What Is Orthodontic Treatment & Why Irvine Families Trust Aviate Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It straightens teeth, balances your bite, and protects your long-term oral health.
When it comes to Irvine orthodontics, Aviate Orthodontics stands apart. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease. A balanced bite also distributes chewing forces evenly, shielding your teeth and jaw joints from unnecessary strain.
Dr. Andrew Dinh, a board-certified orthodontist, leads Aviate Orthodontics with a philosophy built on kindness, honesty, and respect. Rather than a general dental office offering orthodontic care as one of many services, our Irvine practice focuses exclusively on creating healthy, lasting smiles.
From KLŌwen custom metal braces to KLŌwen custom clear braces, Angel Aligners, and surgical orthodontics for more complex cases, our Irvine office has the tools and expertise to help. We welcome patient families of all ages under one roof. Children benefit from early monitoring and intervention when needed. Teens can take advantage of orthodontic care during peak growth years. Adults discover that it's never too late to invest in a confident, functional smile.
What makes Aviate Orthodontics different? How turbulence-free the whole experience feels. From your first free consultation to your final retainer check, Dr. Dinh personally sees you at every visit. No hand-offs. No surprises. Just consistent, dedicated attention from a specialist who genuinely cares about your results.
Benefits of Choosing Orthodontic Care in Irvine
Orthodontic care in Irvine offers benefits beyond a straighter smile, including easier oral hygiene, improved bite function, jaw pain relief, discreet options, and increased confidence at any age. Aviate Orthodontics helps Irvine families experience these benefits firsthand.
Easier Daily Oral Hygiene
Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where food particles and plaque hide. Even with diligent brushing, these areas are tough to clean. Straight teeth eliminate those hard-to-reach spots, making your daily routine more effective. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that properly aligned teeth contribute to healthier gums and reduced cavity risk.
Improved Bite Function
When your upper and lower teeth don't fit together correctly, certain teeth absorb more force than they should. Chips, cracks, and excessive wear follow over time. A balanced bite distributes forces evenly across all your teeth, protecting them from premature damage.
Relief from Jaw Discomfort
Ever wake up with jaw soreness or tension headaches? Misaligned bites often contribute to these symptoms, along with discomfort in the face and neck. Correcting your bite alignment can alleviate that strain and help your jaw joints function more comfortably.
Boosted Confidence at Any Age
Feeling good about your smile shows, whether you're in a job interview or a family photo. Kids and teens feel more comfortable in social situations. Adults notice increased confidence in professional settings and everyday interactions.
Discreet Options That Fit Your Life
Not everyone wants visible brackets. Angel Aligners let you straighten your teeth without brackets or wires. Clear braces from Aviate Orthodontics provide effective correction with a more subtle look. Irvine families appreciate having options that don't disrupt their routines.
Preventive Benefits for Children
Early orthodontic evaluation, recommended by age seven, allows Dr. Dinh to spot potential concerns before they grow complex. Interceptive treatment can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and reduce the need for more extensive work later. Why wait for a small concern to become a big one?
How Orthodontic Care Works at Aviate Orthodontics
Orthodontic care at Aviate Orthodontics in Irvine follows five steps: free consultation with 3D scans, custom treatment design, appliance placement, regular progress visits, and retention. Most treatment takes 12 to 24 months from start to finish.
Here's how it works, smooth from takeoff to landing, at our Irvine office.
Your Free Consultation
Your first visit is a complimentary consultation at our Irvine office. During this visit, we take digital 3D scans of your teeth, so there's no need for messy traditional impressions. Your scans and any necessary X-rays are reviewed in detail, and we discuss your concerns and goals together. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your options and a treatment recommendation designed around your needs.
Custom Treatment Design
Once you decide to move forward, we build a treatment plan designed specifically for your teeth, your lifestyle, and your timeline. You'll choose from:
- KLŌwen custom metal braces for precise, efficient tooth movement
- KLŌwen custom clear braces for a more discreet bracket option
- Angel Aligners for removable, nearly invisible correction
Each option uses advanced digital technology to plan your tooth movements with accuracy.
Appliance Placement or Aligner Delivery
On your start day, we place your braces or deliver your first set of aligners. Our crew walks you through everything: how to care for your appliances, what to expect in the first few days, and how to maintain great oral hygiene throughout treatment. Every question gets answered so you feel confident and prepared before you leave.
Regular Progress Visits
Throughout treatment, you'll return to our Irvine office for progress checks. These visits are typically quick. We also offer virtual consultation options for certain check-ins to accommodate busy schedules. Your tooth movement is monitored closely, any necessary adjustments are made, and your treatment stays on track.
Retention Phase
When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces or you complete your final aligner trays. But the smile journey doesn't end there. We provide custom retainers to maintain your results long-term. Wearing your retainers as directed ensures your new smile stays in place for years to come.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontics? Kids, Teens & Adults Welcome
One of the most common questions we hear at our Irvine office is, "Am I too old for braces?" Almost always, the answer is no. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Dinh evaluates each patient family member's unique needs and treats people of all ages, from young children to adults well into their retirement years.
Children (Age 7 and Up)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By this age, enough permanent teeth have typically emerged to identify potential concerns. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. Many children simply benefit from monitoring as they grow.
Some situations do call for early intervention. A narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or severe crowding may benefit from Phase 1 treatment to guide jaw development and create space for permanent teeth. This proactive approach often simplifies or shortens later orthodontic care.
Teenagers
The teenage years remain the most popular time for orthodontic care, and for good reason. Most permanent teeth have erupted, and the jaw is still growing. That combination allows for efficient tooth movement and excellent results. Teens in Irvine can choose from traditional braces, clear braces, or clear aligners depending on their case and preferences.
Adults
Adults make up a growing portion of orthodontic patient families. Maybe you had braces as a teen and experienced some shifting. Maybe you never had the opportunity for treatment. Either way, as a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Dinh creates adult treatment plans that can change your smile and your confidence.
Angel Aligners are particularly popular with adults because they're virtually invisible and removable. Straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you're in treatment.
Common Conditions We Treat
Aviate Orthodontics treats the full spectrum of orthodontic concerns at our Irvine office:
- Crowding: teeth that overlap or twist due to limited space
- Spacing: gaps between teeth that affect appearance and function
- Overbite: upper front teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite: some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth when biting
- Open bite: front teeth don't touch when back teeth are together
For adult patient families with significant skeletal discrepancies, surgical orthodontics combines braces or aligners with corrective jaw surgery to address underlying bone structure concerns.
Why Irvine Families Choose Aviate Orthodontics
When it comes to something as important as your smile, you want a practice you can trust completely. Irvine families choose Aviate Orthodontics because we combine specialized expertise with genuine care. Looking for an orthodontist in Irvine who puts your family first? Here's what sets our practice apart.
Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist
Dr. Andrew Dinh, DDS, completed his dental degree and orthodontic specialty training before earning board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction that requires rigorous examination beyond standard licensing.
Orthodontists complete two to three years of additional education focused exclusively on tooth movement and jaw development. That depth of expertise allows Dr. Dinh to handle everything from straightforward alignment cases to complex bite corrections with confidence.
Digital Tools That Save You Time
Our Irvine office uses current digital orthodontic technology to make your care more comfortable and precise. Digital 3D scans replace uncomfortable putty impressions. Treatment planning software lets us visualize your results before you even begin. KLŌwen custom braces use digitally designed bracket placement for accurate, predictable movement. The result? Fewer visits, less guesswork, and a better experience overall.
Personal Attention at Every Visit
Dr. Dinh personally sees every patient family member at every visit. You won't be passed between different providers or treated by assistants alone. This consistency ensures nothing gets missed and your orthodontic care stays on track. It's a first-class touch that our patient families notice right away.
Accessible Care
Cost shouldn't prevent anyone from getting the orthodontic care they need. We offer free consultations with no commitment. We also provide flexible payment plans and accept most major insurance plans. Our crew helps you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.
Convenience for Busy Families
Irvine families have packed schedules, and we get it. Our office offers extended hours to fit your life. Virtual consultation options let you check in without always coming to the office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Irvine
How much do braces cost in Irvine?
Orthodontic costs vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of appliance you choose. In general, braces and aligners typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on case complexity. During your free consultation at Aviate Orthodontics, Dr. Dinh provides a detailed cost estimate designed around your specific treatment plan. Flexible payment plans and insurance coordination help make orthodontic care affordable.
How long does orthodontic care take?
Most treatment takes between 12 and 24 months. Simple alignment cases may finish sooner, while more complex bite corrections can take longer. You'll get a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many patient families, yes. Angel Aligners can effectively treat crowding, spacing, and various bite concerns. Some complex cases do respond better to braces. During your free consultation in Irvine, Dr. Dinh evaluates your teeth and recommends the option that will give you the best results.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for a first orthodontic evaluation. At this age, developing concerns can be identified early, and Dr. Dinh can determine whether intervention would benefit your child. Many children simply need monitoring until more permanent teeth emerge.
Does Aviate Orthodontics accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits. Our crew verifies your coverage and helps you understand exactly what your plan covers. Payment plans are available for any remaining balance.
Can I do a virtual consultation?
Absolutely. We offer virtual consultations for patient families who want to learn about their options before visiting our Irvine office. It's a convenient way to get started.
Will orthodontic care hurt?
Most patient families experience some pressure or mild discomfort when they first get braces or start a new set of aligners. This typically fades within a few days as your teeth adjust. Modern orthodontic techniques and materials are designed to minimize discomfort, and our crew gives you tips to stay comfortable throughout treatment.
How do I care for my teeth during treatment?
With braces, you'll brush carefully around brackets and use special tools to floss. With aligners, you simply remove them to brush and floss normally. We provide detailed instructions and tips to keep your teeth healthy during your time with us.
Is Aviate Orthodontics a good alternative to other Irvine orthodontics practices?
If you're comparing orthodontic practices in Irvine, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation and see the difference for yourself. Dr. Dinh is a board-certified orthodontist who personally sees every patient family member at every visit, and our Irvine office uses the latest digital tools including KLŌwen custom braces and Angel Aligners. Many families who visit other practices in the area ultimately choose Aviate Orthodontics for our specialized focus and first-class touch.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in Irvine Today
Your new smile is waiting, and getting started is easier than you might think. Aviate Orthodontics offers free consultations at our Irvine office with no obligation and no pressure. You'll meet Dr. Dinh, tour our office, and receive a treatment plan designed around your goals.
Ready for takeoff? Call us at 949-288-4419 or book online at our appointment page. We also offer virtual consultations if you'd like to connect from home first.
Our office is at 16585 Von Karman Avenue, Suite F, Irvine, CA 92606. We're here to help you launch your new smile today.
If you've been thinking about straightening your teeth, let's talk. Book your free consultation and see what Dr. Dinh recommends. Join our crew at Aviate Orthodontics and discover why Irvine families trust us with their smiles. Your smile takes off here.