Dr. Garlington is a highly skilled orthodontist offering various services to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth. It also involves correcting bite issues, improving oral health, and boosting confidence. With this process, our Long Beach patients can feel changes in their mental and overall health. No matter the treatment you choose, you can trust Dr. Garlington to help you achieve your best smile.
Why Orthodontics?
Orthodontics offers numerous benefits that go beyond just having a straight smile. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, which can lead to better overall oral health. Orthodontic treatment can also correct bite issues, improving chewing, speaking, and jaw function. Additionally, a well-aligned smile enhances appearance, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Our Orthodontic Services in Long Beach, CA
Regardless of your alignment issues, our team has a solution for you. Dr. Garlington provides the following orthodontic services in his orthodontic office in Long Beach, CA.
Early Intervention Treatment
Early intervention orthodontic treatment helps correct jaw and teeth issues before they worsen. The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a great option for kids. It gently expands the upper jaw to create more space for adult teeth. Early treatment can prevent overcrowding and make future orthodontic care easier. It sets the foundation for a healthy, straight smile as they grow.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process for children. The first phase begins early, usually around age 7-9. At this phase, we focus on guiding jaw growth and making room for adult teeth. The second phase starts later, generally in the early teens. This phase involves braces to align the teeth for a perfect smile.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are one of the most common and effective ways to correct dental issues. They use metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by a thin wire. Metal braces are highly effective at treating a wide range of dental problems, such as crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces made from clear or tooth-colored materials. This makes them less noticeable. Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth, making them less visible. With ceramic braces, patients experience less irritation to their gums and cheeks because they are smooth. For additional orthodontic appliances and braces, please visit Types of dental braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is popular for teens and adults who want a discreet and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. This process uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. These are more comfortable than braces with metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for teenagers. It includes special features to ensure treatment stays on track, such as blue compliance indicators. These fade over time to show if your teen wears the aligners as recommended. Invisalign Teen includes up to six replacement aligners in case any are lost or damaged. Teens can straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces, boosting their confidence during a crucial time.
Digital Orthodontics
Dr. Garlington uses the latest digital technology to provide precise and efficient orthodontic care, and our team uses it to improve your experience.
- Invisalign Virtual Care
- Digital X-Rays
- Digital Scans
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, like traditional braces, clear aligners, retainers, and palatal expanders, allow Dr. Garlington to carefully guide teeth into proper alignment. These tools give orthodontists the flexibility to create personalized treatment plans. For patients, they offer a path to a straighter smile and a better bite. Overall, these appliances improve both oral health and appearance.
Retainers
After your clear aligner treatment, you must wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Otherwise, you may lose all the progress you made. For more information on the retainers we provide, please see Retainer care.
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Oral hygiene is important when you have braces to prevent cavities and gum problems. We recommend brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing daily to clean around the brackets and wires. Using a special orthodontic toothbrush or water flosser can help. Good care keeps your teeth and braces clean, ensuring a healthier smile when the braces come off. For more information on what we recommend for oral hygiene with braces, please visit Oral hygiene with braces.
Emergency Orthodontic Treatment
If you have an emergency while wearing dental appliances, we are here to help. While some issues, like mild discomfort, can wait for a regular appointment, some situations need immediate care. If a bracket falls off or you have an accident, Dr. Garlington will need to see you quickly. Please visit emergency orthodontic care for more information on our emergency orthodontic treatments.