About Orthodontics

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, correcting issues such as crowded teeth, spacing, or a bite that doesn’t line up will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

When your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off. We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our team at Van Allen Orthodontics in Westwood is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

What Do Orthodontists Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws. After dental school, orthodontists complete additional residency training focused on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial growth.

Dr. Miriam Van Allen evaluates how your teeth fit together and how your jaws grow, then designs a plan to guide them into a healthier position. That may include braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, retainers, or other appliances. Orthodontists also treat more than cosmetics. Proper alignment makes teeth easier to clean, can reduce wear, and may help with chewing, speech, and jaw comfort.

Common reasons people see an orthodontist in Los Angeles include:

• Crowded teeth that overlap or do not have enough room to erupt
• Gaps or spacing between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
• Teeth that stick out or a bite that does not close evenly
• Jaw shifting, clicking, or difficulty chewing
• Early or late loss of baby teeth in children

What Does Board Certification Mean?

Every orthodontist is a dentist who has completed extra residency training in tooth movement and jaw growth. Board certification is a separate, voluntary step beyond that training. In the United States, it is granted by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).

To become an ABO diplomate, an orthodontist must pass written and clinical examinations that review diagnosis, treatment planning, and finished cases. Certification is not required to practice, but it shows a commitment to meeting a national standard and to ongoing review of one’s work.

When you choose care in Westwood or elsewhere in Los Angeles, it helps to understand the difference:

• Orthodontic specialist — Completed dental school plus an accredited orthodontic residency. Dr. Miriam Van Allen holds a DDS from UCLA and an MSD from her orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado.
• AAO member — Belongs to the American Association of Orthodontists, the national specialty organization. Dr. Van Allen is an AAO member, as well as a member of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the California Dental Association.
• Board-certified (ABO diplomate) — Has also passed the American Board of Orthodontics exams. You can look up diplomates on the ABO website.

If you have questions about training or credentials, ask at your complimentary consultation. Our team is happy to explain Dr. Van Allen’s education and how that shapes your treatment plan.

When Should You Come In?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have a first orthodontic visit by age seven. At that age, Dr. Van Allen can spot crowded teeth, jaw-growth concerns, and bite problems early — even if all the permanent teeth are not in yet. Early evaluation does not always mean treatment starts right away. Sometimes we simply monitor growth until the timing is right.

You should also schedule a visit if you notice:

• Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Mouth breathing, thumb-sucking after age five, or speech concerns
• A shifting jaw, uneven bite, or teeth that do not meet
• Adult crowding that has gotten worse over time
• A desire for a straighter smile with braces or Invisalign

Adults and teens are welcome anytime. It is never too late to correct crowded teeth or an uneven bite at our Wilshire Boulevard office.

How Often Should You Come In?

Visit frequency depends on your stage of care:

• Complimentary consultation — Your first visit is typically a one-time exam and discussion of options. We take records as needed and outline a recommended plan.
• Active braces treatment — Most patients come in about every four to eight weeks so we can adjust wires, check progress, and keep treatment on track.
• Invisalign treatment — Checkups are often every 8 to 12 weeks, since you change aligners at home between visits.
• Early / Phase One or observation — If we are watching growth, visits may be every six months until it is time to start or continue treatment.
• Retention — After braces or aligners, retainer checks are usually less frequent. We will tell you exactly how often to wear your retainer and when to return.

If something feels wrong between visits — a poking wire, loose bracket, or sudden pain — call us rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded onto the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to their proper positions. Clear aligners do the same work with a series of custom trays.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces or clear aligners.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. Crowded teeth, bite correction, and how consistently you wear elastics or aligners all affect the timeline. A big factor in a successful treatment is you. The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can also help provide a quicker overall treatment time.

Before beginning your orthodontic care, Dr. Van Allen will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Contact Van Allen Orthodontics in Westwood to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we treat crowded teeth, bite problems, and other alignment concerns.