How Orthodontics can Improve Your Self Esteem

Besides giving you a beautiful, healthier smile, orthodontics can have a big effect on your self esteem, as Dr. Azani of Snow Orthodontics explains in this video. One of the most rewarding things about working with our patients is how we can change people's lives. It's amazing to see the transformation patients exhibit throughout treatment at our office.

For adults, a straighter smile can improve your self-confidence, especially in your career. For children, a straighter smile can help them avoid years of teasing or embarrassment from their peers. At Snow Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages, and would love to see you for an initial consultation at one of our convenient southern California locations.

Everybody Benefits from Braces at Dr. Snow's Offices

At Snow Orthodontics, we want you to know that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Snow and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Dr. Snow Vistis Local Schools to Promote Good Oral Health

Dr. Snow knows how important it is to start taking care of your teeth at an early age. So, he teaches the proper techniques to students at local elementary schools. He talks to the students and even examines their teeth!


Developing good habits at an early age is critical to maintaining good oral health. To help students understand this, Dr. Snow regularly visits the local schools. What better way to make teeth brushing fun than to brush oversized chompers?

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Snow please call (661) 952-7861 and visit our web site.