Damon Self-Ligating Braces in Monrovia

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on factors such as the type and complexity of the orthodontic issue being treated and your individual treatment plan. Your orthodontist will provide a cost estimate before treatment begins.

Many children, teens, and adults with healthy teeth and gums may be candidates for braces. However, certain oral health concerns, such as significant gum recession, may need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment can begin.

Braces can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from relatively straightforward tooth movement to more complex alignment and bite and overbite issues. Your orthodontist can assess your smile and determine whether braces are appropriate for your needs.

At Hwang Orthodontics, we offer Damon self-ligating braces in both metal and clear options.

Damon braces use self-ligating brackets with a built-in mechanism to hold the archwire in place rather than elastic ties. Damon Clear braces use transparent brackets that blend more subtly with your teeth for a more discreet appearance. You can learn more about both options under 'Types of Braces'.

Invisalign clear aligners may also be an option for patients looking for a less noticeable approach to orthodontic treatment.

Braces treatment typically takes between 18 and 24 months, although treatment time varies from patient to patient. The length of your treatment will depend on factors such as the type and complexity of your orthodontic concerns and how your teeth respond to treatment.

Your orthodontist will provide an estimated treatment timeline based on your individual needs and treatment plan.

It can take a week or two to get used to the feeling of braces after they are first placed. Damon braces feature streamlined, self-ligating brackets, but you may still notice the brackets and wires as your mouth adjusts to them.

Your cheeks or lips may also feel irritated where they rub against your braces. Orthodontic wax can be applied to these areas to create a smoother surface and reduce friction. This discomfort is usually temporary and should improve as your mouth becomes accustomed to your braces.

You may experience some temporary discomfort at different points during treatment with braces, particularly when your braces are first placed or after adjustment appointments. This is often described as pressure, tenderness, or a mild ache as your teeth begin to move.

Any discomfort typically improves within a few days and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Eating softer foods may also help while your teeth are feeling sensitive.

You may also experience some irritation if the brackets or wires rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips. Orthodontic wax can be placed over the area of your braces causing irritation to create a smoother surface while your mouth adjusts.

Yes, adults can get braces. Orthodontic treatment can be started at many different ages, and braces can help adults address alignment and bite concerns while improving the function and appearance of their smiles.

At Hwang Orthodontics, adults can choose between Damon metal braces and Damon Clear braces, which use transparent brackets for a more discreet appearance. Invisalign clear aligners may also be an option for adults who prefer removable orthodontic treatment.

Yes, children as young as seven may be candidates for braces or other orthodontic treatment in some cases. Early orthodontic evaluations allow us to monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing and identify concerns that may benefit from treatment while your child is still growing.

However, early treatment isn't necessary for every child. We take an individualized approach and recommend early or Phase 1 treatment only when there is a clinical benefit to addressing an orthodontic concern at that stage of development. Otherwise, we may simply monitor your child's growth until the time is right to begin treatment.

Yes. It's important to brush your teeth thoroughly and regularly throughout your braces treatment, especially after meals when possible.

Brackets and wires create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can collect, making good oral hygiene especially important while you're wearing braces. Taking extra care when brushing around your brackets, wires, and gumline can help keep these areas clean.

Maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine can help reduce your risk of cavities, tooth discoloration, gum problems, and bad breath during orthodontic treatment.

Flossing with braces can take a little practice, but it becomes easier once you get used to the technique.

To floss around your braces, use a floss threader to guide the floss underneath the archwire and between your teeth. Gently move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth and below the gumline, then repeat between each pair of teeth.

We provide floss threaders to our patients to help make flossing around braces easier.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you can still enjoy many of the foods you normally eat.

Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage your brackets or wires. You should also avoid biting directly into foods such as whole apples or corn on the cob. Instead, cut foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces and chew carefully.

With a few simple adjustments to how you prepare and eat certain foods, you can maintain a varied diet while helping protect your braces throughout treatment.

Yes, you can continue playing most sports while wearing braces. However, it's important to take extra precautions during activities where there is a risk of impact to the face or mouth.

If you participate in contact sports such as football, rugby, or hockey, we recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard to help protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and braces from injury or damage.

For higher-impact activities where direct blows to the face are common, such as boxing, speak with your orthodontist about the appropriate precautions before participating.

Braces and Invisalign clear aligners can both be used to treat a range of orthodontic concerns, but they work differently and may be better suited to different treatment needs.

When considering braces or Invisalign, factors such as the type and complexity of your orthodontic concerns, your lifestyle, appearance preferences, and ability to keep up with removable aligners can all play a role. You can learn more about braces and Invisalign here.

Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite and discuss which treatment options are appropriate for your individual needs.