”

Here at Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we have been improving smiles across Los Angeles since 

2008. During our orthodontic consultations, we help patients decide whether braces are the right treatment choice to correct their problems. 

Based on our consultations, we have noticed some patterns that indicate whether braces are an ideal option. These signs include:

If you’ve noticed any of these signs for yourself, braces are probably right for you!

Ready To Speak With an Expert About Orthodontic Options? Call One of BHO’s Four LA Locations Today!

If you’re unhappy with the look of your smile or are experiencing specific oral health issues, the answer to “Should I get braces?” should be a resounding YES! 

Whether you have slightly crooked teeth or major misalignments, braces can correct your smile and provide you with a lifetime of health benefits. Call one of BHO’s offices in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, or Downtown Los Angeles today to begin your treatment journey. 

Invisalign vs. Braces for Teenagers: Which Is Best for Your Child?

Orthodontic care has long been associated with teenagers in American culture; some may even consider getting braces to be a rite of passage. Just watch any ‘80s teen comedy and you’re bound to see more than a few characters showing off their braces! 

Today, the connection between teens and orthodontics is still strong, despite a record number of adults seeking the same smile-straightening treatments. Experts recommend that patients begin attending orthodontic appointments at age 7. By that age, orthodontists can see how permanent teeth are erupting in a child’s mouth and can pinpoint emerging alignment problems, such as:

During these early appointments, orthodontists can also perform interceptive treatments that can minimize misalignments for simpler orthodontic treatment once the patient is old enough for Invisalign or braces. While every patient is different, most receive braces between the ages of 10 and 14, depending on treatment needs and tooth eruption.

Of course, once a child is finally old enough for treatment, they face a decision: Invisalign vs. braces? For teenagers today, clear aligners from Invisalign and conventional braces are both viable treatment options. Various digital advancements and hardware improvements over the last few years now allow orthodontists to use Invisalign or braces to treat even severe problems. 

So, how do you know which treatment plan is right for your teen? Keep reading for knowledgeable answers from Beverly Hills Orthodontics’ team of experts. 

Invisalign vs. Braces for Teenagers: How They Differ

If your teen is about to start orthodontic care, there’s a good chance they are already debating between Invisalign and braces. 

Up until just a few years ago, Invisalign was not an option, as many teens wouldn't qualify for treatment. In the 2000s and early 2010s, orthodontists were limited to using Invisalign for correcting only mild problems, like slight crowding or minor bite issues. 

However, Invisalign has come a long way since then. Orthodontists like BHO’s own Dr. Monica Madan can now use Invisalign to treat mild, moderate, and even severe alignment issues—the same issues they use braces to correct. Therefore, the decision between Invisalign and braces is often determined by the option that works best for the patient’s lifestyle. 

Invisalign

Although Invisalign and braces can treat the same issues, they do so in very different ways. Invisalign is a clear aligner treatment. Over the course of 12 to 24 months, patients wear custom-made, completely transparent aligners that gradually move teeth into better positions. 

Generally speaking, Invisalign sets contain anywhere from 20-30 aligners, and every few weeks the patient changes to a new aligner set as treatment progresses. Invisalign aligners are:

Braces

While Invisalign shifts teeth via removable aligners, braces shift teeth with brackets and wires.  At the beginning of treatment, an orthodontist glues brackets onto your child’s teeth and connects them with a steel archwire. Over the course of 12-24 months, the orthodontist periodically tightens the wire at regular appointments. Adjusting wire pressure enables the orthodontist to move teeth in specific directions, eventually creating a perfectly aligned smile. 

Given how Invisalign and braces move teeth in such distinct ways, it’s easy to understand how they might also affect the patient’s daily routines in different ways. In our next section, we discuss these differences in greater detail.

Invisalign vs. Braces for Teenagers: Key Factors To Consider 

As we noted earlier, though both orthodontic treatments achieve the same results, the choice of whether to use Invisalign or braces will affect your child’s lifestyle and daily routine in different ways. Below, we list the most important factors to consider when deciding between the two options: food, aesthetics, and personal responsibility.

Before you and your teen visit the orthodontist, we suggest you discuss these factors together and list any questions to bring up at your consultation.

Food Limitations

Invisalign will not affect your teenager’s eating habits at all. They simply need to remove their aligners before eating, then they can eat whatever they want (though existing allergies or sensitivities remain, of course). Once the meal is finished, your teen can rinse their mouth with water and place the aligners back on their teeth. 

If your teen opts for braces, however, they will not be able to eat certain foods. Sticky foods, like licorice or gummy candy, can get stuck in the braces themselves and pull the wire out of position. Hard foods like nuts can cause similar damage. Your teen will also be unable to bite into foods like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob with brackets in place—they will need to cut such foods into smaller pieces instead. 

Fortunately, patients with braces can still eat most foods as long as they are careful not to damage their brackets and wires. 

Invisalign Food Limitations Braces Food Limitations
  • No limitations at all
  • No sticky candy
  • No hard foods
  • No biting into hard fruits and veggies

Aesthetic Differences

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is how little it affects patient appearance. While brackets and wires will obviously change the way your teen’s smile looks, Invisalign trays are hard to spot unless you are very close to the patient’s mouth. 

On the other hand, braces have become much more inconspicuous in recent decades. Smaller brackets and wires have made braces both more comfortable and more attractive. Many patients even find that they like the way today’s braces make their smiles pop! Of course, if your child is hesitant about changing their look so drastically, Invisalign may be the better option.

Invisalign Aesthetic Differences Braces Aesthetic Differences
  • Aligner trays will be noticeable to those standing very close to your child
  • Highly visible brackets and wires will change the look of your child’s teeth

Daily Responsibilities

All orthodontic treatments require a certain degree of personal responsibility from patients. For Invisalign patients, wearing aligners for 20-22 hours a day is the most important task. 

At any moment of the day, Invisalign patients have the power to remove their aligners to eat, drink, brush, floss, or participate in physical activities. However, it’s essential that every patient wears their aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day to keep treatment on track. When patients don’t follow this rule, it can cause major issues, including:

These strict requirements make Invisalign difficult for some teens to fit into their busy lives. 

Braces have no such requirements. In general, patients with braces don’t need to make any adjustments themselves. An orthodontist handles all wire adjustments.

Teens with braces need to brush up to 5 times a day and floss once at night. 

Patients can also use handy little interproximal brushes after eating to prevent food from getting trapped around brackets and rinse with mouthwash for extra fluoride. Floss with traditional floss every night.

Invisalign Daily Responsibilities Braces Daily Responsibilities
  • Your child must wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day
  • Your child will need to brush up to 5 times a day and floss nightly

Is Your Teenager Ready for Orthodontic Treatment? Contact BHO Today to Schedule a Consultation

Invisalign and braces have both earned positions as today’s most popular orthodontic treatment options. With modern technological advances, orthodontists like BHO’s Dr. Madan can use either treatment to correct a range of mild-to-severe alignment issues. As such, choosing between Invisalign vs. braces for teenagers usually boils down to finding the approach that best matches the patient’s lifestyle. 

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we have been correcting smiles with both Invisalign and braces since 2008. With that wealth of experience, we have learned how to tailor every treatment plan to the unique needs and preferences of each patient.  By partnering with BHO, you and your teenager can work with our team to uncover which approach will work best for your situation. Contact one of our offices in Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, or Downtown Los Angeles today to get started!

Do Braces Work for Adults?

Dental braces have been part of orthodontics before the medical field was ever formally established. According to Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center, archaeologists can trace the use of braces back to ancient Egypt, or around 3100 B.C. Crude metal bands and animal fibers found on the teeth of mummies suggest ancient Egyptians valued having straight teeth in the afterlife. In later centuries, other cultures used similar braces-style appliances to treat dental alignment problems in living patients. 

By the mid-19th century, orthodontics began to evolve as a professional medical field. Early orthodontists improved upon past appliances and eventually created what we know as modern braces. The system of brackets, wires, and rubber bands is the most efficient design for correcting problems like:

Today’s braces are more comfortable and efficient than past models, but they follow the same basic principles. 

Orthodontists glue brackets to a patient’s teeth and thread a stainless steel archwire in between each bracket. By periodically adjusting the archwire, orthodontists like BHO’s Dr. Monica Madan can gradually apply increasing pressure to move teeth. With each archwire adjustment, orthodontists steadily improve smile alignment until patients have perfectly straight rows of teeth.

Although braces are one of the oldest and most trusted tools in orthodontics, patients still have plenty of questions before undergoing treatment. Adult patients in particular tend to share some common concerns. For instance, many adult patients associate braces with younger people, which leads to questions like:

Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

Do Braces Work for Adults? In a Word, Yes!

While some people associate braces with younger people, braces serve as an effective treatment for patients of all ages. As long as an adult has healthy teeth and gums, braces are a viable solution for alignment problems on the path to a perfect smile. 

In fact, more adults are wearing braces today than ever before. According to statistics from the American Association of Orthodontists, one in every three orthodontic patients today is over age 18. That’s an all-time high number of adult patients in the field. 

Regardless of whether you are 18 or 80, braces follow the same basic principles to move teeth. With the aid of brackets, wires, and sometimes rubber bands or other appliances, orthodontists use selective pressure to correct misalignments and bite problems. This method is highly effective at all ages and can treat both simple and complex alignment cases.

Differences Between Adult Braces and Braces for Children & Teens

Now that we have established that braces do work for both adults and children, we can look at how age affects treatment specifics. 

The most significant factor influencing braces treatment involves oral anatomy. Experts recommend that patients undergo orthodontic treatment as children because the face and jawbones are still growing. Growing bones are easier to work with and therefore reduce overall treatment time. 

As an adult with fully formed bones and muscles, that means braces treatment can take a little longer to complete. Depending on your specific alignment issues, treatment can take anywhere from 18-36 months to finish. However, accelerated orthodontic measures can significantly reduce this time period. 

Beyond physical differences, adults often have different motivations for seeking out orthodontic care. Although people of all ages can benefit from the aesthetic boost and health improvements caused by braces, adults may have unique alignment problems caused by natural aging. Similar to the way our skin naturally wrinkles over time, our teeth also move as we age. For adults, this continued tooth movement can lead to:

Fortunately, braces are versatile enough to correct all of these problems and leave patients with healthier mouths and flawless smiles.

Braces Options

Orthodontic patients today can choose from a few different types of braces. Although all of these models use the same bracket + wire method to move teeth, they differ slightly when it comes to materials and bracket placement:

If you have more questions about which type of braces is the right solution for you, schedule an appointment at one of Beverly Hills Orthodontics’ four Los Angeles-area offices today!

Ready for a Perfect Smile? Contact Beverly Hills Orthodontics Today To Begin Treatment

Braces don’t just work for adults—they deliver excellent, reliable results. Whether you are 8 or 68, braces are one of the most effective ways to obtain a perfectly aligned smile. 

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we offer braces treatments from each of our four locations, in  Beverly Hills/Century City, Toluca Lake, Alhambra, or Downtown Los Angeles. Available to patients of all ages, braces can correct mild-to-severe alignment problems ranging from slight crowding to significant bite issues. Contact BHO today to learn how braces can benefit your smile!