Treatments
Progressive methods. Caring approach.
Orthodontic solutions for the whole family.
Children
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, the first orthodontic evaluation should be scheduled by the time a child turns seven years old or earlier if there are signs of bite problems. Early assessment and treatment can prevent children from needing more complex treatment and tooth extractions later. Our goals for early orthodontic intervention are establishing good bite, monitoring the development of jaws, and ensuring there is enough space for permanent teeth.
Adolescent
Teenage years are the most common time to undergo orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have erupted and are in place. And because teenagers are currently in their growing phase, treatment time can be shorter and more comfortable.
For many teenagers, wearing braces is an important part of growing up because having a beautiful and healthy smile can boost their self-confidence. Having aligned teeth can also allow easier access for cleaning, improving your teen's overall health and giving them a smile that would last a lifetime.
Adults
It is never too late to achieve the beautiful, stunning smile you have always wanted! Here at Starnes Orthodontics, we have been seeing an increase in adults wanting to have orthodontic treatment. Thanks to many advances made in the orthodontic field, there are now many great orthodontic treatment options to suit the lifestyle of adults, including clear braces and Invisalign® clear aligners.
Invisalign
Dr. Heidi Starnes is a certified Invisalign® provider creating stunning smiles with clear aligners in Newport Beach and surrounding communities like Costa Mesa and Newport Coast. Invisalign® straightens teeth through a series of removable clear aligner trays that are nearly invisible. You can discreetly work on your smile without interfering with your daily activities – no food restrictions, and you'll be able to brush and floss easily.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign® Teen is ideal for teenagers who don't want to wear highly visible metal braces. With Invisalign® Teen, we can work on correcting their bite problems using discreet clear aligner trays while celebrating all their teenage milestones with complete confidence. Since they are removable, teenagers can enjoy eating all their favorite food and playing sports. In addition, teenagers love this option because it is comfortable and teeth are easy to clean.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment type and have evolved over the years. Today's metal brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient in moving teeth to their ideal positions. At our Newport Beach office, patients wearing metal braces can personalize their treatment by choosing from a variety of fun colors for the elastics.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are one of the most popular choices for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly but want something fixed. The brackets are made from a translucent ceramic material that perfectly blends in with the natural color of the teeth, making them an aesthetic alternative to metal braces and Invisalign®. Here at Starnes Orthodontics, we use a high-quality clear bracket that does not stain or discolor.
Lingual Braces
Incognito™ lingual braces work in the same way as metal braces. However, instead of being bonded to the front side of the teeth, lingual braces are bonded to the backside of the teeth, making these braces very discreet. The only downside of wearing lingual braces is that it may take some time to get used to it, and speech may be slightly affected.
Champagne Braces
Champagne braces are clear or tooth-colored braces that blend in with the natural color of teeth. They are a popular orthodontic treatment option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional metal braces. Using wires and brackets, they apply gentle pressure to teeth to gradually move them into the desired position, making them a comfortable and effective way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Retainers
Retainers are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in their new position after braces have been removed. They are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, ensuring that the teeth remain aligned and do not shift back to their original positions. By wearing a retainer as directed by your orthodontist, you can maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and enjoy a straight, healthy smile for years to come. Retainers are typically worn overnight, making them a convenient and effective solution for long-term dental stability.
Myofunctional Therapy
Dr. Starnes is a certified Orthodontic Myofunctional Therapist focusing on improving the function of the tongue and lips, such as in tongue thrusting. When therapy is completed prior to orthodontics, early intervention prevents fighting with the tongue during braces treatment and helps the orthodontic timetable to stay on track. When therapy is done during orthodontics and before braces are removed, the final closing stages go easier and the potential for relapse is drastically reduced.