Traditional & Clear Braces
Precision Orthodontics in Palo Alto

Comprehensive records are gathered at the first orthodontic appointment: digital impressions using an intraoral scanner (no goopy alginate), a full panoramic X-ray, lateral cephalometric X-ray, and facial photographs. These records allow precise measurement of tooth positions, jaw relationships, and skeletal discrepancies that inform your custom treatment plan.

One of our providers analyses your records and designs a treatment plan targeting your specific bite and alignment concerns. You choose between metal brackets (maximum durability, preferred for complex cases) or ceramic clear brackets (tooth-coloured, aesthetically preferred by adults and teens). Bracket placement position is individualised, not a one-size prescription.

Brackets are bonded to each tooth with dental adhesive, then connected with a nickel-titanium archwire. The wire exerts gentle, continuous force that progressively moves teeth toward their planned positions. Initial archwires are soft and flexible; they stiffen progressively as treatment advances and teeth respond to the applied forces.

Regular appointments allow providers to change archwires, adjust ligatures, and add auxiliaries such as elastics or springs to address specific tooth movements. Progress photographs are taken periodically to track alignment improvements. Each adjustment session is an opportunity to review the treatment trajectory and modify the plan as needed.

When teeth have reached their planned final positions, brackets are removed and teeth are polished. Impressions are taken for custom retainers — both fixed lingual retainers bonded behind the teeth and removable clear retainers for nighttime wear. Retention is a lifetime commitment: teeth have a natural tendency to shift, and retainers preserve your investment permanently.