San Diego Orthodontists at San Diego Dental Specialists
Modern orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages
At San Diego Dental Specialists, our orthodontists want to do more than just straighten your teeth — we want to improve your overall oral health.
Our approach to orthodontics focuses on creating harmony with your facial features, encouraging excellent jaw positioning to maximize function, and building your self-confidence through personalized treatment.
We offer a full range of orthodontic treatments for all ages. No matter your unique situation, our team of San Diego orthodontists can help.
New Patient?
New Patient? Please fill out the easy-to-use, private, and secure Intake form.
Child Intake Form
Dental Insurance
HIPPA Private Policy
Children’s & Teen Orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have their first orthodontic visit at the age of 7.
At your child’s first orthodontic visit, we’ll talk with you about the exciting changes that are occurring in your child as their permanent teeth begin to erupt. Additionally, we will observe and review the following:
- Growth and development of teeth Bite, occlusion, and function
- Facial harmony
- TMJ health X-rays (if needed)
- Baseline and measurements of spacing/crowding
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists work closely together as a team to facilitate the care for our patients. If your child’s pediatric dentist sees a potential issue like an impacted, crowded, or poorly positioned tooth, they may have the orthodontist come over immediately to check it out during their twice-yearly cleaning and exam.
Early Orthodontics
Depending on your child’s specific situation, early orthodontic (also known as Phase One) care is generally completed in about 6-18 months when it is needed.
This phase begins around age 8, and allows for timely detection of problems and corrective treatment options.
The goals of early treatment are to correct severe growth disturbances of the jaw (overbite, underbite, crossbites) and re-establish harmony in facial/skeletal growth. Early treatment also helps make room for permanent teeth to develop properly, lessening the chance for extractions in the future.
If necessary, a second phase of active orthodontic treatment will follow this phase once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Teen Orthodontics
Although patients of all ages (including adults) may benefit from orthodontic care, the most common age to pursue orthodontic treatment is during your child’s teenage years.
When our San Diego orthodontists consult with you or your teen, we’ll present a time frame for orthodontic treatment and your teen’s responsibility during their treatment. The following factors may affect the length of time and end result of treatment:
- Growth & development of individual patient
- Good oral hygiene techniques and habits
- Patient cooperation
- Keeping regularly scheduled appointments
Adult Orthodontics
It’s never too late to improve your smile! In fact today, 1 in 5 of our orthodontic patients are adults.
Fortunately, higher technology braces and Invisalign can make your treatment more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than ever — in about the same amount of time. Additionally, advancements such as Invisalign and Damon Clear Braces have made treatment much more comfortable, discreet, and appealing for adults.
Dr. Thurston and Dr. Fischer are expert San Diego orthodontists and experienced when it comes to adult orthodontic treatment. From a simple alignment to complex restorative procedures (such as post car accident treatment), we can recreate harmony and function for your smile.
Adult Braces Treatment
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
We provide stellar results in facial harmony and aesthetics for patients of all ages (including adults). See why it's better to start sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn’t here, feel free to ask us! We love parents who want to learn more about their children's optimal dental health.
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
We’ll help you understand your insurance benefits and will file claims on your behalf. For those without insurance, flexible financing options and easy payment plans are available.
No matter your financial situation, we’ll help you maximize your insurance benefits & receive the treatment you need.
Our Office
We offer individual music and TV & DVD viewing during your appointments, free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, and beverages. And if you’re looking for a sedation dentist in San Diego, we can help you with Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation, depending on what is medically right for you.