Nancy
★★★★★
I have been coming here since the beginning of COVID. I like all the dental hygienists here and love that this office has all the specialties so I don’t have to shop around.
Orthodontics in
Mission Viejo, CA
Straighten your smile as an adult with braces or clear aligners, planned around your life and your goals.
It is never too late to straighten your teeth. If you have been searching for an orthodontist in Mission Viejo to fix shifting or crowding as an adult, modern orthodontic treatment makes it possible without disrupting your life. At Vartanian Dental Group in Mission Viejo, our in-house orthodontist Dr. Chau offers both braces and Invisalign, helping you choose the approach that fits your smile, your schedule, and your budget.
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Orthodontic Care for Adults in Mission Viejo
4.9 stars across 1,300+ Google reviews, and your gum care comes from a true specialist, not a referral across town.
Dr. Richard Lee, DMD earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, completed an in-depth implant training program at Loma Linda University, and returned to Tufts for a full post-graduate residency in periodontics, the specialty devoted to gum health and dental implants. His focus is on diagnosing problems early and giving you the tools to keep your gums healthy for the long term. He works alongside Dr. James Vartanian and the hygiene team patients regularly praise by name.
“I love that this office has all the specialties so I don’t have to shop around.”
Dr. Vartanian in His Own Words
Orthodontic
Cost & Financing
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on which option you choose and how much movement your teeth need, so a single price would not be meaningful. After your consultation, you receive one written quote covering your full treatment plan, with no surprises later.
Many PPO and HMO plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to braces or Invisalign, and we verify your coverage before treatment begins. For any balance, monthly payment plans through CareCredit and Citi make treatment manageable. See our financing options.
Ready to explore your options?
Your Orthodontic Options
We offer traditional and modern approaches to teeth straightening, and we will help you choose the right one at your consultation.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth discreetly, a popular choice for adults who would rather not wear visible braces. The aligners come out for eating, brushing, and flossing, fitting easily into a busy adult routine. Learn more on our Invisalign page.
Traditional Metal Braces
Time-tested and highly effective, metal braces can correct even complex alignment and bite issues. For some cases, they remain the most reliable path to the result you want.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural teeth, a more subtle option for adults who want braces to be less noticeable.
Self-Ligating Braces
These braces use a specialized clip instead of elastic bands, which reduces friction, can make adjustments more comfortable, and makes day-to-day cleaning easier.
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What Orthodontic Treatment Can Correct
Straightening your teeth is about more than appearance. Aligned teeth are easier to clean, which supports healthier gums and lowers your risk of decay, and a balanced bite reduces uneven wear on your teeth. Orthodontic treatment can address:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spaces between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted years after previous orthodontic work
If you are not sure whether your case is best suited to braces or aligners, that is exactly what your consultation is for. We will examine your teeth and recommend the most effective option honestly.
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What to Expect
We keep the process clear and comfortable from the first visit to your final smile.
1. Consultation and assessment. We examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and recommend braces or Invisalign based on your needs. You see the plan and the full cost before anything begins.
2. Personalized treatment plan. Whether you choose aligners or braces, your treatment is mapped out with clear steps and a timeline tailored to you.
3. Treatment and check-ins. As your teeth move into place, we monitor your progress and make adjustments to keep everything on track.
4. Retention. Once your teeth are straight, a retainer holds them in their new position so your results last.
One Practice for Your Whole Smile
Choosing orthodontic treatment where you already receive your dental care has real advantages. With our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Chau, your alignment treatment is coordinated with your cleanings, any restorative needs, and your long-term oral health, all in one office with one familiar team and one set of records.
You will find us on the first floor of Pacific Canyons Medical Center at 26302 La Paz Rd #203, just off the I-5 at the La Paz Road exit, with on-site parking. We care for adult patients from across the city, Rancho Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Aliso Viejo.
Open Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 3 PM.
Reviews
Why People Love Vartanian Dental Group
Real stories from patients who trust our Mission Viejo team for comfortable, complete, and compassionate dental care.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
Check out some of our recent case outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as your gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adults make up a large and growing share of orthodontic patients, and discreet options like Invisalign and ceramic braces make treatment easy to fit into adult life.
Braces or Invisalign: which is better?
It depends on your case and your preferences. Invisalign is discreet and removable and works well for mild to moderate alignment issues. Braces can handle more complex corrections. We will recommend the best fit at your consultation.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It varies with how much your teeth need to move. Many adult cases take roughly 12 to 18 months, while minor corrections can finish sooner. You will get a personalized timeline, and how often you visit the orthodontist depends on whether you choose braces or aligners
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
You may feel mild pressure or soreness for a day or two after starting or adjusting treatment, which is the feeling of your teeth moving. It is temporary and usually eased with
over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will I need to wear a retainer afterward?
Yes. After treatment, a retainer holds your teeth in their new position. Without it, teeth can gradually drift back, so the retainer protects the result you worked for.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many PPO and HMO plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to braces or Invisalign. We verify your specific coverage before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost in advance.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey
A straighter smile is within reach, whatever your age.
Our team will assess your teeth, walk you through braces and Invisalign, and explain exactly what comes next.
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Visit Our Clinic
We’re a full-service dental office in the heart of Mission Viejo, CA. We can’t wait to make you smile!
Phone
Hours
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
