Welcome to PhD Orthodontics – Where Expertise Meets a Smile!
PhD Orthodontics proudly serves the San Gabriel Valley, CA, under the care of Dr. Xuanyu Lu — an orthodontist with a global perspective and a deep commitment to clinical excellence. Dr. Lu earned his PhD and completed Advanced Orthodontics Residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), followed by a Craniofacial Orthodontic Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). He later contributed to the field as a faculty member at the University of Southern California (USC), helping train the next generation of orthodontic specialists.
At PhD Orthodontics, we provide High-Quality, Evidence-Based Practice tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We strive to make every visit Enjoyable and Informative, building lasting Trust through Personalized Attention, Clinical Transparency, and a focus on Long-Term Stability and Facial Aesthetic.
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Our Mission at PhD Orthodontics
At PhD Orthodontics office, our mission is to provide Exceptional, Evidence-Based Practice grounded in over a decade of experience and specialized training in Craniofacial Orthodontics. As a scientific clinician, every treatment plan is carefully crafted using the latest research and clinical evidence to ensure the best possible outcomes. We prioritize patient understanding and transparency—educating families on the “WHY” behind each decision before moving forward. Our focus is on Early Orthodontic Intervention, addressing Facial and Jaw Development at the Optimal time to support Healthy, Harmonious Growth before the Adolescent Growth Spurt. We also emphasize Airway and Breathing health, recognizing that Pediatric Sleep Apnea is often overlooked and can significantly impact a child’s development. Our goal is not only to complete treatment with Stable Occlusion for Long-term result, but also to create a Natural, Attractive Smile Arc that enhances Facial Aesthetics and Confidence.
We change your smile, you change the world.
Request Appointment
Meet Our Doctor
PhD Orthodontics under the care of Dr. Xuanyu Lu — an orthodontist with a global perspective and a deep commitment to clinical excellence. Dr. Lu earned his PhD and completed Advanced Orthodontics Residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), followed by a Craniofacial Orthodontic Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles(CHLA). He later contributed to the field as a faculty member at the University of Southern California (USC), helping train the next generation of orthodontic specialists.
At PhD Orthodontics, we provide High-Quality, Evidence-Based Practice tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We strive to make every visit Enjoyable and Informative, building lasting Trust through Personalized Attention, Clinical Transparency, and a focus on Long-Term Stability and Facial Aesthetic.
Meet Dr. Lu
Meet Our Doctor
PhD Orthodontics under the care of Dr. Xuanyu Lu — an orthodontist with a global perspective and a deep commitment to clinical excellence. Dr. Lu earned his PhD and completed Advanced Orthodontics Residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), followed by a Craniofacial Orthodontic Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles(CHLA). He later contributed to the field as a faculty member at the University of Southern California (USC), helping train the next generation of orthodontic specialists.
At PhD Orthodontics, we provide High-Quality, Evidence-Based Practice tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We strive to make every visit Enjoyable and Informative, building lasting Trust through Personalized Attention, Clinical Transparency, and a focus on Long-Term Stability and Facial Aesthetic.
Meet Dr. Lu
Smile Gallery of PhD Orthodontics
- Braces Treatment
- Invisalign Treatment
- Smile Arc
- Early Treatment
- Sleep Apnea
- Surgical Orthodontic
- Craniofacial Treatment
Long-Term Success with Braces Treatment
We understand that choosing braces represents a significant investment in your oral health future. When you select orthodontic treatment, you’re making a decision that will benefit you for decades to come. Modern braces technology has evolved to provide lasting results that maintain their effectiveness throughout your lifetime.
Your smile transformation through braces creates permanent structural changes to your teeth positioning. We see patients who completed treatment years ago still enjoying perfectly aligned teeth. The key to lasting success lies in following your post-treatment care plan and wearing retainers as directed by PhD Orthodontics.
Comparing Your Braces Options for Optimal Results
Different brace types offer unique advantages depending on your specific needs and lifestyle preferences. Traditional metal braces remain the most reliable choice for complex orthodontic issues, while ceramic options provide discretion without sacrificing effectiveness.
We at PhD Orthodontics help you evaluate which system works best for your situation:
- Metal braces deliver the strongest corrective force for severe misalignment cases
- Ceramic braces blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color for professional settings
- Clear aligners offer removability for special occasions and easier oral hygiene
- Self-ligating systems reduce appointment frequency through advanced bracket design
Preventing Future Dental Problems Through Early Intervention
Starting orthodontic treatment at the right time prevents more serious complications later in life. We recommend evaluations by age seven to identify potential issues before they become complex problems requiring extensive treatment.
Early braces intervention addresses developing issues while your jaw structure remains flexible:
- Correcting Mouth breathing and unfavorable oral habits potentially harm the facial growth
- Correcting bite problems reduces tooth wear and jaw joint strain over time
- Straightening crowded teeth eliminates hard-to-clean areas that harbor bacteria
- Fixing gaps prevents food trapping and reduces cavity formation risk
- Aligning your bite improves chewing efficiency and digestive health
- Establishing proper tooth positioning supports healthy gum tissue development
Taking action now with braces treatment saves you from more complicated procedures in the future. Our orthodontic specialist at PhD Orthodontics creates treatment plans that work with your natural development patterns to achieve optimal results efficiently.
Maximizing Your Daily Comfort with Invisalign Treatment
We at PhD Orthodontics believe that Invisalign revolutionizes orthodontic care by fitting seamlessly into your existing routine. Unlike traditional metal brackets that catch food and irritate soft tissues, clear aligners provide smooth, comfortable tooth movement throughout your day. You can continue eating your favorite foods, speaking confidently in meetings, and maintaining your active lifestyle without disruption.
These custom-made aligners transform your smile while preserving your professional image and personal comfort. Each tray applies gentle, controlled pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment without the pain and inconvenience associated with conventional orthodontic methods. Your daily activities remain unaffected as you progress toward your ideal smile.
Understanding Your Clear Aligner Choices
Traditional bracket systems and Invisalign aligners achieve similar orthodontic goals through vastly different approaches. Metal braces use continuous force through wires and brackets, while clear aligners employ strategic, removable trays that you change every few weeks.
Key differences between your treatment options include:
- Removability allows normal eating and thorough oral hygiene maintenance
- Nearly invisible appearance maintains your professional and social confidence
- Smooth plastic surfaces eliminate cuts and sores inside your mouth
- Digital treatment planning shows your expected results before starting
- Shorter appointment times reduce disruption to your busy schedule
Clearing Up Common Invisalign Misconceptions
Many people believe Invisalign only works for minor tooth movements, but modern clear aligner technology addresses complex orthodontic cases effectively. We treat severe crowding, significant bite issues, and rotated teeth using advanced Invisalign systems at PhD Orthodontics.
Common myths about clear aligner treatment that need clarification:
- Aligners work only for adults when children and teens achieve excellent results too
- Treatment takes longer than braces when most cases finish within the same timeframe
- Aligners cost significantly more despite comparable pricing to traditional options
- Clear trays break easily although they withstand normal daily wear effectively
- Invisalign cannot fix serious problems when complex cases respond well to treatment
Your orthodontic transformation depends on choosing the right treatment approach for your specific needs. Modern clear aligner technology from PhD Orthodontics delivers predictable results across all age groups and complexity levels, making quality orthodontic care accessible to everyone seeking a better smile.
Protecting Your Natural Smile Arc During Treatment
Traditional orthodontic methods sometimes flatten the natural curvature of your upper teeth, creating an aged appearance that contradicts your treatment goals. We prioritize maintaining your youthful smile characteristics throughout the entire correction process. Advanced Smile Arc Protection technology prevents the unwanted flattening effect that occurs when brackets are positioned using standard techniques.
Your natural smile displays a beautiful curved relationship between your upper teeth and lower lip contour. Our modern orthodontic care at PhD Orthodontics recognizes that straight teeth alone don’t create an attractive smile without proper curvature considerations.
Distinguishing Smile Arc Approaches from Standard Methods
Conventional bracket positioning focuses primarily on tooth alignment without considering the overall smile appearance. Smile Arc Protection(SAP) techniques deliberately modify bracket placement to maintain the natural curved relationship between your teeth and facial features.
Standard orthodontics versus advanced smile arc treatment differs in several ways:
- Traditional methods place brackets uniformly while SAP positions them closer to gums on front teeth
- Conventional treatment may flatten your smile while protective techniques enhance natural curvature
- Standard approaches prioritize function over aesthetics while modern methods balance both aspects
- Regular bracket systems can age your appearance while SAP maintains youthful characteristics
Understanding the Evolution of Smile Design Principles
Orthodontic treatment has transformed dramatically from simply creating straight teeth to designing harmonious facial aesthetics. Early orthodontic practices focused exclusively on functional bite correction without considering how treatment affected smile attractiveness or facial aging.
PhD Orthodontics embraces this evolution by incorporating aesthetic principles into every treatment plan:
- Historical orthodontics treated all patients with identical bracket placement regardless of facial features
- Modern practices customize treatment based on individual lip curvature and facial proportions
- Early methods often created flat, aged-looking smiles despite achieving proper tooth alignment
- Contemporary approaches use digital planning to preview and perfect smile arc outcomes
- Advanced techniques now consider gender, age, and lifestyle factors in treatment design
Addressing Common Smile Arc Deficiencies
Flat, reverse, or asymmetric smile arcs create aesthetic challenges that affect your confidence and overall appearance. We identify these issues during your initial consultation and develop targeted correction strategies that restore natural curvature while addressing your specific orthodontic needs.
Your treatment plan addresses multiple smile arc concerns simultaneously:
- Flat arcs receive enhanced curvature through strategic bracket positioning modifications
- Reverse arcs benefit from specialized techniques that restore proper tooth display relationships
- Asymmetric patterns require individualized adjustments to create balanced smile harmony
Our advanced smile arc treatment at PhD Orthodontics represents the future of orthodontic care, combining technical precision with aesthetic awareness to deliver results that enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence for years to come.
Comparing Early Orthodontic Treatment to Later Intervention
PhD Orthodontics addresses orthodontic concerns during childhood development by creating dramatically different outcomes than waiting until adolescence or adulthood. Early intervention capitalizes on natural growth patterns when bones remain flexible and responsive to gentle guidance. Young patients experience faster, more comfortable corrections because their developing jaws adapt more readily to treatment modifications.
Delaying treatment until permanent teeth fully emerge often requires more complex procedures, longer treatment times, and potentially invasive corrections. Early orthodontic care works with your child’s natural development timeline rather than fighting against established patterns that become increasingly difficult to modify with age.
Understanding the Optimal Timing for Childhood Intervention
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends initial evaluations by age seven when the first adult molars appear and bite relationships become apparent. This timing allows our orthodontists at PhD Orthodontics to assess jaw growth patterns, tooth eruption sequences, and potential spacing issues before they compound into serious problems.
Key developmental markers that indicate readiness for early assessment include:
- First permanent molars have erupted and established initial bite relationships
- Mixed dentition phase begins with both baby and adult teeth present simultaneously
- Jaw growth spurts provide optimal windows for guiding skeletal development
- Facial symmetry patterns become established and can be evaluated for balance
- Harmful oral habits like thumb sucking may require intervention to prevent damage
Dispelling Common Early Treatment Misconceptions
Many parents believe early orthodontic intervention means starting comprehensive treatment too soon, but modern approaches focus on targeted corrections that prevent major problems. We at PhD Orthodontics address specific issues like crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw discrepancies while allowing normal development to continue naturally.
Common myths about childhood orthodontic care that need correction:
- Early treatment always means wearing braces for many years when most interventions are brief and targeted
- Children are too young to cooperate with treatment when kids adapt more easily than teenagers
- Baby teeth problems resolve themselves when primary tooth issues often worsen permanent tooth alignment
- Early intervention costs more overall when prevention typically reduces future treatment complexity
- Waiting until all permanent teeth emerge is better when early timing often eliminates need for extractions
PhD Orthodontics specializes in identifying the precise moment when intervention provides maximum benefit with minimal treatment time. Your child’s orthodontic journey becomes smoother, shorter, and more successful when we address developing issues at the optimal developmental stage rather than waiting for problems to become entrenched.
Understanding Pediatric Sleep Apnea and Airway Development
Pediatric sleep apnea affects breathing patterns during rest when children experience partial or complete airway blockages throughout the night. Unlike adult cases primarily linked to weight factors, childhood sleep disorders typically stem from enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or structural jaw development issues that restrict proper airflow.
PhD Orthodontics recognizes the connection between facial growth patterns and breathing difficulties in developing children. Narrow palates, small jaw structures, and certain bite relationships can contribute to airway constriction that disrupts healthy sleep cycles. Understanding these developmental factors allows us to identify children who may benefit from early intervention to support both proper breathing and facial growth.
Maximizing Treatment Benefits Through Airway Expansion
Orthodontic interventions for pediatric sleep apnea focus on creating more space for proper airflow while supporting natural facial development. Rapid maxillary expansion techniques widen the upper jaw and nasal passages, immediately improving breathing capacity and reducing nighttime interruptions.
Your child gains multiple advantages from airway-focused orthodontic treatment:
- Improved sleep quality leads to better daytime behavior and academic performance
- Enhanced oxygen flow supports proper brain development during critical growth periods
- Reduced snoring and breathing interruptions benefit the entire family’s rest quality
- Expanded palate creates room for proper tongue positioning and swallowing patterns
- Better facial development prevents future airway restriction as your child grows
Addressing Sleep-Related Breathing Problems with Targeted Solutions
Children with sleep apnea often display hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, or excessive daytime fatigue that parents may attribute to other causes. PhD Orthodontics works closely with medical professionals to identify orthodontic factors contributing to these sleep disruptions and develop comprehensive treatment approaches.
Effective orthodontic solutions target the root causes of airway obstruction:
- Maxillary expansion appliances widen narrow palates that restrict nasal breathing pathways
- Mandibular advancement devices reposition the lower jaw to prevent tongue-based airway blockage
- Combined treatment approaches address multiple contributing factors simultaneously for optimal results
- Early intervention takes advantage of active growth periods when skeletal changes occur more easily
- Customized appliances accommodate each child’s specific anatomical needs and comfort requirements
PhD Orthodontics collaborates with sleep specialists and pediatricians to provide comprehensive care that addresses both immediate breathing concerns and supports healthy facial development for lasting benefits.
Transforming Oral Function Through Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Our surgical orthodontic treatment at PhD Orthodontics creates life-changing improvements for patients with impacted canines and severe bite irregularities that affect daily activities. When teeth fail to emerge naturally or develop in problematic positions, the combined surgical and orthodontic approach restores both function and appearance more effectively than either treatment alone.
The impact extends beyond aesthetics to fundamental oral health improvements. Properly positioned canine teeth serve crucial roles in tearing food, guiding jaw movement, and maintaining facial support. Missing or malpositioned canines can lead to premature wear on other teeth, jaw joint problems, and difficulty with normal eating patterns that affect overall nutrition and quality of life.
Evaluating Surgical Orthodontic Options Against Traditional Methods
Traditional orthodontic approaches work effectively for most alignment issues but cannot address deeply impacted teeth or severe skeletal discrepancies without surgical assistance. Combined treatment tackles complex cases that would remain unresolved through conventional methods alone.
PhD Orthodontics helps patients understand the key differences between treatment approaches:
- Traditional orthodontics moves visible teeth while surgical methods access buried or blocked teeth
- Conventional treatment requires years of compensation when surgical intervention provides direct correction
- Standard approaches may compromise adjacent teeth while combined treatment preserves surrounding structures
- Regular orthodontics addresses symptoms while surgical treatment corrects underlying anatomical causes
- Traditional methods have limitations with severe cases that surgical approaches can resolve definitively
Achieving Comprehensive Results Through Combined Care
Surgical orthodontic treatment delivers outcomes impossible through single-discipline approaches by addressing both the position of impacted teeth and the overall bite relationship. Our advanced 3D imaging technology ar PhD Orthodontics allows precise treatment planning that coordinates surgical exposure with orthodontic guidance for optimal results.
Your treatment experience provides multiple advantages through integrated care:
- Surgical exposure reveals impacted teeth that orthodontic forces can then guide into proper position
- Coordinated planning reduces total treatment time compared to sequential approaches
- Advanced imaging prevents complications by mapping exact tooth positions before treatment begins
- Combined expertise addresses both immediate surgical needs and long-term orthodontic goals
- Personalized treatment plans accommodate individual anatomical variations and healing patterns
The collaborative approach between surgical and orthodontic specialists at PhD Orthodontics ensures that patients receive comprehensive care addressing both immediate functional needs and long-term oral health stability.
Early Intervention Strategies for Cleft and Craniofacial Treatment
Beginning cleft and craniofacial treatment within the first months of life establishes the foundation for successful long-term outcomes. Early orthodontic intervention through nasoalveolar molding appliances helps shape facial structures before surgical repair, reducing the complexity of future procedures and improving overall results.
Proactive treatment planning during infancy addresses feeding challenges, speech development concerns, and facial growth patterns that significantly impact your child’s quality of life. The coordinated approach between our orthodontic specialists at PhD Orthodontics and surgical teams creates optimal conditions for each stage of treatment while minimizing the number of procedures needed throughout childhood and adolescence.
Building Lifelong Stability Through Comprehensive Care
Cleft and craniofacial treatment success depends on maintaining results achieved during childhood through ongoing orthodontic monitoring and care. Adult patients who received comprehensive early treatment typically require minimal additional intervention when proper protocols are followed consistently.
PhD Orthodontics emphasizes long-term stability through carefully planned treatment sequences:
- Bone grafting procedures performed around age eight provide permanent support for emerging teeth
- Sequential orthodontic phases address changing needs as facial growth continues into adolescence
- Regular monitoring prevents relapse and identifies issues before they become complex problems
- Adult maintenance ensures surgical and orthodontic improvements remain stable throughout life
- Coordinated team care provides consistent standards across all treatment phases
Maximizing Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes
Our modern cleft and craniofacial treatment at PhD Orthodontics achieves remarkable improvements in speech clarity, eating function, and facial appearance through specialized orthodontic techniques combined with surgical expertise. Patients benefit from advanced appliances designed specifically for craniofacial conditions that address unique challenges not found in typical orthodontic cases.
Your comprehensive treatment experience delivers multiple life-changing benefits:
- Improved speech development through proper palate positioning and tongue function
- Enhanced feeding abilities that support normal nutrition and growth patterns
- Restored facial symmetry that boosts confidence and social interactions
- Optimal dental alignment that facilitates oral hygiene and prevents future problems
- Coordinated timing that minimizes treatment burden while maximizing results
Our multidisciplinary team approach at PhD Orthodontics ensures that every aspect of your child’s development receives expert attention from specialists trained specifically in craniofacial conditions. Early intervention combined with long-term monitoring provides the best possible outcomes for children born with cleft and craniofacial differences.
Why Choose Us
Start Your Smile Journey With PhD Orthodontics
At PhD Orthodontics, our mission is to provide Exceptional, Evidence-Based Practice grounded in over a decade of experience and specialized training in Craniofacial Orthodontics. As a scientific clinician, every treatment plan is carefully crafted using the latest research and clinical evidence to ensure the best possible outcomes. We prioritize patient understanding and transparency—educating families on the “WHY” behind each decision before moving forward. Our focus is on Early Orthodontic Intervention, addressing Facial and Jaw Development at the Optimal time to support Healthy, Harmonious Growth before the Adolescent Growth Spurt. We also emphasize Airway and Breathing health, recognizing that Pediatric Sleep Apnea is often overlooked and can significantly impact a child’s development. Our goal is not only to complete treatment with Stable Occlusion for Long-term results, but also to create a Natural, Attractive Smile Arc that enhances Facial Aesthetics and Confidence.
We change your smile, you change the world.
Don’t wait to take the first step toward the smile you deserve — schedule your comprehensive consultation today by calling 626-684-2880.
Request Appointment
FAQs
Do you accept appointments?
Yes, we do accept appointments at PhD Orthodontics. In fact, we highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us in advance to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes, please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to fill out any patient forms at PhD Orthodontics.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, cash, credit cards, and most insurance plans. Contact PhD Orthodontics so a member of our team can verify your insurance or visit our Payment Options page for more information!
How often should I visit the dentist?
It is important to schedule routine checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is recommended by the ADA to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Contact us now to book your appointment and take the first step toward optimal oral health!
What services do you offer?
At PhD Orthodontics, we are happy to offer a variety of services including:
How do I know if I or my child needs orthodontic treatment?
Common signs include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, and gaps between teeth. At PhD Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine if treatment is needed. Early assessment can help identify potential issues before they become more complex.
What types of orthodontic treatments do you offer?
We provide a full range of orthodontic solutions, from traditional braces to modern aesthetic options. Our treatments at PhD Orthodontics are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, age, and lifestyle. Dr. Xuanyu Lu’s expertise in craniofacial orthodontics care for Cleft lip and palate children allows us to handle both routine and complex cases with precision.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your initial consultation at PhD Orthodontics includes a thorough examination, including 3D CBCT and intraoral scan, discussion of your concerns, and review of treatment options. We’ll explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms and answer all your questions. Our team will also discuss treatment timing, costs, and payment options during this visit.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
While you may experience some temporary discomfort when braces are first placed or adjusted, modern orthodontic techniques minimize pain. Our team at PhD Orthodontics provides detailed guidance on managing any initial soreness, which typically subsides within a few days. We prioritize your comfort throughout the entire treatment process.
How can I maintain my smile after treatment?
Post-treatment care involves wearing retainers as prescribed and maintaining good oral hygiene. PhD Orthodontics provides comprehensive aftercare instructions and regular check-ups to ensure your results last. We remain available to address any concerns even after your active treatment is complete.
