Orthodontics · La Mesa & San Diego, CA
Orthodontics in La Mesa and San Diego
Dr. Cvetan Mechev, DDS evaluates bite alignment and recommends the right orthodontic path for adults — at La Mesa Dental Center. Orthodontic evaluations are complimentary for new patients.
Orthodontics Is About Health, Not Just Appearance
Most people associate braces with cosmetic improvement — but properly aligned teeth are genuinely easier to keep clean. Misaligned bites create pockets where plaque accumulates, raising the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven enamel wear. Correcting alignment today reduces the likelihood of more complex dental work later.
At La Mesa Dental Center, Dr. Mechev — with 26 years of clinical experience — evaluates each patient’s bite comprehensively before recommending any treatment. Serving La Mesa, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, San Diego, and Southern California. Learn more about Dr. Mechev’s background and training.
For cases requiring a board-certified orthodontist specialist, Dr. Mechev will refer you to a trusted local provider — ensuring you get the right level of care for your specific situation.
Orthodontic Treatment Options at La Mesa Dental Center
Dr. Mechev reviews your full-mouth X-rays and clinical exam before recommending a treatment type. Here is what is available at our La Mesa, CA practice.
Clear Plastic Braces
Same mechanism as metal braces but with tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your enamel. A cosmetically friendlier alternative that still delivers the full mechanical precision of fixed appliances.
Six Month Smiles Braces
A short-term orthodontic option for adults focused on the front “social six” teeth. Six Month Smiles uses tooth-colored brackets and white wires for a discreet result, typically completed in around six months.
Post-Orthodontic Cosmetic Work
Once alignment is achieved, many patients enhance their results with cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Mechev offers dental veneers, teeth whitening, and in-house CAD/CAM ceramic restorations to complete your smile.
When Should You or Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage baby teeth are still present and adult teeth are emerging, giving Dr. Mechev a window to identify developing bite issues early.
For teens and adults, orthodontic evaluations look similar — a full-mouth X-ray plus bite assessment — but treatment complexity and duration vary. Common signs it’s time to schedule:
- Crowded, overlapping, or widely spaced teeth
- Jaw pain, clicking, or uneven bite pressure
- Difficulty flossing between certain teeth
- Thumb-sucking habits past age 5 (children)
- Crossbite, underbite, or overbite developing
- Teeth that shifted after previous treatment
What Happens at Your Orthodontic Evaluation
If you have never had an orthodontic screening, here is a straightforward picture of what to expect when you visit La Mesa Dental Center.
- Full-mouth X-ray & bite analysis — reveals tooth positions, jaw alignment, bone levels, and developing issues
- Clinical examination — how teeth contact, whether your jaw tracks properly, and which teeth bear disproportionate load
- Treatment recommendation — plain-language explanation of findings, options, estimated timeline, and insurance cost
- Referral if needed — complex cases referred to a trusted specialist in San Diego, with Dr. Mechev’s imaging included
Orthodontics FAQs — La Mesa & San Diego
At what age should my child have a first orthodontic evaluation?
Most orthodontists — and the American Association of Orthodontists — recommend a first screening by age 7. At this stage adult teeth are beginning to emerge while baby teeth are still present, giving Dr. Mechev a window to identify developing bite issues and potentially guide jaw growth before concerns become entrenched.
Can adults get braces in La Mesa?
Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Many patients in the La Mesa and San Diego area begin treatment as adults — often for the first time, or after experiencing relapse following earlier treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length varies by case complexity. Mild crowding with clear brackets may resolve in 6 months.
Does La Mesa Dental Center accept dental insurance for orthodontics?
Yes. La Mesa Dental Center accepts all major PPO dental insurance plans. Many plans include an orthodontic benefit — typically a lifetime maximum of $1,000–$2,500 per patient. Call us at (619) 337-2424 to verify your specific plan before treatment begins.
Are clear brackets as effective as traditional braces?
For mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues, clear brackets are clinically as effective and produce comparable results to traditional braces.
Orthodontic Evaluations Near You
La Mesa · El Cajon · Spring Valley · Lemon Grove · San Diego · Southern California