Welcome to PhD Orthodontics – Where Expertise Meets a Smile!
At PhD Orthodontics, we redefine orthodontic care through our distinctive blend of scientific expertise and patient-centered treatment. Dr. Xuanyu Lu brings advanced training in craniofacial orthodontics, bone biology research, and 13 published research papers to deliver exceptional results for even the most complex alignment issues.
With flexible scheduling, evidence-based treatments, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we make orthodontic treatment accessible and effective for patients of all ages. As a board-certified orthodontist serving South Pasadena, Dr. Xuanyu Lu’s approach integrates cutting-edge research with compassionate care to transform not just smiles, but lives.
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Our Mission
Our mission transcends routine orthodontic care to deliver truly transformative results grounded in over a decade of experience and specialized training in craniofacial orthodontics. We prioritize enhanced treatment planning that considers your unique oral health needs, facial structure, and lifestyle requirements using the latest research and clinical evidence. As a scientific clinician and passionate orthodontist, Dr. Xuanyu Lu applies his extensive research background and clinical expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient.
This comprehensive approach, combined with our entire team’s dedication to creating a positive patient experience, ensures exceptional results with stable occlusion for long-term stability. We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future, which is why we maintain the highest standards of care through evidence-based practices and personalized attention to detail.
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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
Few orthodontists match Dr. Xuanyu Lu’s distinctive combination of scientific research and hands-on patient care. After completing his dental training in China, he pursued advanced education in the United States, earning a PhD in Oral Sciences and completing an orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), followed by a specialized craniofacial orthodontics fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
Dr. Lu’s focus extends beyond technical excellence to create positive patient experiences by taking time to understand each person’s oral health goals and implementing enhanced treatment planning for optimal results. His global perspective and deep commitment to clinical excellence, combined with his role as an attending doctor serving the largest craniofacial team on the West Coast, make him uniquely qualified to handle both routine and complex orthodontic cases.
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Smile Gallery of PhD Orthodontics
Braces
Misaligned teeth create cleaning challenges that increase cavity risk while affecting your bite and overall oral health. Beyond aesthetics, properly aligned teeth improve speech clarity and chewing efficiency. Metal braces deliver the strongest corrective force for severe cases, while ceramic options provide discretion and lingual braces attach behind teeth for complete invisibility.
Initial consultation involves detailed 3D CBCT imaging and intraoral scans to map your personalized treatment strategy at PhD Orthodontics. Our modern braces technology provides lasting results with permanent structural changes. Throughout treatment, our orthodontist schedules regular adjustments every 6-8 weeks to ensure comfortable, predictable tooth movement with long-term stability.
Invisalign
Virtually invisible aligners straighten teeth without metal brackets disrupting your professional appearance, fitting seamlessly into your routine. Custom trays apply gentle pressure that gradually shifts teeth while allowing normal eating and thorough oral hygiene. Suitable for all ages including children and teens, this treatment combines comfort with effective results for complex orthodontic cases.
Digital treatment planning with our orthodontist creates your personalized aligner series at PhD Orthodontics, showing expected results before starting. Each smooth plastic tray eliminates cuts and sores while worn for specific periods before progressing. Advanced clear aligner technology addresses severe crowding, significant bite issues, and rotated teeth effectively. Regular monitoring tracks progress with shorter appointment times, delivering results comparable to traditional braces.
Smile Arc
Flat or reverse smile lines can age your appearance by creating straight, less youthful displays that lack natural curvature. Traditional orthodontic methods sometimes flatten the natural curvature of upper teeth, contradicting treatment goals. Specialized Smile Arc Protection technology positions brackets closer to gums on front teeth, preventing unwanted flattening while maintaining youthful characteristics.
Advanced smile arc treatment at PhD Orthodontics recognizes that straight teeth alone don’t create attractive smiles without proper curvature. Digital planning software maps your ideal curved relationship between teeth and facial features before placement. Our orthodontist customizes treatment based on individual lip curvature and facial proportions, ensuring harmonious results that enhance natural beauty.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Childhood jaw development offers optimal timing for guiding teeth into proper positions when bones remain flexible and responsive. Intercepting misalignments during growth spurts prevents food trapping between crooked teeth while correcting bite problems that reduce tooth wear. Early intervention addresses developing issues while supporting natural patterns, often eliminating the need for extractions later.
PhD Orthodontics emphasizes proactive intervention around age seven when first permanent molars appear and bite relationships become apparent. This timing allows assessment of jaw growth patterns before problems compound. Our orthodontist creates comfortable experiences targeting specific corrections like crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw discrepancies while allowing normal development to continue naturally.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids commonly obstruct children’s airways during sleep, disrupting essential restorative processes needed for healthy development. Unlike adult cases primarily linked to weight, childhood sleep disorders typically stem from structural jaw issues and narrow palates that restrict airflow. Hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, or excessive fatigue often signals this breathing disorder that impacts cognitive abilities.
Rapid maxillary expansion widens narrow palates and nasal passages to increase airway space immediately, improving sleep quality and daytime behavior. Enhanced oxygen flow supports proper brain development while expanded palates create room for proper tongue positioning. Our orthodontist at PhD Orthodontics collaborates with sleep specialists and pediatricians to provide comprehensive management during active growth periods.
Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Impacted canines fail to emerge properly due to space limitations, abnormal eruption patterns, or trauma affecting normal development. These crucial teeth serve important roles in tearing food, guiding jaw movement, and maintaining facial support. Advanced 3D CBCT imaging reveals exact tooth positioning, enabling precise treatment planning that coordinates surgical exposure with orthodontic guidance while preventing complications.
Treatment begins with orthodontic care at PhD Orthodontics to create adequate space and align surrounding teeth before surgical intervention. Combined surgical and orthodontic approaches tackle complex cases impossible through conventional methods alone, addressing both impacted tooth position and overall bite relationship. Our orthodontist coordinates this integrated care ensuring comprehensive results through carefully sequenced treatment phases.
Cleft and Craniofacial Treatment
Facial tissues failing to fuse during early pregnancy create structural gaps requiring lifelong multidisciplinary care beginning within the first months of life. Early orthodontic intervention through nasoalveolar molding appliances helps shape facial structures before surgical repair, reducing complexity of future procedures. Initial treatment establishes foundations for successful outcomes while addressing feeding challenges and speech development.
Complex orthodontic challenges arise from missing bone and tissue structures affecting dental alignment throughout development. At PhD Orthodontics, our orthodontist specializes in comprehensive cleft and craniofacial treatment with fellowship training and collaboration with plastic surgeons, speech pathologists, and other specialists. Sequential orthodontic phases address changing needs as facial growth continues, with bone grafting around age eight providing permanent support.
What Makes Our Orthodontic Approach Different
Precision Meets Purpose With Our Orthodontist in South Pasadena!
The path to improved oral health begins with experienced orthodontic care. As your trusted orthodontist in South Pasadena, Dr. Xuanyu Lu combines proven techniques with personalized attention to achieve exceptional results.
We change your smile, you change the world. Your journey to a confident, healthy smile is personal, and at PhD Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with PhD Orthodontics today at 626-684-2880 to schedule your comprehensive consultation and discover effective solutions for your specific needs.
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FAQs
What payment and insurance options do you accept?
We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment accessible. Dr. Xuanyu Lu, our orthodontist, will help you understand your coverage and create a payment schedule that fits your budget. We believe financial considerations shouldn’t prevent anyone from receiving quality orthodontic care.
How often will I need to visit during treatment?
Most patients with traditional braces need appointments every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. Your specific schedule depends on your treatment plan, oral health needs, and the type of orthodontic solution you choose. We offer flexible scheduling options, including early morning and late afternoon slots, to accommodate your routine.
When should parents consider orthodontic evaluation for their child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends initial evaluations by age seven when the first adult molars appear and bite relationships become apparent. Early assessment can help identify potential issues before they become more complex, allowing us to address developing problems while your child’s jaw structure remains flexible and responsive to treatment.
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.
What makes adult orthodontic treatment different?
Adult orthodontic care requires special consideration of existing dental work and mature bone structure. We offer various treatment options that balance facial aesthetics with functional improvements. Our enhanced treatment planning accounts for adult-specific factors while working toward your desired results with natural, attractive smile arcs.
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.
What maintenance is required between appointments?
Successful orthodontic treatment depends on proper daily care and following specific guidelines for oral health. Our orthodontist provides detailed instructions for cleaning around brackets and wires, recommends helpful tools, and teaches effective brushing techniques. Regular dental visits with your family dentist remain essential during orthodontic care to maintain overall tooth and gum health.
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.
