A straight, properly aligned smile is about more than just aesthetics—it's a cornerstone of your overall oral health. Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty cleaning, uneven wear, jaw pain, and a lack of confidence. If you're unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, orthodontics provides a clear path to a healthier, more confident smile.
At Crown Dental Group, we offer comprehensive orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages in National City. We believe everyone deserves a smile they love, and we have the modern technology and expert care to make it happen. This guide will explore your options, from traditional braces to clear aligners.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy "bite"—the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Proper alignment makes it easier to brush and floss, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. It can also alleviate jaw strain, headaches, and uneven tooth wear.
Getty Images
Who is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics can correct a wide range of common dental issues for both teens and adults. You may be a great candidate if you have:
Crowded Teeth: When there isn't enough space in your jaw for teeth to fit normally.
Gapped Teeth: Unwanted or uneven spaces between teeth.
Overbite: When the upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth.
Underbite: When the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
Open Bite: When the front teeth don't touch when you bite down.
A comprehensive consultation at our National City office is the best way to determine which treatment is right for your specific needs.
Your Orthodontic Options at Crown Dental Group
We are proud to offer two of the most effective and popular solutions in modern orthodontics. Your choice will depend on your alignment needs, lifestyle, and personal preference.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the time-tested standard for orthodontic correction. They are highly effective for even the most complex alignment and bite issues.
How they work: A system of metal brackets is bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. Your dentist makes small adjustments to this wire over time, which applies gentle, steady pressure to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions.
Best for: Patients of all ages, especially those with significant or complex bite problems.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
For those seeking a more discreet and flexible solution, Invisalign is a revolutionary alternative to braces.
How they work: This system uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible plastic aligners. You wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Each new aligner in the series shifts your teeth slightly closer to the final goal.
Best for: Adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues who want a removable, low-visibility option. The aligners are comfortable, easy to clean, and don't come with any food restrictions.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process: What to Expect
No matter which option you choose, your journey to a straighter smile follows a clear, structured path.
Initial Consultation: You'll meet with our dental team at Crown Dental Group. We'll discuss your goals, take digital X-rays and scans, and perform a thorough exam to determine the best treatment plan for you.
The "Active" Phase: This is when your treatment begins. If you choose braces, you'll have them placed. If you choose Invisalign, you'll receive your first sets of aligners. You'll visit our office periodically (every 4-10 weeks) for adjustments or to pick up your next aligners and check your progress.
The "Retention" Phase: Congratulations, you've reached your goal! After your braces are removed or you finish your last aligner, we will create a custom retainer. This retainer is essential to keeping your teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile in National City
You don't have to live with a smile that makes you feel self-conscious. A straighter, healthier smile is within reach. At Crown Dental Group, we combine personalized care with advanced orthodontic solutions to help you achieve the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.
To explore all your options, learn more about our general orthodontic services.
If you're interested in a nearly invisible straightening solution, find out more about Invisalign.
Ready to take the first step? Contact our National City office today to schedule your orthodontic consultation!
