Braces in Woodland Hills
Your teenager's dentist has mentioned crowding, or you've noticed your own front teeth shifting a little more each year. Maybe your child's bite doesn't quite line up when they chew. For many families in Woodland Hills, these are the moments that lead to a conversation about braces. At 805 Dentistry, we're here to help you understand your options clearly and patiently, so you can make a confident decision for yourself or your child.
Braces are an orthodontic treatment that gradually moves teeth into better alignment. We offer traditional metal braces, which use small brackets bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by a wire. As treatment progresses, that wire applies gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth toward their planned positions. Metal braces are a time-tested approach, and they remain a dependable choice for a wide range of alignment and bite concerns.
We treat both children and adults with braces, so the same office can care for a parent and a child at different stages of life. Because we're a general and family dental practice in Thousand Oaks led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, Woodland Hills patients can keep orthodontic care, routine cleanings, and exams under one roof. That means fewer separate offices to coordinate.
Woodland Hills is one of the communities our team serves, and we've built our practice around making care practical for busy households. Many families appreciate having a one-stop dental home, where orthodontics sits alongside preventive, restorative, and pediatric care. When your general dental team and your orthodontic care share the same office, information about your teeth stays in one place.
We also welcome patients whose orthodontic treatment began somewhere else. We accept orthodontic transfer patients, which can help if your family has relocated or needs to change providers mid-treatment. We also provide retainers for patients treated elsewhere. If you finished braces years ago and lost or outgrew your retainer, we can help.
Who is a good candidate for metal braces?
Children and adults with crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, or with bite concerns, may be good candidates for metal braces. The best way to know is a personal evaluation in our office. Every smile is different, and we look at your teeth, your bite, and your goals before recommending anything.
Braces can be considered for many situations. A child may have teeth coming in crowded. A teen may have gaps or a bite that doesn't meet evenly. An adult may want to correct alignment they've lived with for years. We also offer clear aligners, including Invisalign, so if metal braces aren't the right fit, we can talk through that option with you as well.
What does the braces process involve?
The process begins with an exam and imaging so we can see exactly how your teeth and jaws are positioned. Our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, which gives us a detailed view to support careful treatment planning.
Here's what you can generally expect:
- A consultation and exam to discuss your concerns and goals
- Imaging to evaluate tooth and jaw positions
- Placement of brackets and wires on your teeth
- Regular follow-up visits to adjust your braces as teeth move
- Removal of braces and fitting for a retainer to help maintain results
For patients who feel nervous about dental visits, we're able to help. Our team includes a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, and we offer options for patients with dental anxiety, including nitrous oxide. We'll talk with you about what's appropriate for your situation.
How do I care for my teeth during and after braces?
Good daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, are key throughout treatment. Brackets and wires create extra places for food and plaque to collect, so careful cleaning around them matters. Keeping up with professional cleanings and exams helps us watch your overall oral health while your teeth are moving.
After your braces come off, a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions. We'll explain how to wear and care for it. If you ever lose or damage your retainer, our team can help replace it. We also offer sports mouth guards, which active Woodland Hills kids and adults may want to discuss with us during treatment.
How can I pay for braces?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. For orthodontic care, our office files insurance claims as a general practitioner. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so we're happy to help you understand how your benefits may apply before treatment begins.
If you're paying out of pocket or want to spread costs over time, financing can make braces more manageable for your family's budget. We'll review your options openly during your consultation, so there are no surprises. If you live in Woodland Hills and you're wondering whether braces are right for you or your child, we'd be glad to meet you and talk it through.