Orthodontics and braces

Several orthodontic options for patients who want straighter, perfectly aligned teeth.

Dentist and a smiling girl in the dental chair with her mother

Book this treatment

Correct Improper Bites & Crooked Teeth with Braces or Invisalign

Straight, aligned teeth have many benefits: they can improve your overall appearance, boost your self-confidence and preserve your oral health. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with flawless teeth. If crooked teeth are preventing you from smiling and feeling your best, Town Center Dentistry can help. With over 29 years of experience, our board certified orthodontics specialist Dr. Gary Sanner has helped thousands of Rancho Bernardo patients obtain their dream smile. Dr. Sanner combines his specialized education and training from the University of Southern California with compassionate care, making him the trusted choice for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Sanner and our team can design a customized treatment plan to help you achieve a beautiful smile and optimal oral health.

What Can Orthodontics Treat?

Orthodontics can treat the following common dental issues: • Gaps or spaces between teeth • Crowded teeth • Crooked or misaligned teeth • Open bite (if the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed) • Overbite or underbite

Following orthodontic treatment, many patients find that everyday habits like chewing, biting and speaking are easier with straighter, perfectly spaced teeth. They may also discover that treatment relieves facial pain caused by misaligned teeth. Straight teeth are also easier to clean and take care of, thereby improving oral health. Last but definitely not least, straight teeth can also increase self-esteem, allowing patients to smile proudly and confidently.

Orthodontic Treatments We Offer

Dr. Sanner is trained and knowledgeable in the following orthodontic treatment options: Traditional metal braces consist of metal wires and brackets that are fixed in the mouth and periodically tightened so they gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Metal braces are worn 24/7 for up to two years, depending on the correction needed.

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets to allow patients to straighten teeth more discreetly than with metal braces. These braces may be worn for a few months to two years to achieve the desired results.

Lingual braces are metal braces that are placed behind the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. Lingual braces gradually shift teeth into the desired position by putting gentle pressure on the backside of the teeth rather than the front. Most patients need to wear lingual braces for 18 to 36 months to achieve proper alignment.

Invisalign clear aligners are a series of transparent, removable trays that allow patients to straighten their teeth discreetly. Each set of aligners are worn for several weeks and replaced with another set of aligners; the specific sequence of aligners moves the teeth into the desired position. Because the aligners are removable, patients can eat, brush and floss more easily than with braces. It typically takes six months to a year to achieve the proper tooth alignment.

Choosing Your Orthodontic Treatment

Because no two patients are alike, you should only work with a dentist that has the training, experience and skill to deliver great yet individualized results. Dr. Sanner has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve a radiant smile while taking into consideration their unique specifications. During your initial evaluation, Dr. Sanner will visually examine your teeth and take intraoral and facial photographs, as well as X-rays, to help determine your specific needs and the best treatment for your case. Dr. Sanner will also take your personal preferences and severity of your case into consideration. For instance, if your teeth are only mildly crooked and you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces, Invisalign is a great option. On the other hand, if your teeth require significant correction, braces may be a more effective option. Why wait any longer for a straighter smile? Town Center Dentistry is the preferred choice for patients seeking exceptional dental care. We offer the lowest prices in San Diego without compromising quality treatment as all work is performed by experienced, board certified specialists, like Dr. Sanner.

To schedule your appointment with our orthodontic specialists, please call our Rancho Bernardo office at (858) 521-0000.


World Class Orthodontic and Braces Specialists

It can be hard to get braces. No matter your age, coming in to an orthodontist to get braces or Invisalign treatment is a commitment to changing your personal appearance for an extended amount of time. That can be a bit daunting, and we get that. That is why our orthodontists are caring and compassionate, ready to offer advice and answer questions at any time.

Town Center Dentistry also has trained and experienced staff who have studied and seen it all. You can feel comfortable bringing yourself or your children in to our office and know that they are in a professional’s hands.

Traditional braces

Town Center Dentistry offers braces in Rancho Bernardo. Our orthodontic specialist can help you or your child attain a straight, beautiful smile.

Dental Braces Gets Your Teeth and Smile Looking Great

Smiling is a beautiful thing. It is a way to convey a complex series of emotions with just a few muscle spasms. However, if you are not happy with your teeth this simple act can be a near constant source of embarrassment. Dental braces can make this embarrassment go away for good! If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or other orthodontic issues dental braces can offer an efficient solution. Town Center Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo has the best orthodontists in San Diego ready to get your smile looking great.

How Do Braces for Teeth Work?

Orthodontic braces are a method of manipulating your teeth so they lay properly in your mouth. Dental braces push or pull on your teeth, putting pressure on them over time to make sure they sit correctly. Braces are fixed to your teeth and can only be removed by an orthodontist, and for optimal results are typically worn for around 2 years.

When are Traditional Braces a Better Orthodontic Option Than Invisalign?

When it comes to fixing your teeth, in most cases you have a choice. You can go with Invisalign invisible braces or traditional dental braces. However, sometime the choice is made for you. There are some instances where traditional braces are the only option because of the nature of the orthodontic work required.

Traditional Braces Best for Back Teeth Bite Issues

One common issue that requires braces is a back teeth bit issue. This is when your bite does not sit correctly, resulting in some or all of the back teeth not matching up properly. Braces are the only way to effectively resolve this issue, as Invisalign does not have the strength or ability to manipulate the bite. If you suffer from back teeth bite issues, then traditional dental braces are your best option.

Traditional Braces Best for Vertical Tooth Movement

Oftentimes patients have teeth that have not fully descended, resulting in some teeth that are not as long as they should be. These shorter teeth, when compared to the normal teeth, can often result in teeth looking jagged and unnatural. The only solution to this issue is traditional braces. Invisalign sits in your mouth, therefore it does not have the ability to make the teeth come down further. Braces, on the other hand, are screwed on to the teeth, allowing your orthodontist to specify exactly how the teeth should look and how far they should descend.

Traditional Braces Best for Rotation of Cylindrical Teeth

Teeth that do not share the same typical shape as other teeth are known as Cylindrical Teeth. This grouping includes the canines or premolars, and sometimes these teeth can grow in crooked or not pointed in the right direction. Your orthodontist will suggest rotating the teeth so they align with your other teeth, and the only way to do so is traditional braces. Invisalign just does not have the ability to fix cylindrical teeth.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional dental braces and Invisalign are the two most common way to resolve orthodontic issues. While some situations necessitate dental braces, in other situations you are presented with a decision between the two. With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of traditional braces.

Traditional Braces Are Less Expensive Than Invisalign

Invisalign is a relatively new technology, and as is the case with most new innovations it can be a bit pricey. Traditional braces are a tried and true method that can be had at a much more affordable price than Invisalign. When deciding between Invisalign and braces, keep your wallet in mind!

Traditional Braces Provide Better and More Consistent Results

As we mentioned above, braces are the best solution for more complex orthodontic issues. From this line of thinking, it is easy to come to the conclusion that braces also can be a more effective option. While Invisalign has been proven time and time again to work properly, if you want the very best results with little variability we suggest traditional braces.

You Cannot Lose Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are impossible to lose. They are wired right on to your teeth, preventing you from forgetting them anywhere. With Invisalign, you are constantly removing it and putting it back in, opening up the opportunity to misplace them. Invisalign also puts some burden of responsibility on you, because if you don’t wear them 22 hours a day you may not get the results you want.

Town Center Dentistry is the Rancho Bernardo Dental Braces Experts

Town Center Dentistry has the orthodontists, experience and equipment you need to make sure your teeth and smile are perfect. Our specialists are expertly trained to give you only top of the line orthodontic work. As an added bonus, we keep a bevy of specialists under one roof, meaning you can visit you dentist and orthodontist at the very same office! If you are interested in getting orthodontic work done, come to Town Center Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo for a consultation today.

Schedule a Orthodontist Consultation Today

Getting Braces or Invisalign does not have to be stressful. Come to our beautiful Rancho Bernardo office for a consultation and our welcoming staff will make you feel right at home.

Contact Town Center Dentistry

Other treatments

All treatments

Dental implants

Dental implants for patients who wish to replace one or more missing teeth.

Hybrid4 fixed bridge (All-on-4)

All-on-4 dental implants, an innovative solution for missing teeth.

A patient checking in at the Town Center Dentistry front desk

Contact Town Center Dentistry today.

If you are interested in becoming a general, reconstructive, or cosmetic dentistry patient, request an appointment online or give us a call.