Antioch Orthodontics

Antioch Orthodontics: Complete Guide to Braces, Invisalign & Smile Care

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Antioch orthodontics patients today have access to modern, comfortable treatment that fits busy schedules, and Hann Orthodontics offers a full range of options for every age and lifestyle.

Welcome to Hann Orthodontics, where your smile is our specialty. Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann have transformed thousands of smiles over the past 30+ years, and we look forward to doing the same for Antioch families. Our Brentwood location serves Antioch and the greater East County community with a family-oriented approach to care that feels less like a clinic and more like visiting friends.

We provide treatment for children, teens, and adults, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear ceramic braces
• Invisalign clear aligners
• Invisalign for Teens
• Early evaluations for kids

To make getting started easy, we offer a free exam and a virtual exam option you can complete from home. Both are low-pressure ways to learn what's possible for your smile, with no obligation.

In this guide, you'll find what Antioch families need to know: how each treatment works, who's a good fit, what to expect during care, and how to compare your options. We'll also answer common questions about cost, timing, and financing so you can move forward feeling informed about the choice you make.

Traditional Metal Braces in Antioch

Modern metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the versions your parents may remember. They use high-grade stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a thin archwire that gently guides teeth into place. Small elastic ties, which you can pick in fun colors, hold the wire in position.

What Metal Braces Treat

Metal braces are the most versatile tool in orthodontics because they can handle nearly any case, including:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps and spacing issues
• Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
• Open bite
• Rotated or tipped teeth
• Complex bite corrections that require precise movement

Ideal Candidates

Metal braces are a solid choice for:

• Growing teens whose jaws are still developing and benefit from steady, predictable tooth movement
• Kids in Phase 1 or Phase 2 treatment
• Adults with complex bite issues that aligners can't fully address
• Budget-conscious families looking for the most affordable orthodontic option

Typical Timeline

Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, depending on case complexity. You'll see Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments, which are quick and comfortable visits that usually take less than half an hour.

Comfort, Care, and Food Guidelines

Taking care of your braces is straightforward once you get the hang of it:

• Brush after every meal and floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to protect enamel
• Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods (think caramel, hard candy, popcorn, ice)
• Cut apples and corn off the cob before eating
• Wear a mouthguard for sports

If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes, call our Brentwood office and we'll get you in quickly.

Same-Day Start at Hann Orthodontics

Your time is valuable. That's why we make it easy for Antioch families to start treatment on the same day as your free consultation, no second appointment required.

Clear Braces: A Discreet Alternative

Clear braces (also called ceramic braces) work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored or translucent ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural smile. From a short distance, most people won't notice you're wearing them.

How They Differ From Metal

The mechanics are the same: brackets, archwires, and gentle pressure move your teeth into place. The main difference is appearance. Ceramic brackets are made from a strong, stain-resistant material that looks far more subtle than stainless steel.

Who Benefits Most

Clear braces are a good fit for adults who want the reliability of fixed treatment without the traditional metal look, and they're popular with older teens heading into senior photos, prom, or college interviews. Working professionals who present in meetings or appear on video regularly also gravitate toward ceramic brackets because they photograph well. And for patients whose cases are too complex for Invisalign but who still want a discreet option, clear braces bridge the gap.

Cost and Treatment Time

Clear braces typically cost slightly more than traditional metal braces because the ceramic material is a premium option. Treatment time is similar, usually 12 to 24 months, and results are just as reliable.

Care and Staining Prevention

The brackets themselves resist staining, but the clear or white elastic ties can pick up color from certain foods and drinks. To keep your smile looking bright:

• Limit coffee, red wine, tea, and dark sodas
• Avoid tomato-based sauces and curry when possible
• Brush thoroughly after eating pigmented foods
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• Come in on schedule so we can change the ties at each visit

When Clear Braces Beat Invisalign

Invisalign is a strong option, but it's not right for every case. Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann may recommend clear braces when:

• Your case involves significant rotation or vertical tooth movement
• You need precise bite correction that requires fixed appliances
• You're concerned about wearing aligners the full 22 hours a day
• You want a discreet look without daily compliance requirements

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Antioch

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before you switch to the next, and most Antioch patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months. The trays are nearly invisible and completely removable.

How Invisalign Works

Your treatment begins with a free digital scan at our Brentwood office. Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann map out every stage of your tooth movement, then a full series of aligners is fabricated just for you. You'll switch to a new set on schedule, with periodic check-ins to make sure everything is tracking as planned.

What Invisalign Can Treat

Invisalign has come a long way and now handles a wide range of cases, including:

• Mild to moderate crowding
• Spacing and gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, and crossbite (mild to moderate)
• Open bite
• Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment

The Removable Advantage

One of the biggest reasons Antioch patients choose Invisalign is the convenience of taking your aligners out when you need to:

• Eating: no food restrictions at all
• Brushing and flossing: your routine stays exactly the same
• Special events: weddings, presentations, photos, and job interviews
• Sports and music: no brackets to worry about with mouthguards or instruments

Wear-Time Requirements

For Invisalign to work as planned, aligners need to be worn 22 hours per day. That means they come out only for meals, drinks (other than water), and brushing. Compliance is key, and it's the main factor that determines whether Invisalign is right for you.

Free Digital Scan and Virtual Exam

Curious if you're a candidate? Start with a free virtual exam from home or come in for a free in-office exam with a digital scan. Either way, you'll get honest guidance and a clear picture of your options.

Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for younger patients whose smiles are still developing. It offers all the benefits of adult Invisalign, with a few smart features built in for teens and their parents.

What Makes Invisalign Teen Different

• Compliance indicators: small blue dots on each aligner fade as they're worn, giving parents and doctors an easy way to check wear time
• Eruption tabs: designed to accommodate teeth that are still coming in, so treatment can start even before all permanent teeth are fully erupted
• Free replacement aligners: because lost trays happen, teens get a set of replacement aligners included

Why Teens Choose Aligners

Today's teens are more image-aware than ever, and Invisalign fits into their lives without holding them back:

• Sports: no risk of bracket injuries during contact sports
• Photos: nearly invisible in yearbook shots, prom pics, and social media
• Self-confidence: no metal-mouth teasing, just a subtle path to a better smile
• Instruments: band and orchestra students can play without adjusting to hardware
• Eating: no restrictions on favorite foods

Parent Guidance

Compliance is the biggest factor in Invisalign success, and parents play a supporting role:

• Establish a routine (aligners in after breakfast, out only at meals)
• Use a case, always, to prevent lost trays
• Keep track of when to switch to the next set
• Attend check-ins at our Brentwood office to keep progress on track

If an aligner is lost or damaged, call us right away so we can send a replacement.

Typical Antioch Teen Candidates

Invisalign Teen works well for most straightforward to moderately complex cases, including crowding, spacing, and common bite issues. For very complex cases, Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann may recommend braces instead. The best way to find out is a free exam.

Virtual Visits for Busy Families

Between school, sports, and everything else, getting to the office can be tough. Our virtual visit option lets teens check in from home, which helps busy Antioch families keep treatment on schedule without missing class or practice.

Orthodontics for All Ages: Kids, Teens & Adults

At Hann Orthodontics, orthodontics for all ages means real, personalized care whether you're 7 or 70. Here's what treatment looks like at each stage of life.

Kids: First Evaluation by Age 7

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), every child should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most kids won't need treatment yet, but this early check-in lets Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann spot developing issues while the jaw is still growing.

Early (Phase 1) treatment benefits include:

• Guiding jaw growth to prevent future bite issues
• Creating space for permanent teeth
• Reducing the need for extractions later
• Correcting habits like thumb-sucking
• Building self-confidence during formative school years

Phase 1 usually happens between ages 7 and 10, followed by a resting period and possibly Phase 2 treatment in the teen years.

Teens: Braces vs. Invisalign

The teen years are still the most common time for orthodontic treatment, and today's teens have real choices:

• Metal braces: durable, effective for any case, fun with colored elastics
• Clear braces: discreet option for image-conscious teens
• Invisalign Teen: removable, nearly invisible, great for active lifestyles

The right choice depends on the case, the teen's lifestyle, and family preferences. During a free exam, we'll walk through the pros and cons of each.

Adults: It's Never Too Late

Adult orthodontics is one of the fastest-growing parts of our field. More adults than ever are choosing to correct oral issues they've lived with for years, and modern options make it easier:

• Invisalign for a nearly invisible treatment experience
• Clear braces for adults who want fixed treatment without the metal look
• Traditional braces for complex cases or budget priorities

Whether you're preparing for a wedding, feeling self-conscious in family photos, or ready to finally do something for yourself after years of putting it off, we can help you get there.

Same-Day Treatment Starts

We know local families are juggling a lot. That's why we offer same-day treatment starts, so you can leave your free consultation with your treatment already underway. Fewer appointments, faster results, less time away from school and work.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Choosing Your Treatment

Choosing between braces and Invisalign comes down to your case complexity, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Below is a side-by-side look to help Antioch patients compare at a glance.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Play contact sports? Invisalign (or braces with a mouthguard) works well
• Present at work or on video? Invisalign or clear braces
• Love snacking on crunchy foods? Invisalign removes that concern
• Worried about remembering to wear aligners? Braces remove the compliance question
• Musician who plays a wind instrument? Invisalign avoids adjustment time

How We Help You Decide

During your free exam at our Brentwood office (serving Antioch and East County), Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann will:

1. Take digital photographs and digital x-rays
2. Evaluate your bite and alignment
3. Discuss your goals and lifestyle
4. Recommend the best options for your case
5. Review flexible payment plans

You'll leave with honest answers, not pressure. And if you're ready, we can start same-day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antioch Orthodontics

How much do braces cost in Antioch?

The cost of braces in the Antioch area depends on the type of treatment (metal, clear, or Invisalign), the complexity of your case, and how long treatment takes. At our Brentwood office, we provide transparent pricing during your free exam and offer flexible payment plans to fit your family's budget. There are no hidden fees and no surprise charges.

Is $5,000 a lot for braces?

Orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment in your health and confidence. When you break the total cost into flexible monthly payments, most Antioch families find it fits into their budget, often for less than the cost of a phone bill or streaming subscriptions combined. During your free consultation, we'll walk through exact numbers and payment options for your situation so there are no surprises.

What if braces don't fit my budget right now?

Good news: we have several options to make treatment work for nearly every budget. Hann Orthodontics offers Chase Health Advance financing, flexible payment plans with low monthly payments, no money down payment plans, and insurance filing assistance. We'll help you find a plan that fits, so cost doesn't have to stand between you and your best smile.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take longer. Invisalign cases often average 12 to 18 months, while complex braces cases may run closer to 24 months. Your exact timeline depends on your starting alignment and how closely you follow care instructions.

Are consultations really free at Hann Orthodontics?

Yes, your first visit and exam are completely free, with no strings attached. During your free consultation, you'll meet Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann, get a full evaluation, discuss treatment options, and review pricing. You'll leave with clear answers and zero obligation.

Do you offer virtual exams and same-day starts?

Yes. We offer a virtual exam so Antioch patients can get started from the comfort of home, plus virtual visits for ongoing check-ins between appointments. We also offer same-day treatment starts, so if you're ready to move forward after your free consultation, we can begin that same day.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more? Explore these topics and trusted sources:

• Invisalign, how clear aligners work and who's a good candidate
• Invisalign for Teens, features designed for younger patients and their parents
• Metal Braces, the classic, effective option for any case
• Clear Braces, a discreet fixed option for adults and older teens
• Orthodontics for All Ages, treatment options for kids, teens, and adults
• Free Exam, schedule your no-obligation first visit
• Virtual Exam, start from home in just a few minutes
• Virtual Visit, remote check-ins for existing patients
• Same-Day Treatment, begin your smile the same day as your consultation

Trusted External Resources

• American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
• American Dental Association (ADA)

Schedule Your Free Antioch Orthodontic Exam

Ready to greet the world grinning with new confidence? Get braces and smile more—it's that simple. Book your free in-office exam at Hann Orthodontics or start with a free virtual exam from home. Either way, there's no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

With same-day treatment starts, transparent pricing, and flexible payment plans, Antioch patients can begin the smile of their dreams sooner than they think. Your smile is our family business, and we'd love to welcome you in today.

Book Your Free Exam