Here at Surf City Smiles Orthodontics, we want our patients to feel informed and empowered from their first appointment to the last. Choosing to improve your oral health with orthodontic treatment is a big decision because it affects your whole body’s health. As an educated patient, you’ll know that your smile is too important to trust to anything less than an experienced orthodontist. But what if you’re not sure how to find one? To help you make the most informed choice, here are 3 questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist. Let’s take a look at what you should know before committing to an orthodontic practice for treatment!

Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?

While this may seem like an obvious question, that doesn’t mean it can be overlooked. This is actually the most important question you can ask. A general dentist will typically offer common dental services such as crowns, fillings, dentures, and occasional orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. An orthodontist, on the other hand, spends their days providing only orthodontic services.

This distinction actually matters a great deal. Imagine for a moment that you or your child required specialized treatment or surgery. Would you feel comfortable with your family physician handling your case, or would you prefer a dedicated specialist? 

Orthodontists are essentially dentists who also have several years of additional specialized training and experience. This means an orthodontist has:

• studied the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
• been introduced to numerous case studies
• developed diagnostic skills
• learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
• studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients

To give you an idea of how competitive orthodontic residency programs are, they only the top students in any dental school graduating class. These orthodontic programs tend to last around 2-3 years and include full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. While there are exceptions to every rule, most dentists will not possess this level of exhaustive orthodontic training and experience. 

A true Southern California native, Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Orange County. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery before continuing on and completing his Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters Degree in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, also at UCLA.

He was honored with the Best Case presented at the 2014 American Board of Orthodontics Examination. In 2016, Dr. Carlson published a Case Report in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO), which was later chosen as the 2017 Case Report of the Year College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. His contributions to orthodontic research include furthering automated analysis of three-dimensional surface morphology in craniofacial structures.

What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?

Surf City Smiles Orthodontics has a wide variety of aesthetic treatments available to patients of all ages in Huntington Beach and the surrounding areas. 

Lingual braces

Lingual braces, also called hidden braces, are unique in that they are attached to the backside of the teeth and, therefore, almost completely invisible. Lingual braces are customized to match the shape of your teeth perfectly, so each appliance will be created specifically for you. 

Clear braces

Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they’re not as noticeable as metal braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who may be more image-conscious. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. 

Invisalign Clear aligners

Invisalign Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that use a series of customized aligners to straighten the teeth. Because the aligners are clear and can be removed, you can eat and drink as they normally would, plus brushing and flossing effectively is as easy as it was before your treatment. 

How frequent are follow-up visits with the orthodontist?

No matter how you choose to straighten your teeth, you’ll be visiting our Huntington Beach offices regularly for adjustment appointments. These appointments are typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks. During these visits, Dr. Carlson will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check the progress your teeth are making, and make adjustments to the wires to ensure that the teeth are moving in the right direction. 

If you are an Invisalign clear aligner patient, you won’t need to come in as frequently. However, your check-in appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process. It’s important not to miss them! 

Every case is unique and will take a different time based on how your teeth and jaw respond to treatment. But, the average patient will spend anywhere from 12-36 months years in treatment. You’ll be seeing us regularly throughout your orthodontic journey! We know families these days are busy, and we value your time, so we never overbook patients and always aim to see you at your scheduled time.

Leave your smile to the experts at Surf City Smiles Orthodontics

Dr. Carlson is unmatched in skill, expertise, and experience, so he can provide an excellent smile as no one else can. Since our specialty is orthodontics, you’ll receive nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency. We work to give you a stunning smile that’s unforgettable!

If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you and talk more about the smile you want! There’s never been a better time to take the first step towards a healthier smile, so get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Carlson!

It can be both exciting and slightly overwhelming to learn that you or your child need orthodontic treatment. If you aren’t familiar with orthodontics, you may not be sure what to expect from the journey ahead. Many patients automatically assume treatment means metal braces, and can feel a little nervous about that. Even though traditional braces have gone through quite a transformation in recent years, plenty of our teen and adult patients are still hesitant about using them.

The good news is, a number of alternatives to metal braces are now available! This includes clear braces, lingual braces that fit to the back of your teeth, and clear Invisalign aligners. Here at Surf City Smiles, Dr. Carlson will work with your unique smile to create a customized treatment plan that will give you the best results possible. He’ll base that plan on several different factors, including:

• your diagnosis
• how much work needs to be done
• your lifestyle
• your goals
• your personal preference
• your budget

Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces. Our teen and adults patients love the clear aligner system, particularly those who are image-conscious! In most cases, aligners are comparative in price to traditional metal braces. However, they can sometimes cost slightly more, leading some patients to wonder if Invisalign is worth the difference. We believe Invisalign aligners are an excellent investment in your smile, so keep reading below to find out why!

Invisalign lets you straighten your smile discreetly

The clear, comfortable plastic that Invisalign aligners are made of is a big selling point for patients. Patients who are anxious about treatment making them stand out find that Invisalign is often a welcome alternative! They’re also able to be removed for short periods of time, making them perfect for any special event when you want your natural smile to shine through, like prom, weddings, or senior pictures.  

Invisalign comes with a bit of extra freedom and flexibility

Invisalign patients tend to enjoy more freedom than traditional treatment methods are able to offer! Take food restrictions, for example. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreak havoc on brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them throughout the treatment process. This can eliminate several favorite foods and snacks, which can be frustrating. Invisalign means you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want to! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.

Invisalign makes it easier to care for your teeth and gums

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can be difficult, especially in the early days. It can be tricky to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, which also makes it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! Caring for the aligners themselves couldn’t be easier, either. There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.

Invisalign can potentially shorten treatment time

Because every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.

Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic process, but it’s especially important with the Invisalign system. For the aligners to be successful, they must be worn for 20-22 hours per day, throughout treatment. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making.

For patients who are fully compliant, treatment time with Invisalign can last anywhere from 6-18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!

Invisalign can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues

In its earliest days, Invisalign was mostly used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design improved dramatically. Invisalign aligners can now be used to successfully treat:

• gaps between teeth
• crowding
• deep overbite
• open bite
• crossbite
• excessive overjet
• and more!

Invisalign offers special features for teen patients

When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:

Compliance indicators

As noted above, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Carlson in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fades from blue to clear, providing parents and orthodontists with a visual approximation of wear. This lets them know if the patient is holding up their end of the treatment bargain!  

Eruption tabs

This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.

Replacement aligners

It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there’s no need to worry if this occurs! Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.    

Invisalign is a clear winner with Surf City Smiles

As much as we love Invisalign, it’s not for everyone. In general, the aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlson, he’ll be able to determine if Invisalign treatment is a good fit for your smile. If he feels that a different treatment option would be a better option, he’ll talk you through what’s available. Our team will only recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!

During this first visit with us, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile, and let you know about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. Knowing there’s a comfortable, flexible, and clear option available that’s just as effective as braces means any extra cost will be worth every penny!

If you’re ready to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and how it can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carlson.

Here at Surf City Smiles, we believe the orthodontic process should be fun, rewarding, and as stress-free as possible. That begins the moment you walk through our door!  We know that taking the first steps towards a healthier smile can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. This is particularly true if you don’t know much about orthodontics or what to expect from the journey ahead!

Choosing treatment is a big deal, and we don’t take the trust you’ve placed in us for granted. That’s why we believe your initial visit is one of the most important appointments you’ll have with us! It gives you the chance to get to know us, and lets you explore all your treatment options in a relaxed setting with zero pressure. 

To help you prepare for your FREE consultation with us, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect and what will come next in the process! 

Your first visit with Surf City Smiles

When you arrive at our Huntington Beach office, you’ll be greeted warmly by our team and given a brief tour. We find that patients tend to feel much more relaxed if they’re familiar with their surroundings! We’ll then go over your dental and medical history before taking some digital photographs and x-rays of your teeth. This gives us a glimpse into any orthodontic issues, plus shows us what’s happening beneath the surface of the gums.

Once the necessary images have been obtained, Dr. Carlson will perform a thorough oral examination. After looking at your teeth, gums, and mouth, he may also ask you a few questions about any problems you’ve been having with chewing, swallowing, or opening and closing your mouth. The information we obtain from your history, exam, and images will allow Dr. Carlson to make an initial diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

It’s important to us that you don’t feel rushed during your consultation, so you can expect it to last about an hour. Dr. Carlson will make time to discuss your diagnosis, the orthodontic process, and address any questions or concerns you may have at this point. You can expect him to cover topics such as:

• any oral issues you’re experiencing
• if treatment is needed immediately
• what treatment options are available to correct the problem
• if any teeth will need to be removed
• an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
• the total investment required for treatment
• any payment or financing options we have available to you

At Surf City Smiles, our treatment plans are built around each patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This customized approach allows us to consistently produce superior results our patients love to show off!

Your investment in a healthier smile

Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Carlson, we’ll go over the investment needed for your new smile. Because every patient has unique needs and will respond to treatment in their own way, the total cost will always vary from case to case. Your personalized treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we’ll make sure you understand each one before moving forward with any actual treatment.

We believe everyone should have access to a healthy smile, and our practice is committed to providing high-quality orthodontic care affordable and attainable for every budget. We offer in-house, interest-free, extended payment plans, and also accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. If you have orthodontic insurance, we’ll help you maximize your coverage by assisting you with your all your claims and paperwork. 

The next steps in your orthodontic journey

If you’re excited to get started with your treatment, we may be able to begin the same day as your consultation! Otherwise, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to receive your new orthodontic appliance and start the active phase of treatment. 

Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll have follow-up visits with us every 4-8 weeks or so. At these appointments, Dr. Carlson will adjust your appliance if necessary and check that your teeth are moving in a safe and healthy way.

These visits are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so try not to miss them! We do our best to get you in on a day and time that’s convenient for you, but we understand that life sometimes gets in the way of even our best-laid plans. If you’re running late or can’t make your appointment for any reason, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment for another day.

Trust Surf City Smiles to deliver superior results

You’re putting your smile into the best hands by choosing Surf City Smiles! We have many years of combined experience in straightening smiles for patients of all ages, and the innovative techniques we use allow us to deliver the best results in the shortest amount of time possible.

Orthodontic treatment is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself or your child. An experienced orthodontic specialist like Dr. Carlson will only recommend the best treatment for your unique smile! If you’re in Huntington Beach or the surrounding community and want to learn more about what orthodontics has to offer you, get in touch today to schedule your first FREE visit. We’ve got a beautifully straightened smile waiting here for you!

Thanks to the incredible advances technology has made in recent years, the field of orthodontics has come along in leaps and bounds. When combined with state-of-the-art techniques, these innovative options allow us to offer our patients treatment that is comfortable, efficient, and convenient. Invisalign is a perfect example of this! 

If you’re unfamiliar with the Invisalign clear aligner system, it’s currently the most popular alternative we have to traditional braces. Instead of straightening smiles with  brackets, wires, and bands, Invisalign uses removable clear aligners to give patients the same beautiful results.

Here at  Surf City Smiles, we receive many inquiries from people who are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment, but just aren’t sure if traditional braces are something they want to pursue. They’re often looking for a treatment option that won’t interfere with their busy lives and will provide a more discreet experience. Does this sound like you? If so, Invisalign could be exactly what you’re looking for!

Because Invisalign offers a measure of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t match, our teen and adult patients love it! But what exactly is Invisalign? Let’s take a closer look at how this exciting treatment option can give you a straighter, healthier smile without interrupting your day-to-day life. 

What is Invisalign?

To understand how Invisalign differs from braces, it helps to have some knowledge of both fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. Metal and clear braces, along with self-ligating options, are what we call a fixed orthodontic appliance. This means that  the brackets are attached directly to the teeth, and can only be removed by a trained orthodontic specialist. Invisalign, on the other hand, is a removable appliance. Although it is custom-made to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, nothing is attached to the teeth themselves. Instead, a series of removable plastic aligners are used to shift the teeth into the desired positions over time.

People are sometimes surprised the first time they see an Invisalign aligner, but the design is deceptively simple! The clear trays are made of a special thermoplastic resin that is comfortable but still strong enough to correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. In order to move the teeth and achieve the desired results, patients must wear their aligners for a certain number of hours each day. The aligners also need to be switched out for the next one in the series at predetermined intervals that will be determined by Dr. Carlson.

How does Invisalign work?

When you visit our Huntington Beach office for the first time, Dr. Carlson examine your mouth thoroughly. Our team will also take some digital photographs of your teeth, and may do a series of x-rays, too. If the exam and images show that you are a good fit for Invisalign, we’ll begin mapping out a precise treatment plan for you using a highly detailed 3D scan of your teeth and gums. This plan will include the exact movements we want your teeth to make. 

Once your treatment plan is complete, we can start designing your aligners. The trays will be customized to your unique smile, so that they will provide you with a snug but comfy fit! Invisalign’s special SmartTrack® material gives aligners their durability and near invisibility. The total number of aligners needed for treatment will vary from patient to patient, but most will need anywhere from 10 to 48 to produce the best results. Treatment time will also vary, but you can expect it to last approximately 6-18 months on average. Your individualized treatment plan will also give us an idea of how long your treatment is likely to take.

As the patient, you play an important role in the success of your Invisalign treatment. Because your aligners are removable, the system relies on you being compliant to get the job done! You will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day, throughout the treatment process, to achieve the desired results. To keep up the movements your teeth are making, you’ll also need to switch your aligners out for the next in the series at regular intervals. The exact amount of time may vary slightly based on your individual treatment plan, but is generally every 1-2 weeks.  

You’ll need to see us less often than a braces patient would, but regular check-ups will still be an essential part of the treatment process. These visits will be scheduled for roughly every 4-8 weeks, but they’ll be fairly fast since there are no appliances to adjust. During your appointments, Dr. Carlson will check how your teeth are moving and ensure everything is progressing the way it should be.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign can be an excellent option for many teen and adult patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If your case is particularly complex or severe, it may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve. In the event that a more traditional method of treatment would be more suitable for you, Dr. Carlson will discuss this with you during your consultation. 

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

There are quite a few benefits to be had with Invisalign! A lack of food restrictions can be a big one for many patients. In order to protect their appliance, braces patients must avoid a number of crunchy and chewy foods during treatment. While all the effort is definitely worth it in the end, it can be a pretty big learning curve!

Fortunately, removable aligners mean you can simply take it out whenever you eat or drink anything other than water, then put it back in when you’re done. This also makes dental hygiene easier. Braces can sometimes make brushing and flossing difficult and time-consuming, but Invisalign aligners are simply taken out before brushing and flossing as normal.

What happens once Invisalign treatment is complete?

No matter what type of orthodontic appliance you have, your teeth will still remember their previous place in your mouth and begin drifting back there over time without something in place to stop them. This is why wearing a retainer is so important for every orthodontic patient! Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, our office will provide you with a retainer. For the longest-lasting results, you should always wear it exactly as directed by Dr. Carlson!

Find your best smile with Invisalign and Surf City Smiles

Invisalign clear aligner therapy is our most popular alternative to braces for a reason! The system offers patients a discreet treatment option that is changing the way people think about orthodontic treatment all over the country. Would you like more information on how this exciting system can help you find your best smile? We’d love to meet you, so get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step towards a better smile!

Many people tend to associate orthodontics with teenagers in bulky braces, so it can come as a bit of a surprise to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all kids have their first orthodontic evaluation by around the age of 7! Even though children this age have mouths that are still developing and a number of baby teeth left, we view early orthodontic visits as a vital part of the preventative approach we take here at Surf City Smiles Orthodontics.

When you bring your young child in for an examination with Dr. Carlson, you give our expert team the opportunity to catch any existing or potential orthodontic issues sooner rather than later. This reduces the risk of those problems becoming a much bigger deal later on in life, which in turn can help prevent those same problems from having a negative impact on your child’s future permanent teeth and bite.

Because we have a number of younger patients, we’ve been able to observe firsthand how starting treatment at the most opportune time can make a positive difference to a child’s overall oral health. If your child is ready for their first orthodontic appointment, we’d love to schedule a consultation for you both so we can take a look at how their mouth is developing! Keep reading below to learn more about some of the things our team will be checking for during this initial evaluation.

Tooth loss and eruption

It’s tempting to think that baby teeth don’t really matter since they eventually fall out anyway. But these primary teeth are actually placeholders for our permanent teeth, so where they’re located and when they are lost really does matter. They also tend to fall out in a fairly specific order, so any significant deviation from that pattern may signify a developmental issue that could need further attention.

At this stage in their dental development, most children will have at least four permanent molars and up to four permanent incisors. Any more or less than this could indicate a problem with missing, crowding, or extra teeth. In some of these cases, we may choose to remove a primary tooth early. In others, simply maintaining a space where a tooth has been lost prematurely may be sufficient to keep the neighboring teeth from crowding it.

Crowding and spacing

We will often see spacing issues when a tooth is lost prematurely, where one has never developed, or with teeth that are too small or spaced too far apart. If crowding is the problem, it can often be corrected by expanding the arches or removing certain teeth. An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Carlson will generally be able to tell fairly early on in a child’s life if they’re experiencing problems with excessive crowding or spacing of their teeth, or if these seem like problems they are likely to develop later on.

Misalignment

When the teeth are crooked, it can make it difficult to clean them effectively. They’re also more susceptible to uneven damage and wear. If left untreated, this kind of misalignment can compromise the surrounding gum tissue, affecting the shape and position of it. Although we’re able to align teeth at almost any age, getting a head start on this can help prevent some of that damage in children, giving them a great shot at developing and maintaining a healthy smile!

Overbite (protrusive front teeth)

Front teeth that protrude are often cited as a cosmetic concern, but they may also cause pain in the jaw, and can even affect normal speech patterns. We sometimes need to wait until your child’s mouth has finished growing before permanently correcting an overbite, there are still a number of things we can do in the meantime to help reduce the risk of pain and traumatic injury (while also increasing a child’s self-confidence!)

Underbite

Most underbites we see are caused by problems with either the teeth or the jaws. The most difficult scenario involves the lower jaw growing too far forward. In a difficult case like this, we will typically need to wait until the patient has finished growing to begin their treatment, usually somewhere in their mid- to late-teens. However, early treatment still has an important role to play by helping patients avoid any bite-shifting or damage to the front teeth. Additionally, underbite patients who receive early treatment between the ages of about 7-10 are also less likely to need jaw surgery when they get older.

Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite can lead to crowding, and may also cause the jaw to shift from one side to the other. Expanding the upper jaw in earlier childhood may allow us to reduce crowding and create space for the front teeth to come through uninterrupted. Expansion can also eliminate any shifting that may be present due to a constricted upper jaw.

Anterior Open Bites and Deep Bites

In children with deep bites, the top teeth can completely cover the bottom ones when biting, possibly indicating a small lower jaw. In an open bite, the overall bite doesn’t overlap enough. This can often be caused by poor oral habits, including extended finger or thumb sucking. If this is a problem with your child, we’re happy to work with you to eliminate any destructive habits early on, allowing development to continue normally. 

Improve your child’s oral health with an early evaluation from Surf City Smiles

When you understand more about the potential issues younger patients can face, it’s easy to see why early orthodontic evaluations are an important part of your child’s overall oral health! Timing really is the key factor, since a child’s jaw bones continue to harden as they get older, and will eventually stop growing. Orthodontic procedures needed after that point will often take more time and be more invasive, like tooth extractions or oral surgery.

Having your young child examined by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Carlson often helps to prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, and can even make comprehensive orthodontic treatment faster and more efficient. If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment, get in touch with us today to take the first step towards their very best smile!