the right path to a quietly perfect smile.
common orthodontic issues.
Orthodontic problems can affect anyone. These are the most common issues we diagnose and treat at Newport-Mesa.
When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all teeth to fit normally. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay.
Gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth, small teeth, or jaw growth patterns. Spacing can affect bite function and aesthetics.
When upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap. Often caused by thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting habits.
When upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much. Can cause wear on lower teeth and gum irritation.
When lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. Often caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw or overgrowth of the lower jaw.
When upper front teeth protrude outward. Often called ‘buck teeth,’ this increases the risk of trauma to the front teeth.
a confident smile at every stage.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven. Early screening can identify jaw growth issues, crowding, and harmful habits before they become complex problems. Phase One treatment may be recommended to guide development.
The teen years are the most common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. With all permanent teeth erupted, we can address alignment, bite, and aesthetics with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign Teen and Spark.
About one in five orthodontic patients today is over 21. Whether you missed treatment as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, options like Invisalign, ceramic braces, and lingual braces make adult treatment discreet and effective.
two-phase treatment. foundation, then finish.
a foundation for a lifetime of smiles.
The goal of Phase One is to help the jaw develop in a way that accommodates all permanent teeth and improves how the upper and lower jaws fit together. For children over six with jaw discrepancies, or around eight with crowded front teeth, early care can prevent permanent extractions later.
patience while permanent teeth arrive.
Remaining permanent teeth are left to erupt freely. Periodic check-ins (typically every six months) make sure each one finds the path created in Phase One.
refinement and lifelong stability.
When all permanent teeth have erupted, full upper and lower braces typically run about 24 months. Retainers ensure the result endures.
six paths, one quietly confident smile.
Every patient is different. We’ll recommend the path that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your timeline.
Spark™ Clear Aligners
the modern aligner
TruGEN™ material with polished, scalloped edges for higher sustained force, more clarity, and minimal staining compared to leading aligners
Traditional Metal Braces
the time-tested classic
Made of high-grade stainless steel, today’s metal braces are more comfortable than ever, with the option of colored elastics for a personal touch.
Self-Ligating Braces
fewer adjustments
Same materials as traditional braces, no elastics required, meaning fewer appointments and less friction on each tooth.
Clear Ceramic Braces
discreet, refined
Tooth-colored brackets that are visually quiet on your smile. A favorite of teen and adult patients with cosmetic concerns.
Lingual Braces
completely invisible
Hidden behind the teeth and 100% customized to match your tooth shape, ideal for athletes, performers, and adult professionals.
LightForce™ Custom Brackets
3D-printed precision
3D-printed ceramic brackets configured to your specific treatment plan. Faster, more accurate, more comfortable.
LightForce™ custom brackets.
LightForce is the world’s first fully customized 3D-printed bracket system. Each bracket is designed specifically for your unique tooth anatomy using digital treatment planning — resulting in more precise tooth movement, fewer adjustments, and shorter treatment times. Treatment starts with the final goal in mind, your beautiful smile, then engineers backwards.
- Each bracket 3D-printed to fit your individual tooth
- Digital planning for precise, predictable results
- Tooth-colored ceramic — low profile and discreet
- Fewer office visits and shorter overall treatment
- Indirect bonding for faster, more comfortable placement
Incognito™ — the secret behind a beautiful smile.
- Comfort — Custom-fit to each patient for a higher comfort level
- Aesthetics — Completely invisible from the front
- Convenience — Great for wind instruments and contact sports
- Works just like traditional braces — same treatment time
- Suitable for teens (13+) through adults (60+)
life with braces.
Avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods that can damage brackets and wires. Stick to soft foods like pasta, steamed vegetables, yogurt, and soft fruits. Cut hard foods like apples and carrots into small pieces.
Mild soreness is normal for a few days after adjustments. Rinse with warm salt water, use orthodontic wax on irritating brackets, and take over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Your mouth will adapt within one to two weeks.
You can continue playing sports with braces — just wear a mouthguard for contact activities. If you play a wind instrument, expect a brief adjustment period. Your activities can continue largely uninterrupted.
emergency care.
Spark™ clear aligners.
Spark aligners are made from TruGEN™ material — clearer, more stain-resistant, and more comfortable than leading competitors. Their polished, scalloped edges reduce irritation, and the material delivers higher sustained force for more efficient tooth movement with fewer refinements.
- TruGEN™ material — clearer and more stain-resistant
- Polished, scalloped edges for comfort
- Higher sustained force for efficient movement
- BPA-free, mercury-free, latex-free, phthalate-free
Invisalign® clear aligners.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. Made from patented SmartTrack material, each aligner is precisely calibrated to move specific teeth at specific times. Virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and comfortable from day one.
Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators and eruption tabs designed specifically for growing smiles — giving parents confidence that treatment is on track.
- Virtually invisible — most people won't notice
- Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
- SmartTrack material for gentle, predictable movement
- Weekly aligner changes for faster results
- Treats a wide range of cases from mild to complex
common questions, honest answers.
Orthodontics, also called dentofacial orthopedics, is a specialized area of dentistry focused on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Any age is a great time. The AAO recommends a child’s first visit around age seven, but about one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Treatment varies by patient, ranging from six to thirty months. Most standard treatments take about 22 months.
Braces don’t usually hurt, though you may feel mild discomfort for a couple of days as your teeth, gums, and cheeks adjust.
There may be a brief adjustment period. We recommend a mouthguard for contact sports, your activities continue uninterrupted.
Yes, every six months. Dr. Skuben coordinates closely with Dr. Agarwal to keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.