Orthodontists in

Mission Viejo & Fullerton, CA

Orthodontists in Southern California

Cosmetic Orthodontic Dentistry in Fullerton & Mission Viejo, CA

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with repositioning misaligned jaws and teeth. Teeth that are misaligned or that do not fit together properly are more difficult to keep clean, are more likely to experience early tooth loss from decay and periodontal disease, and put additional strain on the chewing muscles, which can result in headaches, TMJ syndrome, neck, shoulder, and back pain. Crooked or misaligned teeth can also make someone look less attractive.

A healthier mouth, a more attractive appearance, and teeth that are more likely to survive a lifetime are all advantages of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics

How do I know if I need Orthodontics?

Our Board Certified Orthodontist can determine whether orthodontics is advised and create a personalized treatment plan that’s ideal for you based on diagnostic tools like a thorough medical and dental health history, a clinical assessment, plaster models of your teeth, and unique X-rays and photographs.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

  • Overbite, sometimes called “buck teeth” — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
  • Underbite — a “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
  • Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
  • Open Bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
  • Misplaced Midline — when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
  • Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth
  • Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate

How does Orthodontic treatment work?

To help move teeth, retrain muscles, and influence the development of the jaws, a variety of fixed and removable equipment are employed. These devices function by applying light pressure to the jaw and teeth. Which orthodontic strategy is most likely to be successful will depend on how serious your issue is.

Common Problems

Malocclusion literally means “bad bite” and is the number one reason people see an orthodontist. There are many different forms of “bad bites” which can lead to variety of complications. There are many causes of malocclusion. Genetics are one of the leading factors. A child may be born with a disproportionate jaw. There are also environmental factors, such as thumb sucking beyond the age of 4.
Crowded teeth, the opposite of spacing, are cause where there just isn’t enough space in the mouth for all those teeth. Crowding just gets worse over time as one tooth pushes over the other leading to overlapping teeth. Crowded teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth which may lead to gum disease, cavities and/or tooth decay. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion so as to avoid tooth removal.
When the upper front teeth stick out too far forward, or the lower teeth don’t extend enough this is called protrusion. Because of the abnormal contact between the upper and lower front teeth it could cause injury to the lower teeth. It also causes poor bites and may even be from uneven jaw growth. This problem can be cause by thumb and finger sucking.
In a perfectly aligned face there should be a straight line from the bridge of the nose to the bottom teeth…all should be lined up. If they are not and the bottom teeth are actually misaligned from the top teeth, then your midlines are off. When your midlines are off your teeth could be drifted on your lower jaw could be shifted, which could result in an improper bite.
The malocclusion known as spacing is too much room between the teeth. Spacing can occur if teeth are missing, small, or if the dental arch is too wide. The most common complaint from patients with excessive spacing is the cosmetic concerns.
The common result of thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, an open bite is when you can actually stick your tongue between your teeth while biting down. An open bite is a cosmetic problem, but it can also cause chewing problems.
An overbite, or deep bite is when the front teeth cover the lower teeth too much. An excessive overbite leads to wearing down of the teeth and may even cause the bottom teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, a painful and unhealthy occurrence. A deep bite is when the front teeth cover the lower teeth too much. An excessive overbite leads to wearing down of the teeth and may even cause the bottom teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, a painful and unhealthy occurrence.
A crossbite is when the upper teeth fit into the inside of the lower back teeth. A crossbite causes tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.

In an underbite, the lower jaw is longer than the upper which causes the lower teeth to protrude in front of the upper teeth. It is best to diagnose the problem early.

Technology

Orthodontic technology keeps advancing, and Smile Wide is a progressive practice that continually keeps pace with new developments. The new technologies we adopt allow us to achieve:

  • More accurate diagnoses
  • More precise treatment plans
  • Less conspicuous braces and teeth-straightening systems
  • Quicker treatment times
  • Less pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment and dental work
  • Fewer check-ups
  • More efficient scheduling and customer service

Types of Braces

Traditional braces have progressed since the early days and are now lighter in weight and structure than they used to be. They are made from a surgical-grade stainless steel and have metal brackets that are attached to each tooth using a special adhesive. The brackets are linked to each other with a thin archwire, which puts pressure on the teeth to cause them to move slowly into the correct position.
Lingual braces are a unique choice because patients can smile with confidence both during and after treatment. Placed on the back side of the teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view. Lingual braces are 100% customized to meet the unique orthodontic prescription of every patient. Customization can lead to a more convenient and comfortable treatment experience.
Take your orthodontic braces from mild to wild with WildSmiles Braces! Designed to make your orthodontic experience fun, WildSmiles are a unique alternative to traditional braces, WildSmiles braces are specially designed braces that come in a variety of fun shapes including stars, hearts, soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, flowers and diamonds.
Self Ligating braces are braces with brackets that do not need ligatures (the small colored bands that hold the wire in place). Rather than using ligatures or metal ties, the brackets themselves have a trap door that holds the arch wire in place. This created less friction between the wire and the bracket. With lingual braces, achieving beautiful, healthy smiles are fast and comfortable…an altogether highly attractive process. Our patient-friendly design means that you have less chairtime, less discomfort and fewer office appointments than with traditional style braces.
We offer Invisalign and ClearCorrect as an alternative to traditional braces. Clear aligners are a revolutionary system that utilizes 3-D computer graphics to design and manufacture customized clear appliances called “Aligners”. These appliances are virtually undetectable, easy-t-use and comfortable to wear. The invisible way to straighten your teeth, without braces. Invisalign and ClearCorrect can give you the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted.

These work in the same way as traditional braces, but the brackets are made from a clear, transparent sapphire crystal. The braces are less visible to others, which makes them a popular choice for adults who need orthodontic treatment.

Fullerton, CA & Mission Viejo Orthodontists – Top-Rated Orthodontics Services Serving Mission Viejo, Fullerton & The Surrounding Areas

Meet Your Award-Winning Dentists
in Mission Viejo & Fullerton, CA

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Dr. Kevin Badii
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Dr. Mike Hyneman
Dr. Robert N. Tom
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Dr. Peter Kim
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Dr. Frank Mehrdad
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Dr. Alisha Hewko
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Dr. Austin Burnett
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Dr. Kiet Tran
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Dr. Jeremy Owyoung

Our Dental Services

General Dentistry

Dental Implants

Emergency Care

Pediatric Dentistry

Oral Surgery

Orthodontics

The Proof is in our Patients

Chris C.
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Very pleasant experience today. My normal dentist is closed on Fridays. I had an emergency visit today for my son. Lindsey was very helpful and made the overall experience pleasant. So thankful OC smile is open on Fridays and Saturdays. I will be returning to OC smile. I highly recommend this dentist. I am now considering them for Orthodontics. CC
Seth L.
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This place is beyond professional, very caring and a very clean/nicely appointed offices. Took me right in since I was in excruciating pain and got me squared away very quickly. I highly recommend them, you will not be disappointed.
Oscar M.
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OC Smile went above and beyond with service, they made me feel very comfortable, I have never had such a great experience. I look forward to returning, my Dentist is Dr. Mike Hyneman he was great to talk to and he really knows what he is doing, I appreciate all the staff as well they made every go smooth and easy. My teeth were hurting and they got me in right away when another place said they had no immediate openings. Thank OC Smile for being so helpful with everything.
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2 Convenient Locations

Our Fullerton, CA Office

1950 Sunny Crest Dr., Ste #1100
Fullerton, CA 92835

Working Hours

Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED

Our Mission Viejo, CA Office

24896 Chrisanta Drive, Suite #110
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Working Hours

Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED

The Ultimate Patient Experience