Orthodontics in Downey.
Traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early intervention treatment, all provided in-house by Dr. Lee at our Downey office.
Orthodontic care, all in one practice.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on aligning teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development. Most patients think of orthodontics as braces or Invisalign, but it also includes early intervention for kids, retention to maintain results after treatment, and complex bite correction for adults.
Most general dental practices refer orthodontic patients to a separate office, often miles away, run by a different team. We do not. Dr. Rachel Lee, our in-house orthodontist, treats braces and Invisalign patients at the same Downey location where the rest of your dental care happens. One office, one familiar team, integrated treatment.
We treat orthodontic patients across all ages, from kids ready for early evaluation around age 7, to teens needing full alignment treatment, to adults who finally want to fix what has bothered them for years. Dr. Lee discusses every option honestly at your free consultation: traditional braces, Invisalign, or in some cases, no treatment yet.
Two paths to a straight smile.
Both options work. The right one depends on your case, your lifestyle, and your budget. Dr. Lee helps you choose.
01Traditional Braces
Metal, ceramic, and self-ligating brackets bonded to teeth and connected by archwires that gradually move teeth into position. Traditional braces remain the gold standard for complex orthodontic cases, including significant misalignment, severe bite correction, and growing patients. Most cases take 18-36 months and require adjustment appointments every 4-6 weeks. Typically more affordable than Invisalign and often covered more comprehensively by orthodontic insurance.
Best for complex cases, growing kids and teens, or patients seeking the most cost-effective orthodontic option.
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02Invisalign Clear Aligners
Series of clear, custom-fit aligners that gradually shift teeth into position. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next. Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning, with no food restrictions and no metal brackets. Most cases take 6-18 months. Discreet and increasingly popular with adults and image-conscious teens, with limits on the most complex cases.
Best for mild to moderate cases in adults and teens who prioritize discretion and lifestyle flexibility.
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Signs orthodontic care might be right for you.
Orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic. Misaligned teeth and bite issues affect chewing, speech, gum health, and even jaw joint function. The most common reasons patients seek orthodontic care:
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Visible gaps or spacing between teeth
- Crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking comfortably
- Self-consciousness about your smile in photos or social settings
- Jaw pain, clicking, or tension that may relate to bite alignment
- Children showing early signs of crowding, crossbite, or jaw growth issues (ages 7+)
- Adults who had braces as kids but have seen teeth shift over time
- Preparation for cosmetic treatments like veneers (which work better when teeth are properly aligned first)
Most patients are candidates for some form of orthodontic treatment, but timing matters. Dr. Lee evaluates each case individually and recommends the right approach, whether that means starting now, waiting for jaw development, or in some cases, no treatment at all.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
Age 7 evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most kids will not need treatment yet, but the early visit lets Dr. Lee identify issues that benefit from early intervention and plan timing.
Early intervention (ages 7-10)
Some kids benefit from limited orthodontic treatment before all permanent teeth have erupted. Early intervention can prevent more complex treatment later, especially for severe crowding, crossbite, or jaw growth issues.
Comprehensive treatment (ages 11+)
Most orthodontic treatment, traditional braces or Invisalign, happens between ages 11 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment timing is planned around your child's specific dental development.
Orthodontic care, integrated practice.
Dr. Lee is in our Downey office, not a separate orthodontic clinic. That integration matters for orthodontic patients.
Specialty-trained orthodontist
Dr. Rachel Lee completed orthodontics specialty training beyond dental school and is Invisalign Provider-trained. Orthodontic care is her clinical focus, not a side service offered by a generalist.
One location for every appointment
Adjustment appointments, cleanings during treatment, and any other dental needs all happen at our Downey office. No separate orthodontic office across town.
Coordinated with your general dental care
Dr. Lee works from the same patient records as our general dentists. Cavities discovered during treatment, hygiene concerns during braces, and overall dental health stay coordinated.
Bilingual care across treatment
Treatment planning, financing conversations, adjustment appointments, and home care guidance are available in English and Spanish.
Your next dental home is ready when you are.
New patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.