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Treatments
Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatment is like planting seeds for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. This proactive approach not only improves the aesthetics of the smile but also promotes proper chewing, speech development, and overall oral health. Early treatment can often simplify or shorten the need for future orthodontic interventions, saving time, money, and potential discomfort down the road.
Investing in early orthodontic care sets the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles and optimal oral well-being, ensuring that children grow up with healthy, functional, and beautiful teeth.
How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
• Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
• Difficulty chewing and/or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
• Speech impediments
• Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
• Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all
• Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
For Teens
Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years plays a pivotal role in ensuring a healthy and confident smile for life. As adolescents transition into adulthood, their adult teeth begin to emerge, often revealing misalignments or bite issues. Addressing these concerns with orthodontic intervention not only enhances the aesthetics of their smile but also promotes dental alignment and function.
By guiding the growth and positioning of teeth, orthodontic treatment can mitigate potential oral health problems such as overcrowding, difficulty in cleaning, and jaw misalignment.
Investing in orthodontic care during the teen years sets the foundation for optimal dental health and self-esteem, empowering individuals to face the future with a radiant smile and enhanced oral well-being.
Treatment Options for Teens
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
• Baum Orthodontic aligners
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Orthognathic surgery
For Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for teenagers; it's crucial for adults seeking a healthier, confident smile. Orthodontic treatment for adults not only improves the appearance of the smile but also overall oral function and health. With modern advancements such as discreet aligners and accelerated treatment options, adults can undergo orthodontic care with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
As we age, dental issues like overcrowding, misalignment, and bite problems can worsen, leading to discomfort, difficulty in cleaning, and even oral health complications.
Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment:
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Treatment Options for Adults
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
• Baum Orthodontic aligners
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Orthognathic surgery
Our practice has been making “invisible” clear aligners since the 90’s. They are thin, nearly unnoticeable, and far more cost effective than our competitors.
Clear Orthodontic Aligners
• Designed by your orthodontist with their years of expertise to specifically suite your needs.
• Nothing attached to your teeth - when you take out the trays to floss, brush, or eat there are no attachments or fixtures left on your teeth.
• Ready in a matter of hours.
Competitors
• Designed by a computer algorithm.
• Requires dimples attached to your teeth that remain there after aligners are taken out for flossing, brushing, or eating.
• Can take weeks to get first set.
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Our practice
Dr. Gary Baum
Dr. Gary Baum completed his dental education at the University of Southern California, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery, followed by a post-doctoral orthodontic residency at Ohio State University. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Baum practices orthodontics in the Westwood and Westchester area of Los Angeles, California. He is a former Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and Ohio State, and is currently a visiting lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. Dr. Baum is also a former President of the Western Los Angeles Dental Society and currently serves as the regional consultant for the Delta Dental Plan of California Peer Review Panel.
Education
• Bachelor of Science – California State University, Northridge
• Doctor of Dental Surgery – University of Southern California
• Orthodontic Residency – The Ohio State University
• Master of Dental Science – The Ohio State University
Professional Affiliations
• American Association of Orthodontists
• California State Society of Orthodontists
• Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
• Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics
Dr. Tony Fernandes
Dr. Fernandes graduated with a DDS degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. He subsequently completed a three-year residency at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. While specializing in orthodontics, he concurrently earned a master’s degree in Craniofacial Biology.
To stay current with the latest advances in the field of orthodontics, Dr. Fernandes is routinely involved in a variety of continuing education activities. Additionally, he maintains membership in numerous professional organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, California Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Western Los Angeles Dental Society.
Drs. Gary Baum and Tony Fernandes are well-established, Board-Certified orthodontists in West LA California. The doctors and experienced staff are committed to excellence in orthodontic care. They will thoroughly explain all treatment options at your free initial consultation. Baum Fernandes Orthodontics is proud to offer affordable fees and payment plans, so everyone can have the smile they deserve.
Daniel
At my age to have the big metal train tracks in my mouth, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable. I could not be happier with my smile. I am kind of a walking, talking billboard for Dr. Baum.
Ally
Just wanted to say thank you for being a true master in the world of orthodontics. You have changed my life and have given me another reason to smile. I am absolutely in love with the results and I can’t believe the transformation took only nine months.
Lecia
Dr. Baum is great. He gave me a beautiful smile I promote him every single day.
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