Skip to main content

Braces

Braces: Personalized Options for Every Smile

There are many different types of orthodontic braces available today. Each type—though made of varying components—realigns the teeth to enhance chewing, biting, facial harmony, and overall aesthetics. Modern advancements in orthodontics offer a wide range of appliance styles, giving patients more Flexibility, Control, and Convenience than ever before.

At our practice, we proudly offer several braces options to meet the unique goals and lifestyles of our patients. Whether you prefer something more discreet or want the most efficient system available, we’ll help guide you to the right choice.

Many believe achieving the perfect smile is a challenging, sometimes uncomfortable journey. We’re here to change that perspective. At PhD Orthodontics we’ve dedicated ourselves to making the process of getting dental braces—from traditional ones to modern invisible options like Invisalign—not only straightforward but genuinely enjoyable.

Our approach is customized not just for straightening your teeth but also for enhancing overall oral health and boosting your confidence along the way.

Get Started!

Dental Braces Services Offered

Traditional Metal Braces

We offer traditional braces as a cornerstone of our orthodontic treatment. These metal braces are highly effective in correcting misaligned teeth and achieving beautiful smiles. They work by attaching to each tooth and connecting with a wire, which we adjust over time to straighten your teeth and correct your bite.

Our team at PhD Orthodontics understands the importance of comfort dental braces during your orthodontic care. That’s why we focus on ensuring our traditional metal braces deliver results and also maintain a level of comfort for both adults and children throughout their dental braces treatment.


What they are:
These time-tested braces use stainless steel brackets and wires to gradually guide the teeth into ideal alignment.

Pros:

  • Highly Effective for all types of cases, including severe misalignments
  • Durable and Strong
  • Cost-Effective
  • Fun Color band Options for Kids and Keens

Cons:

  • Most Visible option
  • May Cause Minor Irritation Or Discomfort At First
  • Require Regular Adjustments

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

At our dental clinic for braces, we provide an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces with our ceramic braces option. These braces are made with a clear or tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly with your teeth, offering a less noticeable solution for straightening your smile.

Ceramic braces offer the same effective results as traditional metal braces but with the added advantage of being less visible on your teeth. Our experienced team at PhD Orthodontics utilizes advanced technology to ensure that each patient receives personalized care specific to their needs.

What they are:
Clear braces use tooth-colored or transparent ceramic brackets for a more subtle appearance, especially popular with teens and adults.

Pros:

  • Blend In With Natural Teeth For A More Discreet Look
  • Effective For Most Orthodontic Issues
  • Aesthetic Option Without Switching To Clear Aligners

Cons:

  • More Fragile than Metal Brackets
  • May Stain if not maintained well
  • Slightly More Expensive Than Metal Braces
PHD Orthodontics

Self-Ligating Braces

  • image8
  • image5

What they are:
These advanced braces use a clip mechanism instead of elastics to hold the wire in place, allowing smoother and more efficient tooth movement.

Pros:

  • Require Fewer Adjustment Visits
  • Easier To Clean And Maintain
  • Often More Comfortable Due To Lower Friction
  • May Shorten Treatment Time

Cons:

  • Still Visible, Though Sleeker Than Traditional Braces
  • Higher Cost Than Basic Metal Braces

Clear Self-Ligating Braces

What they are:
Combining the aesthetics of ceramic braces with the efficiency of self-ligating technology, these braces offer the best of both worlds.

Pros:

  • Subtle And Tooth-Colored For A Discreet Appearance
  • Efficient Tooth Movement
  • Reduced Need For Frequent Tightening
  • Comfortable And Low-Maintenance

Cons:

  • More Delicate Than Metal Options
  • Higher Price Point
  • Not Ideal For Every Complex Case
PHD Orthodontics

Invisible Braces (Invisalign)

We offer Invisalign, the invisible braces solution that has revolutionized dental procedures for straightening teeth. Unlike traditional metal or ceramic braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners customized to fit your mouth perfectly.

These aligners are virtually undetectable, allowing adults and children to improve their smiles without the visible brackets and wires. Our team at PhD Orthodontics takes pride in providing this advanced option to our patients.

Benefits of Dental Braces

Straighten Teeth

With dental braces, teeth gradually align and straighten, improving both appearance and function.

The process involves applying constant pressure over time to slowly move teeth into the desired position. This method is effective in correcting crooked teeth, closing gaps, and aligning the jaw properly.

Correct Bite Issues

Misaligned teeth not only affect one’s smile but can also lead to problems with chewing and speaking.

But with the adjustments that dental braces bring, teeth gradually move into their optimal position, correcting bite issues effectively. Dental implants and braces play a significant part in this transformation process by providing the necessary support where missing teeth might be affecting the bite’s alignment.

Improve Oral Health

By aligning teeth and fixing bite problems, braces play a crucial role in preventing many long-term dental conditions.

For example, straight teeth are significantly easier to clean than crooked ones. This reduces the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay, ensuring our patients maintain a healthier mouth overall.

Furthermore, properly aligned teeth contribute to better gum health. Gaps or overcrowding often lead to gum disease due to food particles getting trapped more easily between misaligned teeth.

Boost Self-Confidence

When teeth are straight and well-aligned, it doesn’t just improve looks; it lights up a person’s sense of pride from within.

Many patients enter with smiles they’re shy about sharing and leave ready to show off their new confidence in every conversation. This change goes beyond just physical appearance—it reshapes how people see themselves and their interactions with others around them.

Both adults and children enjoy better oral health and aesthetics thanks to braces, making social situations more pleasant while lifting overall self-esteem.

Choosing the Right Braces for You

Every patient is different—and so is every smile. During your consultation, we will assess your specific Needs and Goals to recommend the braces system that works best for you. Whether your priority is Efficiency, Comfort, or Aesthetics, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care using the latest technology in orthodontics.

Get the Perfect Smile with Dental Implants and Braces Today!

Schedule Your Visit Now

Making an appointment with us is easy and can be the first step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.

Contact us today to join thousands of satisfied individuals who have trusted their smiles to us at PhD Orthodontics.

Request Appointment

FAQs

How much are dental braces?

The cost of dental braces varies significantly based on your specific treatment needs, complexity, and chosen braces type. At PhD Orthodontics, we offer metal braces for severe cases and ceramic braces for professional settings. We provide flexible payment plans and financing options to make treatment more accessible. During your consultation, we’ll discuss treatment costs transparently and work with you to find solutions that fit your budget while delivering evidence-based results.

Does dental insurance cover braces?

Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, typically ranging from 25% to 50% of the total cost. Coverage details vary significantly between policies, and some plans may have age restrictions. At PhD Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage. During your initial consultation, our team will discuss treatment costs and payment options with complete transparency.

Can you have an MRI with dental braces?

Modern dental braces are generally MRI-safe, though you should always inform your healthcare provider about your orthodontic appliances before imaging. At PhD Orthodontics, we use advanced orthodontic systems compatible with medical imaging. The magnetic fields won’t damage your braces, though they may create some image distortion in the facial area. Our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions including guidance for medical procedures.

How do dental braces work?

Dental braces apply consistent, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into optimal positions. At PhD Orthodontics, every treatment plan is grounded in scientific evidence from Dr. Xuanyu Lu’s research background in bone biology and tooth development. This controlled force stimulates natural bone remodeling processes, allowing teeth to shift while maintaining healthy tissue. Our evidence-based approach ensures efficient movement while supporting long-term stability.

Can you get braces with dental implants?

Orthodontic treatment is possible with dental implants, though it requires specialized planning. At PhD Orthodontics, Dr. Lu’s craniofacial orthodontics expertise makes him uniquely qualified for complex cases involving existing dental work. Unlike natural teeth, implants cannot be moved and often serve as anchors during treatment. We’ll evaluate your situation using 3D CBCT imaging and design a customized plan that works around existing implants.

PhD Orthodontics
Contact Info
8202 Huntington Dr Unit B
San Gabriel, CA 91775

Phone: 626-684-2880

Office Hours
Mon, Tue & Thu: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sat: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Wed, Fri & Sun: Closed
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More

©2025 Dr. Xuanyu Lu. Designed and Managed by ViziSites. Terms of Use. Website Accessibility.