The cost of braces depends on how much your teeth need to move, whether you choose metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners, and how long treatment takes. Some dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, so our team can check yours; we're in network with Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier. Dr. Erinn Chang explains the cost at your consultation, and CareCredit can spread it into monthly payments.

Getting braces put on doesn't hurt, but your teeth will usually feel sore for a few days afterward and after adjustments. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers help during those days. The brackets can also rub the inside of your cheeks at first. Orthodontic wax helps until your mouth gets used to them, which usually takes a week or two.

What can't you eat with braces?

With braces, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can bend the wire or pop off a bracket, such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, ice, caramel, taffy, and gum. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots are fine if you cut them into small pieces. Brushing after meals matters more with braces, since food gets trapped around the brackets.

How long do braces take?

Many people wear braces for about 18 months to 2 years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on how much the teeth need to move. Dr. Erinn Chang will give you an estimate at your consultation.

When should kids get braces?

Most kids who need braces start between about ages 9 and 14, once many of their permanent teeth have come in, but the right time depends on the child. An early check can spot crowding or bite problems while the jaw is still growing. Dr. Erinn Chang treats kids and teens with metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners and will tell you whether your child is ready or should wait.

Is it better to see a dentist or an orthodontist?

It depends on what your teeth need. Orthodontists have extra years of training in moving teeth and correcting bites. Here, you don't have to choose: Dr. Dillon Chang handles your general dental care and Dr. Erinn Chang handles orthodontics, in the same office.

Orthodontics in San Jose

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Call (408) 224-2000

QUICK OVERVIEW

Looking for an orthodontist in San Jose?

Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and corrects how your upper and lower teeth come together. Our orthodontist, Dr. Erinn Chang, sees patients right here in our South San Jose office, including kids and teens. Treatment starts with a consultation to see which fits your teeth: metal braces or Invisalign® clear aligners. Call (408) 224-2000 to schedule a consultation.

iTero digital scanner at South San Jose Family Dentistry in San Jose

WHAT IT IS

What is orthodontic treatment?

Moving teeth into a healthier position.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that moves teeth and guides the bite into better alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training in it after dental school.

Straighter teeth aren't only about looks. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, and a bite that doesn't come together evenly can wear down or chip teeth over time.

Dr. Erinn Chang graduated from dental school at the University of the Pacific in 2023 and completed her orthodontic residency at Roseman University.

Kids and teens

Dr. Erinn Chang treats kids and teens. She'll go over your child's options with you at the consultation.

Crowding and gaps

Orthodontic treatment can correct crowded or overlapping teeth and gaps between teeth.

Teeth that shifted

It can also correct teeth that have shifted after earlier orthodontic treatment.

Bite problems

It can also correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites.