Dr. Htet Khant, DDS and the dedicated team at Beachwood Dental in Los Alamitos are committed to helping you achieve a straight, confident smile through personalized orthodontic care. Properly aligned teeth do more than enhance your appearance—they improve your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your life. Our comprehensive orthodontic services address everything from bite misalignment and jaw positioning to teeth grinding protection and post-treatment maintenance. We take pride in offering multiple treatment options that fit different lifestyles, budgets, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring you receive care that truly matches your individual needs.
Orthodontics
Understanding Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can lead to various problems including difficulty chewing, speech issues, increased wear on tooth enamel, and jaw pain. Orthodontic treatment uses appliances like braces, retainers, and night guards to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions.
Many people assume orthodontics is only for children and teenagers, but adults can benefit just as much from these treatments. Your teeth can shift throughout your life due to age, tooth loss, or habits like teeth grinding. Modern orthodontic solutions offer discreet options that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, making it easier than ever to invest in your smile at any age.
Available Orthodontic Options for Every Need
We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic solutions tailored to address different dental concerns and lifestyle preferences. Each treatment option has unique advantages, and our team will help you determine which approach best suits your goals.
Night Guards
Custom night guards protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, or teeth grinding, which often occurs during sleep. These comfortable appliances create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom-fitted night guards provide superior comfort and protection because they’re made specifically for your mouth’s unique shape.
Retainers
Retainers are essential for maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment and preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. We create custom retainers that fit snugly over your teeth, keeping them in their new, corrected alignment. You may need a retainer after completing braces treatment or to address minor tooth movement, and we’ll design an appliance that’s comfortable to wear and easy to maintain.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces function like traditional braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your smile. These braces are an excellent choice if you want effective treatment without the noticeable appearance of metal brackets. The ceramic material is strong and durable, capable of correcting complex alignment issues while maintaining a more subtle appearance throughout your treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces attach to the back surface of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when viewed directly. This option is perfect for professionals, performers, or anyone who prefers a completely discreet orthodontic solution. While they require a brief adjustment period for your tongue, lingual braces deliver powerful results without affecting your appearance during treatment.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip mechanism instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place. This design reduces friction and allows teeth to move more comfortably and efficiently. These braces often require fewer adjustment appointments and can shorten overall treatment time while maintaining excellent results for various orthodontic concerns.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective and reliable orthodontic treatments available. Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before. They’re particularly effective for complex cases involving severe crowding, significant bite issues, or substantial tooth movement, delivering predictable results at an affordable price point.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Process
Why Choose Our Approach to Orthodontics
At Beachwood Dental in Los Alamitos, we prioritize your comfort and confidence throughout your orthodontic experience. Dr. Htet Khant, DDS brings extensive training and a genuine commitment to creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. We use advanced diagnostic tools and proven treatment methods to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
What sets us apart is our patient-centered approach to orthodontic care. We take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in clear language, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Our friendly team makes every appointment comfortable and efficient, and we’re always available to address questions or concerns that arise between visits. Your smile transformation is our priority, and we’re with you every step of the way.
Better Alignment Begins with One Appointment!
Investing in orthodontic treatment means choosing better oral health, enhanced confidence, and a smile that lasts for decades. Crooked teeth and misaligned bites won’t improve on their own, but with the right care, you can achieve results that change how you feel about your appearance and overall dental wellness. Dr. Htet Khant, DDS and the compassionate team at Beachwood Dental in Los Alamitos are here to guide you through every phase of your orthodontic treatment with expertise and genuine care.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch before-and-after transformations, learn practical dental care tips, and see what makes our practice stand out in the Los Alamitos community—then reach out to schedule your orthodontic consultation by calling 562-598-9497 and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
FAQs
How to clean a night guard?
Clean your night guard every morning using a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap or denture cleaner to remove bacteria and debris. Rinse it thoroughly with cool water before storing it in its protective case to prevent damage and contamination. Deep clean your night guard weekly by soaking it in a specialized cleaning solution or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes, then rinse well.
Should you alternate night guard and retainer?
You should not alternate between a night guard and retainer on the same night, as each serves a distinct purpose and wearing both simultaneously could interfere with their effectiveness. If Dr. Khant has prescribed both appliances, he’ll provide specific instructions on when to wear each one based on your individual needs. Some patients may wear their retainer during the day and their night guard at night, while others might alternate on different nights depending on their treatment plan.
How long do night guards last?
A properly maintained custom night guard typically lasts between one to five years, depending on the severity of your teeth grinding and how well you care for the appliance. Signs that your night guard needs replacement include visible wear, cracks, holes, or a loose fit that no longer provides adequate protection. Regular dental checkups allow us to assess your night guard’s condition and recommend replacement before it becomes ineffective.
Can retainers move teeth back?
Retainers can make minor corrections to teeth that have shifted slightly after orthodontic treatment, but they’re primarily designed to maintain your current tooth positions rather than create significant movement. If your teeth have shifted noticeably, you may need a new orthodontic treatment plan rather than relying solely on your retainer. The best approach is to wear your retainer as directed immediately after completing braces to prevent any shifting in the first place.
Do retainers straighten teeth?
Retainers are not designed to straighten crooked teeth or correct significant misalignment issues that require active orthodontic treatment. They work by holding teeth in their current positions after braces have already moved them to the desired alignment. If you’re looking to straighten teeth that are noticeably crooked or misaligned, you’ll need braces or another active orthodontic treatment before transitioning to a retainer for maintenance.
How to clean dental retainers?
Clean your dental retainer daily by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, avoiding toothpaste which can be too abrasive and create scratches where bacteria can hide. Soak your retainer several times per week in a retainer cleaning solution or a mixture of cool water with a small amount of mild dish soap for 15-20 minutes. Always rinse your retainer thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth, and store it in its case when not wearing it to keep it clean and protected.
