Orthodontics / Traditional Braces
Free Consult​
- Free Initial Consultation ($50* Value)
*Conditions Apply
WHY CHOOSE
Big Smiles?
SKILLED & COMPASSIONATE
DEVOTED TO THE NEEDS OF EACH PATIENT
Graduated at the Top of his Class from University of the Pacific School of Dental Medicine, San Francisco
20+ Years Clinical Experience
Excels in Implant, Restorative, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
- 100s of Root Canals Completed
- 1000s of Implants Placed
MASTERSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP, International College of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
FELLOWSHIP, International Dental Implant Association (IDIA)
- Awarded for Distinguished IMPLANT EXCELLENCE
FELLOWSHIP, Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)
- Awarded to Only 6% of Dentists Nationwide
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Testimonials
My daughter is currently having braces treatment at BigSmiles Dental Care and I am very impressed with this dental practice so far. They got us in for our initial consultation on a day that worked for us, and were able to start her braces right away. Dr. Larry Lu sat down with us and explained my daughter's dental issues in simple English that we both could understand. He was quite detailed and some of what he told us we were unaware of up to that point. My daughter felt he was friendly and wanted to go ahead with the treatment with him. Luckily, his price was fair. We were quoted about 2 thousand dollars less than what other local orthodontists quoted us. Nancy (the always smiling front-desk girl) was extremely thorough in going over the treatment schedule and finances. We were fortunate that we have insurance plan to cover about 50% of the cost. Nancy was also good in taking care of the insurance submission for us. I am very confident that Dr. Lu and his staff will make braces as pleasant as possible for my daughter.
William G.★★★★★
Dr. Lu is an amazing dentist - I am lucky to have him! The staff at BigSmiles are always caring, kind and helpful, especially Charlene at the front desk who makes sure I get in right away whenever I am in pain. I have been going to BigSmiles Dental for 10+ years and couldn't recommend better people.
Keandra Elvarezza★★★★★
Another great appointment with the amazing staff at Big Smiles. Friendly, knowledgable and all-around awesome people. I think I'll go back again next week.
David Ashton★★★★★
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Braces
For All Ages
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the alignment of teeth and to improve appearance.
Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.
Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.
Clear Braces
For Adults
Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear clear braces to straighten their teeth and correct malocclusions (bad bites).
Clear braces are a great alternative to metal braces. They are less noticeable than metal braces and are perfect for teens and adults who don’t want metal to mar their smiles.
Clear braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Causes of
Teeth Misalignment
Poorly aligned teeth often cause problems speaking, biting and chewing. Most irregularities are genetic or occur as a result of developmental issues. Conversely, some irregularities are acquired or greatly exacerbated by certain habits and behaviors such as:
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
How
Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic braces, clear and metal braces are predictable, versatile and incredibly successful at realigning the teeth. Braces work in the same way regardless of the age of the patient, but the treatment time is greatly reduced in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth and have not been affected by gum disease. In short, an adult can experience the same beautiful end results as a teenager, but treatment often takes longer.
Braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past.
We usually recommend braces to improve the patient’s:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Uneven spacing
- Undesirable gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Protruded teeth and/or jaw
- Lack of symmetry of the face
- Headaches
- TMJ symptoms
- Breathing problems
When children and teenagers are treated, we plan the final outcome to be one of great stability. Many of our patients undergo treatment without the need of extractions, providing a beautiful smile, versus one that is collapsed as seen in treatments done in past decades. This allows for their jaw to have great balance and avoids locking of their jaw. This, in the long run, avoids the occurrence of TMJ problems.
Neuromuscular Orthodontics
Orthodontics can do so much more than just straighten your teeth. It can help in the treatment of headaches and TMJ problems. Both of these are mainly due to bite irregularities and severe wear, causing many of the muscles of the head to overwork themselves. The consequence is the onset of headache symptoms. Many patients contact us as a last resort to address their problems. As the patient’s bite is reorganized into the right position, muscle strain is alleviated, therefore correcting the source of the headaches.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our office if you are considering braces.
Don’t hesitate to
contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health – we don’t charge for giving advice!