Orthodontics in Woodland Hills
A crowded lower front tooth, a gap that has widened over the years, or a bite that never quite lines up are common reasons people start thinking about orthodontics. Some notice it in photos. Others hear about it from a dentist during a routine visit. At 805 Dentistry, our office in Thousand Oaks provides general orthodontics for children and adults, and we're glad to welcome patients from Woodland Hills who want straighter teeth and a more comfortable bite without having to piece together care from several different offices.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that gradually moves teeth into better positions and improves how the upper and lower teeth meet. Our practice offers this care as part of our General orthodontics option. That means your treatment is planned and carried out within our general and family dental practice, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, and claims are filed under a General Practitioner. For many Woodland Hills families, this keeps orthodontic care connected to the cleanings, exams, and other dental care we already provide.
We offer two main approaches. Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth into place. Clear aligners, including Invisalign, use a series of removable, nearly invisible trays. Each option suits different needs and lifestyles, and we'll walk you through both so you can make an informed choice.
Straightening teeth is about more than appearance, although many patients do value the confidence that comes with a smile they like. Well-aligned teeth can be easier to brush and floss, because crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque collects. Correcting how the teeth come together can also help spread chewing forces more evenly.
Common reasons patients come to us include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Teeth that have shifted after earlier orthodontic treatment
- Wanting a more discreet option, such as clear aligners, as an adult
Who is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Both children and adults can be good candidates for orthodontic treatment, and we treat patients across that full range. Age alone doesn't decide whether braces or aligners make sense. What matters most is the health of your teeth and gums and the type of movement your smile needs.
For younger patients, families often appreciate having orthodontics and pediatric dental care under one roof. Adults in Woodland Hills frequently ask about clear aligners because the trays can be removed for meals and important meetings. If you began treatment with another provider and have since moved or changed plans, we accept orthodontic transfer patients. We can also provide retainers for patients treated elsewhere, which helps if you've lost or outgrown an old one.
What happens during the orthodontic process?
The process begins with a consultation at our office, where we examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and talk through whether braces or clear aligners fit your situation. This first visit is a good time to ask questions about how long treatment may take for your specific needs, how often you'll come in, and what daily life looks like with each option.
If you choose braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with a wire, which we adjust at follow-up appointments to keep teeth moving in the planned direction. If you choose clear aligners, you'll receive a series of custom trays and switch to each new set over time, wearing them most of the day and removing them to eat and clean your teeth. Either way, regular check-ins let us monitor progress and make adjustments. Because we also offer emergency dental appointments, we can help if a bracket comes loose or something unexpected happens along the way.
How do I keep my results after braces or aligners?
Wearing a retainer as directed is the most important step in keeping teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally tend to drift after treatment, and a retainer holds them steady while the surrounding bone and tissue settle.
We'll explain how and when to wear your retainer and how to keep it clean. Continuing routine cleanings and exams with us also lets us keep an eye on your alignment and overall oral health. If a retainer is ever lost or damaged, our team can help you replace it.
How can I pay for orthodontic treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing to help spread costs over time. Our team can review your coverage with you before treatment begins so you understand what to expect.
Since orthodontic benefits vary from plan to plan, we encourage Woodland Hills patients to bring their insurance details to the consultation. If you're paying on your own, we're happy to talk through financing so you can choose a plan that fits your budget and move forward with confidence.