Orthodontics (Braces & Aligners)

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

The obvious answer is crowded or crooked teeth, but the clinical picture is usually more complex than that. Bite problems — overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites — can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw tension, and difficulty chewing that patients often chalk up to something else entirely. Crowding makes teeth harder to clean, which raises the long-term risk of decay and gum disease. In some cases, misalignment is identified during a workup for implants or oral surgery — something we see regularly here because we handle those services under the same roof. An orthodontic consultation isn't just about aesthetics. It's a structural evaluation. We look at how your teeth relate to your jaw, how your bite functions, and whether treatment now prevents more invasive work later. Many patients come in expecting to be told they need braces immediately; others are told to wait. We'll give you an honest read either way.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners — Which Is Right for You?

We offer both, and we don't push one over the other. Metal braces are fixed — they're working whether or not you're thinking about them, which matters for complex bite cases and younger patients who need that consistency. Ceramic braces work the same way but are less visible; they're popular with teens and adults who want a lower-profile option without giving up control over the result. Clear aligners are removable, which is either their biggest advantage or their biggest liability depending on the patient. Compliance is everything — if you're not wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day, treatment stalls. Aligners also work best on mild to moderate cases; they're not the right tool for severe crowding or significant bite correction in most situations. We'll tell you honestly at the consultation whether you're a good candidate, not six months into a plan that isn't moving.

Orthodontics for Kids and Teens

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation around age seven — not because most kids need treatment that early, but because that's when certain problems become visible before they become harder to fix. Early evaluation doesn't mean early braces; for most kids, we're watching and waiting as the jaw develops. When treatment does make sense, getting the timing right can reduce how long and complex it needs to be. For families in San Bernardino, Rialto, and Colton, Medi-Cal covers orthodontic treatment for children who meet medical necessity criteria. We work with Denti-Cal regularly and can walk you through the approval process — it's not always fast, and not every case qualifies, but we won't leave you guessing. For teens in active treatment, compliance with adjustments and aligner wear is where outcomes are won or lost, and that's something we stay on top of at every visit.

Adult Orthodontics

A fair number of our adult orthodontic patients are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Some never had treatment as kids; others had braces years ago, skipped the retainers, and watched their teeth shift back. Adult treatment moves more slowly than adolescent treatment because bone density is higher — that's just biology, and it's worth knowing before you start. We also treat adults whose orthodontic work connects to implant placement or bone grafting being done here. Teeth sometimes need to be repositioned before an implant site is prepared. If your plan involves multiple specialties, having orthodontics and oral surgery in one practice is a practical advantage — the treatment sequence stays coordinated without you managing separate providers across the Inland Empire.

What to Expect During Treatment

The consultation is a clinical exam, not a sales appointment. We take records — X-rays, photographs, and digital scans — and review them with you before recommending anything. If treatment is recommended, we discuss timeline, cost, and what day-to-day compliance actually looks like. Braces typically run 18 to 30 months; aligner timelines vary. We see patients every six to eight weeks for adjustments and progress checks. After active treatment ends, retainers aren't optional — teeth will shift without them, and that's biology, not a treatment failure. We provide retainers and follow up on retention, because the result only holds if that last step is taken seriously.

Orthodontics and Your Overall Dental Health

Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces long-term risk of decay and gum disease. Bite correction also distributes force more evenly, lowering the risk of premature wear and fracture. For patients receiving periodontal treatment, implants, or oral surgery here at Monteluz, orthodontics is often one part of a longer sequence rather than a standalone procedure. Having those specialties under one roof in San Bernardino means the treatment plan stays coordinated — there's no gap between what one provider does and what the next one needs.

Schedule a Consultation

If you've been thinking about orthodontic treatment — for yourself or your child — the first step is a consultation. We serve patients throughout San Bernardino, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, and Redlands, and we can usually get you in the same week you call. We accept Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal for eligible patients and work with most major dental insurance plans. Our team is bilingual in English and Spanish, and we'll make sure you have a clear picture of what treatment involves before any decisions are made. Call us at (909) 567-2024 to schedule, or reach out through our website. If you're not sure whether orthodontics applies to your situation, ask — that's exactly what the consultation is for.

Frequently asked questions