Orthodontics Articles & News Archives

Do You Know What Is Causing Your Chronic Jaw Pain?

July 15, 2026November 18, 2012 by seo

Dr. David Alpan, a Larchmont orthodontist, is using TMJ Awareness Month to share his expertise about the most common cause of chronic jaw pain and how that cause can be treated.

What To Consider When Contemplating Teeth Bleaching Treatment

December 1, 2011 by seo

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- More and more people are seeking out a whiter, brighter smile with teeth whitening. But bleaching is not a one-size-fits-all procedure since people have different goals and varying levels of staining.

“There are a variety of teeth whitening systems available, including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter strips and trays, and whitening systems obtained from your dentist,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles braces for children and adults provider.

He says the following five factors should be taken into consideration before someone makes a decision about treatment to avoid spending money on products that do not provide the desired results.

Los Angeles Braces For Children Trend Shifting To Adults

October 15, 2011 by seo

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Twenty-five percent of all orthodontic patients over the past two decades have been adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontics. They report that women seeking treatment outnumber men by about three to one.

But according to adults and kids’ orthodontist Dr. David Alpan, this trend may be starting to shift. He has noticed more men, including lawyers, doctors and other business professionals, seeking orthodontic treatment at his practice Aesthetic Orthodontics in Los Angeles.

“Braces for children and adolescents have always been common, but the increase in invisible braces options like Invisalign and Incognito allow for bite correction and aesthetic improvement without the inconveniences regular braces may have for a business professional’s day-to-day life,” says Dr. Alpan.

Los Angeles Orthodontics Pro Offers Invisalign Teen

July 13, 2011 by seo

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Dr. David Alpan’s Los Angeles orthodontics practice started offering Invisalign Teen when Align Technology launched the product line in July 2008.

The Invisalign system is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that gradually move teeth into the proper positions. The teen version added a blue dot inside the aligner on one of the back molars. If the aligner has been worn as directed, the blue dot will be faded. Invisalign Teen also allows for up to six replacement aligners if one is lost or broken.

How Athletes of Any Age Can Save Face

April 16, 2011 by seo

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – April is National Facial Protection Month, and Dr. David Aplan, a Larchmont braces provider, wants you to know about the importance of mouth guards for athletes of every age.

When playing any sport with potential for facial injury, Dr. Alpan and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend the use of a mouth guard and other protective gear. This recommendation goes for any and all contact sports, including football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, softball, in-line skating and soccer.

Los Angeles Braces Orthodontist Offers New Damon Clear Braces

September 11, 2010 by seo

Los Angeles, CA – Many patients find traditional braces slow and uncomfortable. Regular metal braces need elastics to keep arch wires in place. But the elastics act like bungee cords, causing friction and pressure that slows treatment and makes it less comfortable.

“There is an alternative,” notes Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles braces orthodontist. “Damon System self-ligating braces have no elastic ties to hold archwires in place. They are smaller, more comfortable, and use a slide mechanism that allows the archwire to move freely, without friction or tension. This system lets the teeth move into place faster and means the braces require fewer adjustments, shorter dental appointments, and a total treatment time that is roughly six months shorter.”

Los Angeles Invisible Braces Expert Explains Phase 1 Treatment for Children

July 15, 2026September 2, 2010 by seo

Los Angeles, CA – When you think of orthodontic treatment you usually imagine a pre-teen wearing braces. However, orthodontics encompasses a wider range of treatments and sometimes is most effective with children between ages 7 and 9.

“The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven,” points out Los Angeles invisible braces provider, Dr. David Alpan. “That’s because some treatments are most effective if they’re started at this age.”

“Treatment at this stage is called Phase 1 mixed dentition (because it manages baby and permanent teeth) care,” explains Dr. Alpan, a Los Angeles Invisalign specialist. “Treatment later in childhood, such as age 10 or 11, is called Phase 2 treatment.” Phase 1 often includes straightening the permanent front teeth and making space for future permanent teeth. During Phase 1 orthodontists may also correct a jaw-growth problem, or bite problem such as an overbite or underbite.

Los Angeles TMJ Dentist Explains How MARA Appliances Are Used

August 28, 2010 by seo

Los Angeles, CA – The Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA) is used to nurture the lower jaw’s forward growth and fix overbites. “In my experience, the MARA is the best way to gently reposition the lower jaw,” notes Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles tmj dentist. With a special fluoride-releasing tooth adhesive, the Los Angeles dentist attaches … Read more

TAD Devices explained by Larchmont Pediatric Orthodontics Practitioner

August 1, 2010 by seo

Larchmont, NV – Mini-screws that are affixed directly to the jaw bone, Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are particularly useful for particular orthodontic and dental treatments. “TADs can be used in various procedures where they make treatment simpler and decrease treatment time,” explains Larchmont pediatric orthodontics practitioner Dr. David Alpan.

The devices are employed to fix a number of conditions. For example, if an orthodontist wants to draw in your front teeth, he or she could anchor the TAD screws on your back molars and use that leverage to bring in the front teeth. Molars are well-suited to the task since they are big, multi-rooted, and move very little.

Orthodontists also find the screws useful to move teeth for filling in a gap caused by an absent tooth, correcting an anterior open bite, or straightening tipped molars. “These devices often avoid the necessity of dental implants or jaw surgery,” observes Larchmont Invisalign specialist, Dr. Alpan. “So it’s a less invasive method.”

Los Angeles pediatric orthodontics Expert Specializes in TMJ and TMD Treatments

July 21, 2010 by seo

Los Angeles, CA – Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles pediatric orthodontics provider, notes that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex in the human body. TMJ collectively refers to the jaw bone and the associated muscles and ligaments. Everything works together to create some complex motions – such as the combination of rotating and gliding that opens and closes your mouth – and permits you to chew and speak. Problems with the correct operation of the joint are called TMJ disorders (TMD).

Dr. Alpan, a braces provider explains: “The majority of Americans have some TMD. But, only few of these people will get the help they need. If you are experiencing many of the symptoms, contact a dentist who can supply a wide range of treatments.”

All about Incognito Hidden Braces

June 7, 2010 by seo

Larchmont, Nevada – Mention braces and most people think of unattractive “train tracks” stuck to the front your teeth. But, there is another way: Incognito Hidden Braces attach to the backs of your teeth. Only you will know you are wearing braces. Sometimes this kind is called lingual braces because the orthodontist attaches them on the tongue or “lingual” side of the teeth.

Because of special contouring, Incognito braces provide more comfort and better performance that other lingual braces. Incognito braces, first offered in 2010, are individually designed for your teeth; each set is different from all others.

The first step is a visit to the orthodontist. “We make thorough and precise impressions of your teeth. Next we send those impressions – with the prescription- to Incognito’s lab,” says a Larchmont orthodontics expert, Dr. Alpan, . “They use the impressions to fabricate stone models.”

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