Orthodontic Braces in Manteca

Orthodontic treatment costs can differ significantly depending on the type and severity of misalignment as well as the type of braces used. At the beginning of your treatment, your orthodontist will give you a cost estimate.

If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. However, certain people with severe recession or oral health issues might not qualify as candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can be used to treat moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

Translucent braces feature brackets made from ceramic materials that match the color of your teeth, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your smile.

Clear aligners are another low-profile, discreet orthodontic treatment option available at Duong Orthodontics.

Braces usually require treatment for one to two years, although this can vary widely among patients. The length of your orthodontic treatment depends on the type and severity of your misalignment. Mild or moderate issues are generally treated more quickly than complex cases.

After getting them, you'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You might notice soreness in some areas of your mouth due to friction from the braces. Applying orthodontic wax in those spots can help create a smoother surface, reducing friction as your mouth adapts. This discomfort is temporary and should subside within a couple of weeks.

If you have metal braces with rubber bands, you can change the color of your braces during your adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics come in a variety of colors for you to choose from. This opportunity to personalize your braces can make the orthodontic treatment process more enjoyable!

We may also use e-chains to close the gaps between teeth, which are available in a wide variety of colors.

You can change the color of your braces based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

During your orthodontic treatment with braces, you may encounter some discomfort. However, any pain experienced is temporary, typically subsiding within a few hours or days.

Discomfort from braces usually occurs for a week or so after you first get them and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. This type of pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers until it has passed.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. To alleviate this issue, apply orthodontic wax to the brackets in the areas where you feel rubbing, creating a smoother surface against your mouth. Painkillers can also help manage this discomfort until it subsides.

Yes, adults can get braces! In recent years, more and more adults have opted to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on during their younger years to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.

Many adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces or clear aligners. These orthodontic treatment options offer patients a more discreet alternative to traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be treated more effectively when children are young, allowing us to guide their oral development rather than trying to correct issues that have already become established later on.

That said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, prescribing them only when there is a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, brushing your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment is a good idea.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while wearing braces. Braces can create a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. Food particles can easily get caught in these spaces, making them more susceptible to bacteria.

Extra vigilance in your oral hygiene is crucial to prevent cavities, tooth discoloration, and bad breath.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth. To make this easier, we supply floss threaders for our patients. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw it up and down between the teeth. Then, repeat this process for each space between two teeth.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you should still be able to eat many of the foods you love.

You should avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. It's important to chew carefully and take your time while wearing braces. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!), and avoid chewing gum completely.

Generally, you can continue with your usual diet, making just a few adjustments as needed.

As a general rule, it is recommended to avoid sports that involve direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouthguard, activities such as boxing should be avoided.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we also advise extreme caution in these cases.

In most sports, you should be able to keep playing without issue. If you want to stay active on the field, court, or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth, mouth, and the braces from damage.

Braces and clear aligners are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

When choosing between clear aligners and traditional braces, you should consider your personal preferences and lifestyle, esthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will evaluate your individual situation and suggest the most suitable treatment option for your needs.