
Braces in La Jolla
Braces remain one of the most precise and effective ways to create a healthier, beautifully aligned smile. At La Jolla Village Orthodontics, every treatment is thoughtfully planned around your individual needs, with expert guidance and attentive care from beginning to end.

What are braces?
Braces use gentle, controlled pressure to gradually guide the teeth into healthier, more balanced positions. They can correct crowding, spacing, bite concerns, and more complex orthodontic needs while improving both the function and appearance of your smile.
At La Jolla Village Orthodontics, treatment is personally planned by our board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Upatham and Dr. Wong. Every detail is considered, from your clinical needs and lifestyle to the final balance of your smile, for results designed to look beautiful and last.
The benefits of braces
Braces offer exceptional control and precision, making them a trusted treatment for patients of nearly every age.
Precision for complex needs
Braces give our orthodontists control over tooth movement, making them effective for addressing crowding, spacing, bite concerns, and more involved cases.
Improve balance and function
Proper alignment can improve the way your teeth come together, make your smile easier to care for, and support healthier function over time.
Long-lasting, reliable results
With thoughtful planning and consistent care, braces can create stable, predictable results designed to serve your smile long after treatment is complete.
Types of braces
Traditional metal braces
Modern metal braces offer a precise, dependable approach to correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns. Today’s systems are more streamlined than ever, allowing Dr. Upatham and Dr. Wong to carefully guide each tooth while keeping treatment efficient and comfortable.
Durable, versatile, and highly effective, metal braces are an excellent option for children, teens, and adults seeking comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces offer the precision of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance. Tooth-colored brackets blend more naturally with your smile while giving our orthodontists the control needed to create beautifully aligned results. They can be an especially appealing option for teens and adults who prefer a subtler approach to braces.
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The braces process

Complimentary consultation
Your first visit is an opportunity to understand your smile and explore what treatment could look like. We’ll complete digital scans and photos, evaluate your teeth and bite, and take the time to hear what you hope to achieve.

Personalized treatment planning
Dr. Upatham or Dr. Wong will design your treatment around your orthodontic needs, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. You’ll receive a clear explanation of their recommendations, your options, and what to expect before moving forward.

Ongoing care and support
Once your braces are placed, we’ll see you at regular intervals to carefully monitor your progress and make precise adjustments. Our team stays closely involved throughout the process, keeping your treatment comfortable, efficient, and moving toward the result we planned together.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Every smile is different, but many patients wear braces for approximately 12 to 24 months. The complexity of your orthodontic needs and how your teeth respond to treatment will influence your timeline. At your consultation, we’ll give you a more personalized estimate.
Not at all. Braces can be an excellent treatment option for adults as well. We tailor every treatment plan around the individual, so your care can reflect both your clinical needs and your lifestyle at any age.
It is normal to notice some pressure or tenderness when braces are first placed or after an adjustment. This is typically temporary and improves as your teeth adapt. Today’s braces, paired with careful treatment planning, are designed to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.