Orthodontics in Lake Elsinore, Chino & San Bernardino
Straighten Your Smile with Traditional Braces or Clear Aligners
A Healthier Bite. A More Confident Smile.
Crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and bite problems can affect more than appearance… they can impact oral health, comfort, and confidence.
At Prestige Dental Spa, Dr. Katy Chou provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults using both traditional braces and clear aligners.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation
WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?
Orthodontics focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws to improve:
- Appearance
- Bite function
- Oral health
- Long-term stability
Think of your teeth like books on a bookshelf. When they’re crowded, tilted, or out of place, everything becomes harder to clean and maintain.
Orthodontics gently guides each tooth into its ideal position so everything works together properly.
WHAT CAN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FIX?
Crowded Teeth
Teeth overlap or compete for space.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spacing issues can affect both appearance and function.
Overbite
Upper teeth extend too far forward.
Underbite
Lower teeth extend beyond upper teeth.
Crossbite
Teeth don’t align properly when biting.
Open Bite
Front teeth don’t meet when the mouth closes.
Crooked or Rotated Teeth
Improve appearance and make cleaning easier.
BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Improved Confidence
Many patients report smiling more and feeling more confident after treatment.
Better Oral Health
Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss.
Improved Bite Function
Reduce uneven wear and improve chewing.
Long-Term Protection
Proper alignment can reduce stress on teeth and jaw joints.
TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
Tried, Tested & Extremely Effective
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions.
Best for:
- Complex cases
- Significant crowding
- Bite corrections
- Younger patients
- Patients wanting maximum control
Benefits:
- Extremely effective
- No compliance concerns
- Great for difficult movements
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Straighten Your Teeth Discreetly
Clear aligners use a series of custom trays to gradually move teeth.
Best for:
- Adults
- Professionals
- Mild to moderate corrections
- Patients wanting a nearly invisible option
Benefits:
- Removable
- Easier brushing and flossing
- No food restrictions
- Nearly invisible
BRACES VS CLEAR ALIGNERS
| Feature | Braces | Clear Aligners |
| Appearance | Visible | Nearly Invisible |
| Removable | No | Yes |
| Food Restrictions | Yes | No |
| Oral Hygiene | More Challenging | Easier |
| Complex Cases | Excellent | Good to Excellent |
WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The best orthodontic treatment depends on:
- Your goals
- Your bite
- Severity of alignment issues
- Lifestyle
- Budget
This is where consultation with Dr. Chou comes in.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
Step 1: Consultation
Digital scans
Photos
Exam
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Customized plan designed around your smile.
Step 3: Active Treatment
Regular progress visits.
Step 4: Retention
Retainers help preserve results.
Straightening teeth is like planting a tree.
The work isn’t finished when the tree stands upright… you still need support while the roots settle into place.
Retainers help protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your teeth were a little straighter, you’re certainly not alone… and you’re definitely not too old to do something about it. In fact, more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment than ever before. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, roughly one in three orthodontic patients today is an adult.
Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to improve their confidence, address shifting teeth, correct bite issues, or simply achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. The good news is that modern orthodontics offers more options than ever, including discreet clear aligners that fit comfortably into busy professional and social lifestyles.
Think of it this way: if your car’s alignment is off, you wouldn’t say, “Well, I’ve been driving it this way for 20 years, so I guess I’ll keep going.” You’d have it corrected to improve performance and prevent future problems. The same principle applies to your smile. Straightening your teeth can improve appearance, make oral hygiene easier, and help protect your long-term dental health.
Whether you’re 16, 36, or 66, healthy teeth can often be moved into better alignment. During your consultation, Dr. Katy Chou can evaluate your smile and help determine whether traditional braces or clear aligners are the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Healthy teeth can move at almost any age.
Some mild soreness is normal initially, but most patients adjust quickly.
Most cases range from 12–24 months.
For many cases, yes. Some complex movements may benefit from braces
Typically every 6–10 weeks.
Many plans offer orthodontic benefits. Our team can help verify coverage.
Choosing the right provider for orthodontic treatment is just as important as choosing the right treatment itself. At Prestige Dental Spa, Dr. Katy Chou takes a personalized approach to orthodontics, creating customized treatment plans based on your unique smile, goals, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re considering traditional braces or clear aligners, you’ll receive expert guidance every step of the way. Our practice utilizes advanced digital scanning technology to improve comfort and precision while eliminating the need for messy impressions. We also offer flexible financing options to help make treatment affordable and accessible. With convenient locations serving patients throughout Lake Elsinore, Chino, and San Bernardino, along with the warm, family-friendly care our practice is known for, we’re committed to helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Start Your Smile Transformation Today
Whether you’re considering traditional braces or clear aligners, Dr. Katy Chou can help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile.
Schedule your orthodontic consultation today and discover which treatment option is right for you.