L.A. orthodontist Archives - Alpan Orthodontics

L.A. Orthodontist Explains How Metal Metal Braces Work

July 15, 2026October 2, 2013 by seo

Simply put, orthodontics is the art of straightening crooked teeth, often through the use of braces. Many people are familiar with the concept of orthodontic treatment and the dramatic results that braces can provide. However, fewer people understand how the orthodontic appliances successfully move teeth, which are rooted in the jawbone, without damaging surrounding oral structures. Your Los Angeles orthodontist, Dr. David Alpan, explores the components of metal braces, and the slow process that allows them to create beautiful, straight smiles out of crooked and misaligned teeth.

What are Metal Braces Made Of?

Typical metal braces consist of three basic components;

Brackets—bonded to each tooth’s surface

Arch wires—placed over the brackets; provide the necessary force for moving teeth

Ligature ties—also known as “O-rings” for their circular shape; hold arch wires in place and are changed when braces are tightened

L.A. Orthodontist: Two of Oral Health’s Biggest Enemies

July 15, 2026September 4, 2013 by seo

Protecting your oral health requires a good general understanding of what could trouble it, and how to prevent or defeat these issues before they significantly damage your oral tissues. As an orthodontist in Los Angeles, Dr. David Alpan takes time to properly educate patients about specific oral health issues, as well as discussing their viable treatment options to determine the best course of action. Today, we examine two of the most notorious threats to your smile’s wellbeing, which can be found among the plethora of oral bacteria that consistently inhabit your mouth.

The Cavity Germ

One of the most infamous mouth microbes is the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which significantly contributes to dental plaque formation. Though sticky dental plaque can feel annoying, S. mutans real danger to your oral health lies in its ability to convert sugar and other carbs into acid, which weakens your enamel and depletes your teeth of minerals. After a while, this acid can irreversibly damage your enamel and allow bacteria to infect your tooth, causing tooth decay and small holes (cavities) to form.

Los Angeles Orthodontist Providing Accelerated Orthodontics

October 15, 2026August 30, 2013 by seo

Person holding clear orthodontic aligner

In our efforts to provide patients with comfortable, world class orthodontic treatment, Dr. David Alpan offers accelerated orthodontic options designed to shorten treatment time and reduce soreness. Alpan Orthodontics began offering accelerated treatment in 2014, and our patients love finishing sooner with less discomfort along the way. With OrthoPulse or Propel, we are seeing about … Read more

L.A. Orthodontist—What You Probably Don’t Know About Your Teeth

July 15, 2026August 23, 2013 by seo

As a dedicated orthodontist in Los Angeles, Dr. David Alpan specializes in an interesting aspect of your teeth—their orientation, position, and contribution to your bite’s balance. Aside from remaining clean and disease-free, healthy teeth also have to be aligned properly to displace your bite’s pressure. However, maintaining your smile’s harmony is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your teeth’s abilities. Today, we explore a few interesting facts that you may not know about your teeth and what makes them such a formidable part of your anatomy.

Did You Know?

Your tooth is comprised of three layers: enamel (on the outside), dentin (the main structure), and pulp (inner chamber that houses the nerves and blood vessels). The enamel that protects your teeth is the strongest substance that your body produces.
Read more

When Tooth Extraction Can Save Your Smile, with Your L.A. Orthodontist

November 13, 2024August 21, 2013 by seo

While losing a healthy tooth is typically a disastrous experience for your oral health, sometimes a tooth must go for the greater good of your smile. As Dr. David Alpan explains, most preferable dental treatments should focus on preserving as much healthy tooth tissue as possible; however, if a crooked, damaged, or severely diseased tooth interferes with your good dental health, then extraction may be the only solution. Today, your Los Angeles orthodontist describes when tooth extraction is the only viable option, and how it can serve your smile’s best interests.

Only When it’s Necessary

Wisdom teeth—the last four molars to erupt in a healthy adult mouth—are usually the only teeth that can be extracted without negatively affecting your oral health and function. In fact, impacted wisdom teeth often cause crowding, push existing teeth out of alignment, and disturb your smile’s delicate symmetry. Similarly, a severely crooked, diseased, or damaged tooth may interfere with your orthodontic treatment and require removal to make room for other teeth.

What are Metal Braces Made Of?

The Cavity Germ

Did You Know?

Only When it’s Necessary

Choose a Location to Call