Why Families in Mission Viejo Choose Us for Orthodontic Treatment
At South OC Orthodontics, every treatment plan is built around thoughtful planning, conservative recommendations, and long-term results.
Our approach focuses on:
- Personalized treatment plans based on growth, bite, and smile goals
- Conservative orthodontic recommendations based on true clinical need
- Early monitoring through regular pediatric dental visits
- Collaborative care between their pediatric dentist and the orthodontist
- Treatment for children, teens, and adults in one practice
- Long-term planning for healthy, stable results
Call South OC Orthodontics today to schedule your orthodontic consultation and get a personalized treatment plan for your smile.
(949) 581-5800New Patient Special
New orthodontic patients receive a free first exam to help make the first step simple and stress-free. Whether you are exploring orthodontic treatment for your child or for yourself, Dr. Carter will evaluate your smile, explain your options, and recommend the best next step.
Your first visit includes:
- Digital X-rays and photos
- A personalized treatment plan
- Time to review treatment options and ask questions
- Family member discounts for parents and siblings receiving treatment
This no-obligation consultation helps you understand your treatment options, the right timing for care, and the best path forward for a healthy, lasting smile.
What Makes Our Approach Different
“Orthodontic recommendations should be conservative and based specifically on patient needs.”
Dr. Carter takes a conservative approach to orthodontic treatment, focusing on what is truly necessary for long-term oral health and stability. Not every patient needs braces right away, and some concerns are better monitored before treatment begins.
Each recommendation is based on bite function, alignment, jaw development, and the goals of the individual patient. This helps create a treatment plan that is thoughtful and built for lasting results.
Coordinated Specialty Care
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontist work closely together to make sure treatment happens at the right time. During regular dental visits, growth, tooth eruption, and bite development are monitored so small concerns can be identified early.
When orthodontic treatment may be needed, Dr. Carter evaluates the next step and creates recommendations based on function, development, and long-term stability. This collaborative approach helps families feel confident that treatment is being recommended for the right reasons.
Our Philosophy
“Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. It also affects airway and breathing, growth and facial development, bite function, and long-term stability.”
Dr. Carter approaches treatment with the full picture in mind. Every recommendation considers how the teeth, bite, and facial structure work together so treatment supports both function and appearance for years to come.
This philosophy helps create results that are not only beautiful, but also healthy, stable, and built to last.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment We Offer
We offer several orthodontic treatment options for children, teens, and adults based on each patient’s needs and stage of development.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct crowding, bite problems, spacing issues, and jaw alignment concerns. They offer precise control and reliable results for both simple and more complex orthodontic cases.
Learn more about traditional braces
Invisalign
Invisalign offers a removable and more discreet way to straighten teeth using a series of custom clear aligners. This option is often a good fit for teens and adults who want flexibility without brackets and wires.
Mixed Dentition First Phase Orthodontics
Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment while baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present. This is called mixed dentition or Phase 1 orthodontics.
Early treatment may help guide jaw development, improve bite function, and create space for permanent teeth when needed.
Learn more about first phase orthodontics
Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can begin shifting into that space. A space maintainer helps hold the area open so the permanent tooth has room to come in properly.
This simple treatment can help prevent future crowding and reduce the need for more complex orthodontic correction later.
Learn more about space maintainers
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw when there is not enough room for proper tooth eruption or bite alignment. Expansion can also help improve crossbites and support healthy jaw development during growth.
Timing is important, which is why early monitoring helps determine when expansion may be most beneficial.
Learn more about palatal expanders
Who Is Caring for Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment in your smile, bite, and overall oral health. Dr. Chris Carter takes a thoughtful, individualized approach so every patient receives care that is carefully planned and built for lasting results.
Dr. Chris Carter (Orthodontics)
“After 26 years in the dental field, I understand orthodontics on a much deeper level than I did early in my career. Today, I look beyond straight teeth to how jaw development, airway health, and facial growth all work together to support a child’s long-term health.”
Insurance
We are in-network with Aetna and Cigna and will gladly bill your insurance and help you maximize your benefits.
FAQs
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. This allows us to monitor growth and identify concerns early, even if treatment is not needed right away.
Is there an orthodontist in Mission Viejo accepting new patients?
We are always accepting new orthodontic patients at South OC Orthodontics and serve families throughout Mission Viejo and South Orange County. Visit us at 26137 La Paz Rd Ste 220, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Floor 1 La Paz Plaza or call (949) 581-5800.