Braces in Santa Monica, CA

Personalized Orthodontic Treatment for a Straighter Smile

Braces are one of the most reliable ways to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, spacing and bite alignment concerns. At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides braces in Santa Monica, California, for children, teens and adults who want a healthier, more confident smile.

Braces do more than improve the way your smile looks. They can also help improve how your teeth fit together, make brushing and flossing easier and support better long-term oral health. Dr. Khan has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has completed thousands of orthodontic cases, including treatment with braces and clear aligners.

Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule a braces consultation at Santa Monica Orthodontics.

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How braces work
Who can benefit
Treatment options
Braces vs. invisalign
Cost
FAQS

How Braces Work

Braces use brackets, wires and gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into better alignment. Over time, this controlled movement can help straighten teeth, close spaces, correct crowding and improve the way the upper and lower teeth come together.

Because braces stay attached to the teeth throughout treatment, they can be a strong option for patients who need consistent tooth movement or who may not be the best fit for removable aligners. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw relationship and treatment goals before recommending the right orthodontic option.

Who Can Benefit From Braces?

Braces may be recommended for children, teens or adults depending on the type of orthodontic concern and the stage of dental development. Some patients need braces as part of full orthodontic treatment, while others may need limited treatment for specific tooth movement.

Braces may help with concerns such as:

Crooked or rotated teeth
Crowded teeth
Spaces or gaps between teeth
Overbite, underbite or crossbite concerns
Open bite concerns
Teeth that do not fit together properly
Impacted or poorly positioned teeth
Smile concerns that affect confidence

If you are unsure whether braces, Invisalign® clear aligners or another orthodontic option is right for you, Dr. Khan can explain the differences during your consultation.

Types of Braces and Orthodontic Options

Every patient has different needs, which is why Santa Monica Orthodontics offers several orthodontic treatment options. Dr. Khan will help you choose the option that best fits your smile, bite, lifestyle and treatment goals.

These options may include traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign clear aligners and other clear aligner treatment when appropriate. You can learn more about each option above or schedule a consultation to find out which treatment is the best fit for your smile.

Braces for Children, Teens and Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be helpful at different ages. For children, braces may be part of a larger treatment plan after early orthodontic care. For teens, braces are often used once most or all permanent teeth have erupted. For adults, braces can correct long-standing alignment or bite concerns and help improve smile confidence.

Dr. Khan provides orthodontic care for patients at different stages of life, including orthodontics for children, orthodontics for teens and orthodontics for adults. During your visit, she will evaluate your needs and explain whether braces are the best option for your smile.

Braces vs. Invisalign Clear Aligners

Braces and Invisalign clear aligners can both straighten teeth, but they work differently. Braces are fixed to the teeth, which allows Dr. Khan to guide tooth movement without relying on the patient to remember to wear trays. This can make braces a better option for certain complex cases or for patients who need more controlled movement.

Invisalign clear aligners are removable and less noticeable, which makes them appealing for many teens and adults. However, aligners must be worn as directed to be effective. As a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Khan can help patients compare braces and Invisalign honestly and choose the treatment that is most appropriate for their case.

Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics for Braces?

Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces and clear aligners.

At Santa Monica Orthodontics, treatment planning is supported by advanced technology, including iTero digital scanning, CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate, digital photography and digital treatment planning. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your teeth, bite and jaw relationship so your treatment can be planned with precision.

Our goal is to recommend the treatment that fits your needs, not to force one option for every patient. Whether braces, Invisalign or another orthodontic appliance is the better choice, our team will help you understand your options clearly.

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What to Expect During Your Braces Consultation

Your consultation begins with an evaluation of your teeth, bite, jaw development and smile goals. Dr. Khan may use digital records or imaging to better understand your orthodontic needs and determine whether braces are recommended.

If braces are the right option, our team will explain the type of braces recommended, the estimated treatment timeline, the cost of treatment and what daily care will look like. We will also answer questions about food restrictions, brushing, flossing, sports, school, work and follow-up visits.

Life With Braces

Life with braces takes some adjustment, but our team will guide you through the process. You will need to brush carefully around brackets and wires, floss consistently and avoid foods that can damage your braces. Regular visits also help Dr. Khan monitor your progress and make adjustments as your teeth move.

For more detailed guidance, visit our life with braces page to learn how to care for your smile during orthodontic treatment.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces depends on the complexity of your case, the type of braces recommended and the length of treatment. During your consultation, our team can review your estimated cost, insurance benefits and available payment options.

You can also visit our financial options page to learn more about ways to make orthodontic treatment more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

Are braces better than clear aligners?

Braces may be better for certain complex tooth movements or for patients who need a fixed treatment option. Clear aligners may be better for patients who want a removable, discreet option and can wear them as directed. Dr. Khan can help you compare both options during your consultation.

How long do braces take?

Treatment time depends on your alignment, bite and goals. Some cases are shorter, while more involved orthodontic treatment can take longer. After your evaluation, our team can provide a more personalized estimate.

Do braces hurt?

Braces are not usually painful, but you may feel pressure or soreness after they are placed or adjusted. This is normal and usually improves as your mouth adjusts.

Can adults get braces?

Yes. Adults can benefit from braces if their teeth and supporting structures are healthy enough for orthodontic movement. Dr. Khan provides orthodontic care for adults as well as children and teens.

Can teens choose ceramic braces or Invisalign?

Some teens may be candidates for ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners. The right option depends on the teen’s orthodontic needs, responsibility with removable aligners and treatment goals.

Will I need retainers after braces?

Yes. Retainers help maintain your results after braces or clear aligner treatment. Our team will explain your retention plan when active treatment is complete.

Additional Braces Information

The information below can help you better understand braces, treatment options and what to expect during orthodontic care.

Schedule a Braces Consultation in Santa Monica

If you are considering braces in Santa Monica, CA, Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you understand your options and choose the right path forward. Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, combines advanced orthodontic training, digital technology and years of experience to help patients achieve healthier, straighter smiles.

Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule your braces consultation.

Request an Appointment

Santa Monica Orthodontics

1458 14th St., Ste. 100
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Los Angeles Orthodontics

1127 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-481-0820

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.