Buto & Alter Orthodontics
Orthodontics
Oxnard, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA
805-485-5150


Orthodontic Treatment

Dr. Buto and Dr. Alter provide a full range of orthodontic services for children, teenagers, and adults including, but not limited to, traditional braces, clear porcelain braces, Invisalign®, functional appliances, habit appliances, night guards, sports mouth guards and retainers. Orthodontic treatment has changed dramatically over the years. Advancements in appliance technology have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable. Additionally, cases can be treated in less time and with fewer appointments. Please see our FAQ section for answers to many common questions regarding your care.

Your individualized treatment plan will be based upon the classification of your occlusion. A variety of malocclusions exist and each case is unique. You will be treated using the most conservative approach that will yield the very best result. Our office is committed to providing you with the highest quality of patient care, from your first phone call, to the day your braces are removed! We will make every effort to ensure a comfortable, memorable experience.

Our practice offers a variety of payment options and we will work with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. Please contact us at one of our two southern California offices for further information:

 

Orthodontics

Orthodontics was the first recognized specialty within the field of dentistry and is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper tooth relationships), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. The bite, or occlusion, is described as simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the maxillary, or upper teeth, and mandibular, or lower teeth, when they contact each other, as occurs during chewing. A normal relationship results in a balanced bite. Malocclusion is the malalignment of teeth and jaws, or more simply, a “bad bite.” Disproportionate growth of the upper and lower jaws is the main causative factor of dento-facial malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause a number of health and dental problems.

Teeth that are crooked and crowded can also be debilitating psycho-socially. A handsome or beautiful smile will improve a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, and can most definitely change a person’s life!

Braces

Brackets, or braces, along with arch wires, move the teeth by exerting constant, gentle pressure over time. Your braces and wires are working constantly throughout your journey. The application of light pressure over a given period of time will reposition your teeth into desired cosmetic and functional positions. Elastics, or rubber bands, exert force in a variety of directions and help to coordinate tooth relationships.

Invisalign® Clear Braces

Invisalign® is a method of moving teeth using clear, removable aligners. Using x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, Invisalign will create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images, Drs. Buto and Alter will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth. Using the same technology, the doctors will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.  While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately 12-18 months for adults. For teens the length of treatment is comparable to that of braces. Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic. Aligners are worn throughout the day, and removed when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place.