Care can improve crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and rotated teeth. It also helps coordinate the bite so upper and lower teeth meet properly.
Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, CA
At D&M Fernandez Dental, our dentist and team offer and explain orthodontic treatment options in plain language. You will find clear details on braces and clear aligners, who may benefit, how treatment works, and what to expect from start to finish.
Orthodontics Services Explained
Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, focus on aligning teeth and improving the bite so the mouth functions well and stays healthy. Treatment can correct crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Many people ask what is orthodontics and how do braces work. Braces and clear aligners use gentle, steady forces to move teeth through bone remodeling, guiding them into better positions over time.
Children, teens, and adults can all be candidates. An early orthodontic evaluation around age seven can identify developing concerns, but adults often pursue care successfully as well. Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces that blend with enamel, lingual braces placed behind the teeth, and removable clear aligners. Each option has strengths, and the best choice depends on goals, lifestyle, and case complexity.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
- Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps lower the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Balanced bites reduce uneven tooth wear and may ease jaw strain and chewing stress.
- Improved alignment can make chewing and speaking feel more natural and efficient.
- Aligned teeth can enhance facial symmetry and smile esthetics in a subtle, lasting way.
- Well-positioned teeth can support future dental work by creating space and stability where needed.
The Orthodontic Process
The path to a straighter smile follows several careful steps designed for predictable results and patient comfort.
- Initial consultation: A focused exam reviews your health history and goals, and screens for bite issues.
- Diagnostic records: Photos, digital scans or impressions, and X-rays provide precise details for planning.
- Treatment planning: You will review appliance choices, clear aligners vs braces, estimated timelines, and home care needs.
- Active treatment: Braces are bonded and adjusted every four to eight weeks. Clear aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours per day, with new trays every one to two weeks.
- Home care and diet: Meticulous brushing, interdental cleaning, and fluoride use are important. With braces, avoid very hard or sticky foods that can damage wires and brackets.
- Retention phase: Retainers hold teeth in their new positions after appliances come off. Expect full-time wear at first, then nights only as directed.
What to Expect
Treatment length varies with each case. Many plans take 12 to 18 months, while simpler cases may finish in under a year and complex corrections may require up to two years. Mild pressure or soreness is common for a day or two after an adjustment or when starting a new aligner set. A soft diet and over-the-counter pain relief can help during this brief period.
Visit frequency depends on your appliance. Braces often require in-office adjustments every four to eight weeks. Clear aligner check-ins may be spaced six to twelve weeks apart, with at-home tray changes in between. Speech can feel different for a short time with aligners or lingual braces, but most people adapt quickly.
Oral hygiene remains a top priority. Brush thoroughly after meals, clean between teeth daily, and keep up with routine dental cleanings. Compliance matters for results. Aligners must be worn as prescribed, and elastic wear or other accessories should be used as instructed. After treatment, retainers after braces or aligners are essential because teeth naturally tend to shift over time.
If you have questions about orthodontics in Mission Viejo, CA, or would like to schedule a consultation, contact D&M Fernandez Dental at 949-581-1900 to request a visit with Dr. Dylan Fernandez or Dr. Melanie-Phoebe Franco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this service below.
Most plans last 12 to 18 months, but timelines range from about six to 24 months based on age, bone biology, appliance type, and how well instructions are followed.
Clear aligners work well for many mild to moderate concerns and some complex cases. Braces may be better for significant rotations, vertical changes, or multi-tooth movements that need more precise control.
You may feel pressure or soreness for a short time after adjustments or new aligners. Discomfort usually fades within a few days and is manageable with simple home care.
Braces generally need adjustments every four to eight weeks. Clear aligner patients often have in-person reviews every six to twelve weeks, with scheduled at-home tray changes.
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift. Retainers protect your new alignment by holding teeth stable while the bone and gums adapt, and long-term nightly wear helps maintain results.