Traditional Braces in Arcadia, CA

As a board-certified orthodontic specialist, Dr. Matt Nashed is happy to offer personalized, exceptional treatment to children, teenagers and adults. Braces not only dramatically improve your personal appearance, but potential oral health problems like crowding, misaligned bite and excessive decay in hard-to-reach areas are solved too. We’re happy to provide a free orthodontic consultation at either of our offices in Long Beach, CA and Arcadia, CA. Contact us today to schedule a first appointment for you or your loved one!

Two-Phase Orthodontics

Early on in your child’s life, Dr. Nashed may find signs of jaw problems. This could include a lack of growth for the upper or lower jaw, an abundance of growth or a narrow quality. In these cases, our team may recommend them for two-phase orthodontic treatment. This process combines significant facial changes with the creation of a straight smile allowing them to better maintain oral health and enjoy an attractive appearance once they’re grown.

Types of Braces

• Metal Braces – This is the most common kind of orthodontic care. The metal braces are securely affixed to teeth and children are sure to enjoy choosing their favorite colored elastics to fit on as well.
• Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces are considered a more cosmetic option, as their clear material makes them less visible at a glance. However, they do require more maintenance over time.
• Lingual Braces – This option is actually hidden behind teeth making them virtually invisible to those around you. The metal braces are completely customized to fit your unique smile.
• Speed Braces – True to their name, Speed Braces are able to get patients through the orthodontic process in just 3 to 8 months.
• Self-Ligating Braces – Unlike traditional braces, self-ligating braces use a slide mechanism that eliminates the need for elastics making treatment faster and more comfortable.
• SimpliClear – SimpliClear is the only virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. It’s designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural enamel.

Retainer Instructions

A retainer is a necessary part of most orthodontic treatments. This oral appliance helps maintain optimal alignment in the future. For best results, follow our retainer wear and care instructions:

• Always bring your retainer to the office for regular appointments and contact us if the retainer feels loose or uncomfortable or if it breaks. Never try to repair retainer damage on your home. Call our team for help.
• Brush your retainer daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can soak your retainer in denture cleaner as well, but this is not an alternative to brushing which keeps retainers clean and smelling fresh.
• Never use excessively hot or cold water as this may bend or warp the retainer.
• Remove your retainer during meals.
• Store retainers in a protective case whenever they’re not worn.
• Practice wearing your retainer while performing regular activities like speaking and singing to get used to the way the retainer feels.
• Remove your retainer while swimming.

Oral Hygiene Instructions

Caring for your smile with regular at-home care is essential at all times, but for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, brushing and flossing are even more important. Here are some tips for caring for your smile during orthodontic care:

• Brushing – two minutes at a time, two times a day is the basic rule of oral hygiene, but patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, brushing between meals is recommended (especially for those wearing traditional braces). Bracket and wire and alignment tray systems both trap food particles and bacteria against teeth increasing risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing after meals is the best way to prevent this.
• Flossing – many patients don’t think it’s possible to floss while wearing braces, but there are a number of dentist approved tools that make flossing easy and effective for braces wearers including floss threaders, specially designed braces floss and waterpiks.
• Helpful tools – antibacterial mouth rinse is a simple way to keep teeth free from food particles and bacteria between meals and disclosing solutions and tablets are used to reveal plaque and bacteria to help patients clean more thoroughly.