Who Cares About Straight Teeth?

Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew, and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant "side effect" of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image – important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings the teeth, lips, and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person's general attitude toward life.

You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury. Straight teeth collect less plaque, a colorless, sticky film composed of bacteria, food and saliva. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feed on carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink to produce acids that can cause cavities. Plaque can also increase the risk for periodontal (gum) disease. When teeth are properly aligned, and less plaque collects, these risks decline. And when teeth are properly aligned it is easier to keep teeth clean. As for injuries to teeth, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident. When repositioned and aligned with other teeth, these teeth are most probably going to be at a decreased risk for fracture.

Untreated orthodontic problems may become worse. They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints, sometimes leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. Orthodontic treatment to correct a problem early may be less costly than the restorative dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

Watch Our Video to See What Makes Wu Orthodontics Unique

Dr. Eric Wu is a Palo Alto native and understands the needs of the Palo Alto community. Offering both Damon System Braces and Invisalign clear braces, Dr. Wu uses the most advanced treatments to ensure his patients receive the latest in orthodontic care.

His orthodontic practice, Wu Orthodontics, has an unique approach to orthodontics that focuses on non-invasive and non-extraction orthodontic techniques and is conveniently located on El Camino Real, in the heart of Palo Alto.

Watch our video to learn what makes Wu Orthodontics a different kind of orthodontic practice.

Invisalign: It's as Easy as 1,2,3--Wu Orthodontics, Palo Alto, California

Looking to improve your smile, but eager to keep your treatment to yourself? Consider Invisalign, the invisible way to straighten teeth. The clear, custom aligners are removable, which makes for easy eating, brushing and flossing, and no disruption of your lifestyle. Over half a million people have chosen Invisalign in their quest for an amazing smile. The process is simple:

STEP 1:We’ll Create a Custom Treatment Plan for You
First we’ll take impressions of your teeth. Based on their current position and their ideal end position, we’ll create a treatment plan that maps out the movement of your teeth throughout your time in Invisalign aligners.


STEP 2:Your Unique Set of Aligners Are Created
Using precision computer mapping and design, a series of clear, removable aligners are custom-molded. We’ll provide you with your aligners and precise instructions on how long each aligner is to be worn.


STEP 3:Wear Your Aligners to Guide Your Teeth into Place
Wear each set of aligners night and day for the prescribed time period, removing them to eat, brush and floss. We’ll set regular check-ups to monitor your progress. Each case is a little different, but on average, treatment lasts about a year. Contact us at Wu Orthodontics to see if Invisalign is right for you!