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Not every orthodontist is Board Certified.
We believe in the highest level of education and training for what we do, Dr. Peter An Truong is a specialist in orthodontics and maxillofacial orthopedics and is a Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction held by less than 35% of orthodontists. Dr. Truong also serves as an adjunct clinical faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry and has over 10 years of clinical experience.
At OC Family Orthodontics, we provide customized orthodontic solutions for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re seeking preventive early treatment for your child, advanced braces options, or discreet aligners, our team ensures results that prioritize function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health.
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on identifying and addressing potential problems as children grow. Intervening at the right time can set the stage for healthy development and avoid complex treatments later.
A thorough assessment of jaw growth, tooth alignment, and facial structure helps us determine the ideal time to begin treatment.
Proper tongue posture and airway function are critical for a child’s overall development. We assess and address any abnormalities to promote better breathing, posture, and oral habits.
Using expanders, we create space and develop dental arches to correct crowding or improve bite issues. This treatment is particularly effective in growing children.
For children with significant jaw discrepancies (e.g., overbites, underbites), we use specialized appliances to guide jaw growth and improve overall function.
When significant crowding or alignment issues arise, early braces provide space for permanent teeth and help correct alignment while children are still growing.
Our comprehensive orthodontic solutions are tailored to meet the needs of older teens and adults, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
A cutting-edge system that reduces friction and discomfort, Damon braces move teeth efficiently and often shorten treatment time.
Aesthetic tooth-colored brackets provide a more discreet option compared to traditional metal braces, ideal for older teens and adults.
The most time-tested and reliable method for achieving beautifully aligned teeth, featuring durable stainless steel brackets and wires.
Virtually invisible, removable aligners designed for comfort and convenience. Invisalign is a modern, flexible solution for straightening teeth without the look of braces.
Another discreet aligner option, Angel Aligners are customized to address mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Using advanced laser technology, we reshape gum tissue for a more balanced and symmetrical smile. This treatment is often paired with braces or aligners to enhance aesthetics.
Achieve a brighter, whiter smile with our professional whitening treatments, customized to your needs for stunning results.
Growth appliances are specialized devices designed to modify jaw growth when misalignments occur. These appliances can be crucial for early intervention, potentially preventing the need for extractions or jaw surgery later on.
Functional appliances such as bionator, MARA
Expanders for the upper and lower
Habit breakers like tongue crib and tongue blocker
Protraction face mask for underbite and strong mandibular growers
Airway centric early intervention
Our light, bright, and cozy office has all the amenities of a modern dental practice. Digital charting, x-rays, and photographs reduce our footprint and increase safety and comfort for our patients. We’re also proud to utilize the iTero Element scanner to enhance patient comfort and streamline the treatment process. Our dedicated team ensures a welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing your needs at every visit.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows the orthodontist to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth—even if braces aren’t needed yet. Early evaluation can help:
• Guide jaw growth (especially in crossbite or underbite cases)
• Correct harmful oral habits (like thumb sucking)
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Make future treatment shorter or less complicated
Many kids won’t need treatment right away, but early monitoring can ensure any necessary intervention is timed just right.
Metal braces and clear braces (also called ceramic braces) are equally effective in most cases—but there are some key differences that might make one a better choice depending on the patient’s needs:
• Metal braces are slightly more durable and can handle more complex tooth movements, especially in severe crowding or bite correction.
• Clear braces work just as well for most mild to moderate cases but can be more prone to breakage due to the more brittle ceramic material.
Other Differences:
Visibility
Highly visible
Tooth-colored, more discreet
Strength
Very durable
Less durable, can chip/crack
Friction
Lower (faster movement possible)
Higher, may slow down treatment
Staining
Don’t stain easily
Brackets resist stain, but clear ligatures can stain
Cost
Usually less expensive
Typically more expensive
In summary, metal braces are often preferred for younger patients or complex cases. Clear braces are more popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet option and have less demanding alignment issues.
Our office is located on the north side of Orange, CA near the 91 and the 55 freeways off of Lincoln Ave.
Average Treatment Times:
• Mild cases (e.g., minor crowding or spacing): 6–12 months
• Moderate cases (e.g., bite correction, moderate crowding): 12–24 months
• Complex cases (e.g., severe malocclusion, jaw issues): 24–30+ months
Factors That Affect Treatment Time:
• Age: Teens often respond faster than adults due to ongoing growth.
• Type of appliance: Braces, clear aligners, or other devices all vary slightly in efficiency.
• Severity of the issue: More complex problems take longer to correct.
• Patient compliance: Missed appointments, poor oral hygiene, or not wearing elastics/aligners as directed can extend treatment time.
• Growth and biology: Every person’s teeth and jaw respond at different rates.
An experienced orthodontist can give a more precise estimate after a full exam and diagnostic records, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Here’s why: After braces come off, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. Without a retainer, they will gradually shift back toward where they started—this is called relapse.
Types of Retainers:
• Removable (Clear or Hawley): Worn full-time at first (usually 3–6 months), then nights only long-term.
• Fixed (Bonded): A wire glued behind front teeth (often lower), ideal for long-term stability with no compliance needed.
How long will I need to wear it?
• Lifelong nighttime wear is the gold standard if you want to keep your teeth perfectly straight.
• Skipping wear for even a few weeks early on can lead to noticeable shifting.
Think of retainers like maintenance for a car—you’ve made the investment, and now you just need to keep it running smoothly.
Here’s a breakdown of insurance coverage basics:
• Children’s orthodontics: Many dental plans do offer partial coverage for children under 18, often covering 50% of the cost up to a lifetime maximum (commonly $1,000–$3,000).
• Adult orthodontics: Coverage is less common for adults, but some plans include it or offer it as an optional add-on.
• Lifetime maximums: Most orthodontic insurances offer their benefits as a one-time benefit per person—once it’s used, it doesn’t renew. There is a potential for different benefits if insurance carriers are changed in a lifetime.
