Braces in Calabasas
Maybe your middle schooler's adult teeth are coming in crowded, or you've noticed in photos that your bite looks a little off. Perhaps you're an adult who never had orthodontic care growing up and keeps wondering whether it's too late. These are some of the most common reasons families from Calabasas reach out to us about braces. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office offers traditional metal braces for children and adults. Because we also provide general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, your orthodontic care can sit alongside the rest of your family's dental needs in one familiar place.
Braces are an orthodontic treatment that gradually moves teeth into better positions. Metal braces, the option we offer, use small brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a wire. Over time, adjustments to that wire apply steady, gentle pressure that guides teeth where they need to go. It's a time-tested approach, and it gives your dentist hands-on control over how each tooth moves throughout treatment.
People choose braces for many different reasons, and the benefits often go beyond appearance:
- Straighter teeth that many patients feel more confident showing when they smile
- Easier cleaning, since properly aligned teeth can be simpler to brush and floss
- A more balanced bite, which can help the upper and lower teeth meet more evenly
- A dependable option for complex movement, since fixed metal braces work continuously without needing to be removed
For Calabasas families, it can also help to have orthodontics under the same roof as cleanings, exams, and other dental care. Coordinating appointments for several family members is often easier when everyone is seen by the same team.
We treat both children and adults with braces, so there's no single "right age" to get started. In our office, younger patients often begin when crowding, spacing, or bite concerns become noticeable as their permanent teeth come in. Adults come to us for many of the same reasons, sometimes after years of thinking about it. Your age matters less than the condition of your teeth and gums and what you hope to achieve.
We also welcome orthodontic transfer patients. If your family recently moved to Calabasas, or you started treatment with another provider and need to continue it, we can review where things stand and talk through next steps. If you finished treatment elsewhere and need a retainer, we provide retainers for patients treated elsewhere as well. For patients who would prefer a removable option, we offer clear aligners and Invisalign. During your consultation we'll explain how those compare with metal braces so you can make an informed choice.
What happens during braces treatment?
Treatment begins with a consultation and exam, where we look closely at your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We'll explain what we see and what braces can help address, and we'll answer your questions before anything is placed. If other dental needs come up, such as a cavity or a gum concern, we can often address them within our practice so you're ready to begin.
On placement day, we bond the brackets to your teeth and thread the wire through them. After that, you'll return for periodic adjustment visits, where we check your progress and make changes to keep teeth moving in the right direction. Every smile is different, so the length of treatment varies from patient to patient. We'll share what to expect for your specific situation and keep you informed along the way.
How do I care for my teeth with braces and afterward?
Good daily habits are the most important part of caring for braces. Brackets and wires create extra places for food and plaque to collect, so careful brushing and flossing around them really matters. We'll show you practical techniques and talk about which foods to avoid so you don't damage your brackets. Regular cleanings and exams remain important throughout treatment, and we can provide them right here.
When your braces come off, a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions. We'll explain how and when to wear it, and we'll check in at follow-up visits. If you're an athlete, ask us about sports mouth guards to help protect your smile during practices and games.
How can I pay for braces?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Orthodontic coverage varies widely from plan to plan, so we're happy to help you understand what your benefits may include before you commit to treatment.
Financing is available for patients who would like to spread out the cost. During your consultation, we'll walk you through your options so you can plan with confidence. If you live in Calabasas and have been considering braces for yourself or your child, we'd be glad to meet you and help you decide on the next step.