orthodontics services

Advanced Orthodontic Care with Periodontal Expertise

At Dental Care of Brentwood, Dr. Justin Raanan brings a uniquely comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment that sets our practice apart. As a Harvard-trained periodontist with a Master of Medical Sciences in Oral Biology, Dr. Raanan understands that successful orthodontic treatment requires more than just straightening teeth—it demands meticulous attention to the health of your gums, bone structure, and overall oral ecosystem.

This distinctive combination of periodontal expertise and orthodontic excellence ensures that your smile transformation is built on the strongest possible foundation, with outcomes that are not only beautiful but sustainably healthy for life.

Why Choose a Periodontist for Orthodontic Treatment?

Most orthodontists focus exclusively on tooth alignment. Dr. Raanan’s specialized training in periodontics—the science of gum health and the supporting structures of teeth—provides a critical advantage:

Foundation-First Philosophy
Research shows that approximately 47% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Moving teeth orthodontically on compromised gums and bone is like building a house on an unstable foundation. Dr. Raanan’s expertise ensures your periodontal health is optimized before, during, and after orthodontic treatment, preventing complications that can compromise results.

Integrated Treatment Planning
Unlike traditional orthodontic approaches, our integrated periodontal-orthodontic methodology addresses the complete picture. We assess clinical attachment levels, probing depths, bone density, and gingival health alongside tooth positioning and bite relationships—creating treatment plans that honor the biological complexity of your oral system.

Advanced Diagnostic Precision
Dr. Raanan utilizes cutting-edge 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging to evaluate not just tooth position, but bone volume, airway dimensions, and soft tissue architecture. This comprehensive diagnostic approach enables treatment planning with unprecedented accuracy and predictability.

Risk Mitigation
Orthodontic treatment can exacerbate existing periodontal conditions or create new challenges if not properly managed. With Dr. Raanan’s specialized training, potential issues are identified early and addressed proactively, protecting your investment and ensuring optimal long-term outcomes.

Our Orthodontic Treatment Options

Personalized Solutions for Every Lifestyle and Clinical Need

Traditional Metal Braces

The gold standard in orthodontic treatment, modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before. Ideal for complex cases requiring precise control over tooth movement, including:

  • Severe crowding or spacing issues
  • Complex bite corrections (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
  • Rotation and vertical positioning challenges
  • Multi-plane tooth movements

Dr. Raanan’s Approach: We utilize high-grade, biocompatible bracket systems with low-friction technology that reduces discomfort and accelerates treatment. Our periodontal monitoring protocols ensure gum health is maintained throughout treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Combining the effectiveness of traditional braces with aesthetic discretion, ceramic braces utilize tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend naturally with your smile. Perfect for patients who want effective treatment without the visibility of metal appliances.

Advanced Features:

  • Stain-resistant ceramic materials
  • Enhanced comfort with smooth, rounded edges
  • Comparable treatment timeline to metal braces
  • Suitable for comprehensive orthodontic corrections

Invisalign® Clear Aligner Therapy

The premier choice for adults and teens seeking virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. Dr. Raanan is an experienced Invisalign provider, offering this revolutionary system that uses a series of custom-fabricated, removable clear aligners to gradually guide teeth into optimal position.

Invisalign Advantages:

  • Aesthetically invisible during wear
  • Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions
  • No dietary restrictions
  • Fewer emergency visits
  • Comfortable, smooth plastic construction
  • Digital treatment preview showing expected results

Clinical Applications:

  • Mild to moderate crowding and spacing
  • Bite refinement and alignment optimization
  • Post-orthodontic relapse correction
  • Pre-restorative alignment for implants or veneers

Dr. Raanan’s Expertise: As a periodontist, Dr. Raanan is particularly skilled at managing Invisalign cases that involve gingival considerations, bone augmentation needs, or preparation for dental implants and restorative procedures.

Accelerated Orthodontics

For patients seeking faster results, we offer advanced treatment modalities that can significantly reduce orthodontic treatment time while enhancing periodontal health:

Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO)
This innovative technique combines minimally invasive periodontal procedures with orthodontic treatment to:

  • Reduce treatment time by 30-50%
  • Increase bone and soft tissue support
  • Expand treatment possibilities for complex cases
  • Minimize orthodontic relapse potential

The procedure stimulates a natural healing response that temporarily accelerates tooth movement while simultaneously strengthening the periodontal foundation. This represents the cutting edge of integrated periodontal-orthodontic care.

Surgical Orthodontics

For patients with significant skeletal discrepancies or jaw alignment issues, Dr. Raanan collaborates closely with elite oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide comprehensive orthognathic surgery planning and coordination.

Conditions Addressed:

  • Severe jaw misalignment affecting function or appearance
  • Obstructive sleep apnea related to skeletal positioning
  • TMJ disorders with structural components
  • Facial asymmetry requiring skeletal correction

Collaborative Excellence: Dr. Raanan’s expertise in surgical planning and periodontal management ensures seamless integration between surgical intervention and orthodontic alignment, optimizing both functional outcomes and aesthetic results.


Advanced Technology: Precision-Driven Care

Digital Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

3D Cone Beam CT Imaging
Our state-of-the-art CBCT technology captures comprehensive three-dimensional images of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and airways. This advanced imaging enables:

  • Precise measurement of bone volume and density
  • Airway assessment for breathing and sleep disorders
  • Evaluation of impacted teeth and root positioning
  • Virtual treatment simulation and outcome prediction

Intraoral Digital Scanning
Traditional impressions are uncomfortable and prone to distortion. Our digital intraoral scanners capture precise 3D images of your teeth and soft tissues in minutes, providing:

  • Superior accuracy for treatment planning
  • Immediate digital records
  • Enhanced patient comfort
  • Seamless integration with design software for aligners and appliances

Computer-Aided Treatment Design
Advanced software allows Dr. Raanan to virtually plan your entire treatment before it begins. You can see projected outcomes, understand tooth movements, and participate actively in treatment decisions with full transparency.

3D Printing Technology
In-office 3D printing capabilities enable us to fabricate custom retainers, surgical guides, and orthodontic appliances with exceptional precision and rapid turnaround—often providing same-day solutions.


The Periodontal-Orthodontic Integration

Protecting and Enhancing Your Foundation During Treatment

Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Optimization

Before beginning any orthodontic treatment, Dr. Raanan conducts a comprehensive periodontal evaluation including:

  • Full periodontal charting (probing depths, bleeding indices, attachment levels)
  • Bone level assessment via radiographic analysis
  • Gingival biotype evaluation
  • Plaque index and oral hygiene assessment
  • Risk factor analysis (smoking, systemic disease, genetic factors)

Any active periodontal disease is addressed and stabilized before orthodontic appliances are placed, ensuring the healthiest possible starting point.

Active Treatment Monitoring

Throughout orthodontic treatment, Dr. Raanan maintains vigilant periodontal monitoring:

  • Regular professional cleanings and maintenance (typically every 3-4 months during active treatment)
  • Continuous assessment of gingival health and inflammation
  • Early intervention if periodontal concerns arise
  • Patient education on enhanced hygiene protocols for orthodontic appliances

Clinical Evidence: Studies demonstrate that patients who undergo orthodontic treatment with concurrent periodontal monitoring maintain significantly better gum health and experience fewer complications than those without specialized oversight.

Adjunctive Periodontal Procedures

When indicated, Dr. Raanan can provide specialized procedures to enhance orthodontic outcomes:

Gingival Grafting
For patients with insufficient attached gingiva or gum recession, soft tissue grafting can:

  • Increase the zone of keratinized tissue for improved orthodontic stability
  • Prevent further recession during tooth movement
  • Enhance long-term periodontal health and aesthetics

Frenectomy
Removal or modification of restrictive frenum attachments that can:

  • Prevent midline diastema closure from relapsing
  • Facilitate proper tooth positioning
  • Improve oral function and comfort

Crown Lengthening
Surgical modification of gum and bone levels to:

  • Improve tooth proportions for optimal aesthetics
  • Expose adequate tooth structure for restorative procedures following orthodontics
  • Correct “gummy smile” presentations

Circumferential Supracrestal Fiberotomy (CSF)
A specialized procedure that severs the elastic fibers around rotated teeth, significantly reducing relapse potential after orthodontic derotation.


Holistic & Biological Considerations

Orthodontics Aligned with Your Body’s Natural Wisdom

Dr. Raanan’s holistic approach to dentistry extends into orthodontic care, recognizing that your oral health is intimately connected to your overall wellness.

Biocompatible Materials
We prioritize metal-free and hypoallergenic materials whenever clinically appropriate, including:

  • BPA-free clear aligner materials
  • Nickel-free orthodontic wires for sensitive patients
  • Ceramic brackets with biocompatible adhesives

Airway-Centered Orthodontics
Proper dental and skeletal alignment plays a crucial role in breathing function and sleep quality. Dr. Raanan evaluates airway dimensions and considers breathing patterns in treatment planning, addressing:

  • Narrow palates that restrict nasal breathing
  • Jaw positioning that impacts airway space
  • Tongue posture and its relationship to dental development
  • Potential sleep-disordered breathing concerns

Myofunctional Considerations
Tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and other oral myofunctional patterns can compromise orthodontic results. We assess these factors and coordinate with myofunctional therapists when beneficial.

TMJ Health
Temporomandibular joint function is carefully evaluated and monitored throughout treatment. Our approach respects the delicate balance between dental occlusion and joint health, avoiding aggressive movements that could trigger dysfunction.

Minimally Invasive Philosophy
When extraction or surgical intervention is considered, Dr. Raanan thoroughly explores conservative alternatives, preserving natural tooth structure and bone whenever possible while still achieving optimal results.


Treatment Process: What to Expect

A Transparent Journey to Your Best Smile

Phase 1: Comprehensive Consultation & Evaluation

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation where Dr. Raanan will:

  • Listen carefully to your concerns, goals, and expectations
  • Conduct a thorough clinical examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw alignment
  • Perform digital intraoral scanning
  • Take comprehensive 3D CBCT imaging when indicated
  • Capture clinical photography for treatment records
  • Review your medical and dental history in detail

This appointment typically takes 60-90 minutes and provides the foundation for precise treatment planning.

Phase 2: Customized Treatment Plan Development

Following your evaluation, Dr. Raanan develops a personalized treatment strategy that includes:

  • Detailed diagnosis of orthodontic and periodontal conditions
  • Multiple treatment options with pros, cons, and expected timelines
  • Digital simulation of predicted outcomes
  • Comprehensive cost breakdown and financial options
  • Coordination needs with other specialists if applicable

You’ll receive a thorough presentation of your plan with ample opportunity to ask questions and refine the approach to align with your priorities.

Phase 3: Treatment Preparation

Before appliances are placed:

  • Any necessary periodontal treatment is completed
  • Professional cleaning to ensure optimal oral health
  • Detailed instruction on oral hygiene protocols during orthodontic treatment
  • Pre-treatment photographs and records

For Invisalign patients, custom aligners are fabricated and typically ready within 2-3 weeks. For braces, appliances are placed at your first treatment appointment.

Phase 4: Active Treatment

Regular appointments throughout your orthodontic journey ensure:

For Traditional Braces:

  • Adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks
  • Wire changes and bracket adjustments to maintain progressive tooth movement
  • Periodontal monitoring and professional cleanings
  • Progress evaluation and timeline updates

For Invisalign:

  • Check-in appointments every 6-10 weeks
  • Monitoring of aligner fit and tooth movement progression
  • Delivery of next series of aligners
  • Attachment placement or refinement as needed
  • Periodontal health assessment

Average Treatment Duration:

  • Traditional Braces: 18-30 months (varies by case complexity)
  • Invisalign: 12-24 months for most cases
  • Accelerated Orthodontics: 8-18 months with PAOO

Phase 5: Retention & Long-Term Stability

Completing active treatment is just the beginning of maintaining your beautiful new smile. Dr. Raanan provides:

Custom Retention Appliances

  • Fixed bonded retainers for long-term stability
  • Removable retainers (Hawley or clear types)
  • Hybrid retention protocols tailored to your specific needs

Retention Protocol:
Research demonstrates that 81% of patients who wear retainers at least one night weekly maintain their results successfully. Dr. Raanan provides clear guidance on retention schedules, typically:

  • Full-time wear (except eating/brushing) for 3-6 months
  • Nightly wear for 6-12 months
  • 3-5 nights per week long-term

Long-Term Monitoring: Regular check-ins ensure your orthodontic results remain stable and your periodontal health continues optimally. Most patients are seen at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, then annually thereafter.


Patient-Centered Care Philosophy

Compassionate Excellence at Every Step

Transparent Communication
Dr. Raanan believes informed patients achieve better outcomes. You’ll never wonder what’s happening or why—every step is explained clearly, in language you understand.

Flexible Scheduling
We understand the demands of modern life. Our Brentwood office offers convenient appointment times, including early morning and evening options to accommodate your schedule.

Financial Transparency
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health and confidence. We provide detailed cost breakdowns upfront with no hidden fees, and offer multiple payment plans including:

  • In-office financing options
  • Third-party healthcare financing
  • Insurance coordination and maximization
  • Multi-pay discounts

Comfortable Environment
Our modern Brentwood office is designed for your comfort, featuring:

  • Relaxing, spa-like ambiance
  • State-of-the-art treatment rooms
  • Complimentary amenities
  • Caring, attentive staff who treat you like family

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely not. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, nearly 30% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Dr. Raanan’s expertise in managing periodontal health makes him particularly qualified to treat adult patients who may have more complex oral health histories.

Will orthodontic treatment hurt?
Most patients experience mild discomfort for 2-3 days following appliance placement or adjustments. This is typically managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. Invisalign patients generally report less discomfort than traditional braces wearers.

How often will I need appointments?
Braces patients typically visit every 4-8 weeks. Invisalign patients usually come every 6-10 weeks. Appointments are generally brief (15-30 minutes) unless more extensive adjustments are needed.

Can I still play sports or musical instruments?
Yes! A mouthguard is essential for contact sports. There may be a brief adjustment period for wind instrument musicians, but most adapt quickly.

What if I have existing periodontal disease?
Dr. Raanan’s specialized training makes him uniquely qualified to manage orthodontic treatment for patients with periodontal considerations. Active disease is stabilized before orthodontics begins, and meticulous monitoring continues throughout treatment.

Will my insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will verify your coverage and help maximize your benefits. We work with most major insurance providers.

What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
Teeth naturally tend to shift throughout life. Without retention, orthodontic results can partially or fully relapse. The first 12 months after treatment are most critical, but long-term retention is important for maintaining your investment.


Beyond Straight Teeth: Comprehensive Smile Design

Dr. Raanan’s expertise extends beyond orthodontics to provide complete smile transformation services:

Dental Implants
When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment can create ideal spacing for implant placement. Dr. Raanan is a highly skilled implant surgeon who can place and restore implants seamlessly within your orthodontic treatment plan.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
Crown lengthening, gum recontouring, and soft tissue grafting can enhance the aesthetic frame of your newly aligned teeth, creating optimal proportions and gum symmetry.

Restorative Integration
Following orthodontic alignment, teeth may benefit from cosmetic bonding, veneers, or crowns to achieve ideal size, shape, and color. Dr. Raanan collaborates with elite restorative dentists or can provide these services directly.



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