orthodontist in sacramento
Get a Straighter Smile in Sacramento
Choosing an orthodontist in Sacramento is a decision that goes well beyond picking someone to straighten your teeth. It is about finding a team you trust, a place where you feel heard, and a practice that treats your smile like it matters. Because it does. At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we built our orthodontic practice around a simple philosophy: every patient deserves thoughtful, personalized care delivered with both clinical expertise and genuine kindness.
We see patients at every stage of life. Some are children coming in for their very first orthodontic evaluation, curious and maybe a little nervous. Others are teenagers who are ready to take the next step. And many are adults who have been thinking about straightening their teeth for years and have finally decided it is time. Wherever you are in that journey, we meet you there. We listen to what matters to you, we explain what we see, and we build a plan together.
Orthodontics today looks very different from what it did even a decade ago. We use digital imaging, 3D treatment planning, and advanced bracket and aligner systems that allow us to treat a wide range of cases with greater comfort and efficiency. But we never let the technology do the thinking for us. Every treatment plan starts with a careful clinical evaluation of tooth position, jaw alignment, bite function, and facial balance. That human judgment, shaped by experience and refined over time, is what separates a good result from a great one.
Sacramento families across East Sacramento, Land Park, Arden-Arcade, Natomas, and Carmichael have chosen us because we treat people the way we would want our own families treated. We take time with every appointment. We explain things in language that makes sense. And we celebrate right alongside you when the day finally comes to see your finished smile. If you have been putting off that first consultation, we would love to welcome you in and show you what is possible
Braces in Sacramento
Traditional braces remain one of the most reliable and versatile tools in orthodontics, and for good reason. They work for virtually every type of case, from mild crowding to complex bite corrections that involve significant tooth movement, rotation, or jaw discrepancies. At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we use modern bracket systems that are smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than the braces many of our adult patients remember from their own school days.
Here is how they work. Each bracket is individually bonded to a specific tooth, and an archwire connects them all together. That wire applies gentle, continuous pressure that guides your teeth into their ideal positions over time. At every adjustment appointment, we customize the wire and make precise modifications based on how your teeth are responding. This level of control is exactly why traditional braces remain the gold standard for many orthodontic situations, particularly cases involving deep bites, significant rotation, vertical tooth movement, or closing space after extractions.
Treatment time varies depending on what we are working with. Most of our Sacramento patients wear braces for somewhere between 12 and 24 months, though some simpler cases wrap up sooner and more complex ones may take a bit longer. We are always honest about timelines from the very beginning. You will never be left guessing where you are in the process, because we keep you informed at every single visit.
For our teenage patients especially, we try to make the experience something they actually feel good about. Choosing colors for your elastics is one of those small things that turns a routine appointment into something fun. Our team remembers names, asks about school and hobbies, and genuinely celebrates progress. We know that wearing braces can feel like a big deal when you are 14, and we want every teenager who walks through our doors to feel supported and confident throughout the process.
Adults considering braces sometimes worry about how they will look or whether it is “too late.” We can tell you with certainty that it is never too late. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and the benefits of a properly aligned bite extend far beyond appearance. Better function, easier hygiene, reduced wear on your enamel, and less strain on your jaw joints are all outcomes we see regularly in our adult orthodontic patients. If braces are the right tool for your case, we will explain exactly why and what you can expect every step of the way.
Most Common orthodontics Procedures
Clear aligners have genuinely changed the way many people think about orthodontic treatment. The idea of straightening your teeth without metal brackets and wires appeals to a lot of our Sacramento patients, and we understand why. Invisalign, the most well-known clear aligner system, uses a series of custom-fabricated, nearly invisible trays to move your teeth gradually into alignment. We are experienced Invisalign providers at Tex Mabalon Dentistry, and we have seen firsthand how transformative this option can be for the right candidate.
The process starts with a detailed digital scan of your teeth. No messy impressions, just a quick, comfortable scan that gives us an incredibly accurate 3D model of your mouth. From there, we design your treatment plan digitally, mapping out exactly how each tooth will move and in what sequence. You can actually see a projected preview of your final result before you commit to treatment, which is something our patients consistently tell us they appreciate.
Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before you move on to the next set in the series. The trays are removable, which means you can eat and drink whatever you like, brush and floss without working around brackets and wires, and take them out for special occasions when you want to. That flexibility is one of the biggest draws, and it is a genuine lifestyle advantage for Sacramento professionals, college students, and busy parents who want effective treatment without the visibility of traditional braces.
But we are always straightforward about the other side of that flexibility: it comes with responsibility. Aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on track. That means they should really only be out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Compliance is everything with clear aligners. The trays cannot do their job if they are sitting in a case on your nightstand. We have this conversation honestly with every patient because we want your investment of time and money to pay off.
Not every case is ideal for Invisalign. Complex bite issues, severe crowding, and certain types of tooth movement are still better addressed with traditional braces. During your consultation, we evaluate your specific situation carefully and recommend the approach that will deliver the best result in the most efficient timeframe. If aligners are right for you, wonderful. If braces would serve you better, we will explain why. Our goal is always the outcome, not the method.
If there is one thing we wish every orthodontic patient understood deeply, it is this: your retainer is not optional. It is the final and arguably most important phase of your treatment. After months of carefully moving your teeth into beautiful alignment, the natural tendency of those teeth is to drift back toward where they started. Retainers are what prevent that from happening, and consistent wear is what protects everything you and your orthodontist worked so hard to achieve.
At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we offer both fixed and removable retainers, and the right choice depends on your individual case and your lifestyle. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back surfaces of your front teeth. They work quietly in the background, 24 hours a day, without you having to think about them. They are an excellent option for patients who worry about remembering to put a retainer in every night or who have a higher risk of relapse in their front teeth.
Removable retainers come in two main styles. Clear Essix retainers look similar to Invisalign trays and fit snugly over your teeth. Hawley retainers are the more traditional design with an acrylic base and a metal wire. Both are effective, and we will recommend the type that best suits your situation. Most patients start with full-time wear immediately after treatment and gradually transition to nighttime only over a period of months. We customize that schedule for every patient and adjust it based on how your teeth are responding.
We have seen it happen too many times: a patient invests a year or more in braces, finishes treatment with a gorgeous smile, and then stops wearing their retainer after a few months. Within a year, teeth have shifted noticeably. It is one of the most frustrating outcomes in orthodontics, and it is almost entirely preventable. We make sure every patient who finishes treatment in our office understands exactly what is expected and feels supported in maintaining their results for life. Your retainer is not a suggestion. It is the key to keeping your smile exactly where it belongs.
When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, whether from decay, injury, or a necessary extraction, the surrounding teeth do not just sit still and wait. They start drifting into the empty space. That drift can block the permanent tooth from erupting properly and create alignment problems that require more extensive orthodontic treatment down the road. Space maintainers are simple, effective devices designed to hold that space open until the adult tooth is ready to come through on its own.
We place space maintainers regularly for our younger Sacramento patients, and parents are often relieved to learn how straightforward the whole process is. The device is custom-fitted to your child’s mouth and cemented in place. It does not hurt. After a short adjustment period, most kids forget it is even there. It does not interfere with eating or speaking in any meaningful way, and it quietly does its job in the background while your child goes about being a kid.
We monitor the space maintainer at regular checkups, watching for the permanent tooth to begin its descent. Once it starts to come through, we remove the device and let nature take over. The whole process is a perfect example of something we believe in strongly at Tex Mabalon Dentistry: early, thoughtful intervention can save significant time, money, and discomfort later on.
Think of it this way. A space maintainer placed today could prevent crowding, impaction, and the need for a much more involved orthodontic treatment years from now. It is a small, proactive step that makes a real difference in your child’s long-term dental development. If your child has lost a baby tooth early, or if their pediatric dentist has flagged a concern about spacing, we would love to take a look and talk you through your options. These conversations are never rushed in our office. We want you to feel confident in every decision you make for your child’s health.
Great orthodontic care does not happen in a vacuum. It happens when providers communicate openly, share information freely, and put the patient at the center of every decision. At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we work closely with general dentists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and other specialists throughout the Sacramento area to make sure our patients receive seamless, well-coordinated care from start to finish.
If your general dentist or pediatric dentist referred you to us, welcome. We take that referral seriously, and we honor the trust your provider has placed in us by keeping them informed throughout your treatment. They will receive updates on your progress, and we will coordinate with them on any restorative or preventive work that needs to happen before, during, or after your orthodontic care. That kind of collaboration leads to better outcomes, and it is something we genuinely value as part of how we practice.
We also refer out when it is in your best interest. Some cases require surgical intervention, specialized periodontal treatment, or pediatric expertise that falls outside the scope of what we do. When that happens, we connect you with trusted colleagues we know personally, providers whose clinical skills and patient care we stand behind completely. Our referral network includes some of the best specialists in Sacramento, and we would not send you to anyone we would not send our own family members to.
Whether you are coming to us through a referral from another provider or finding us on your own through a search or a friend’s recommendation, the experience is the same. You will be welcomed warmly, evaluated thoroughly, and given a treatment recommendation that puts your health and your personal goals first. We believe that when the right providers work together and communicate well, patients get results that none of us could achieve alone. That spirit of collaboration is woven into everything we do at Tex Mabalon Dentistry, and it is one of the things our Sacramento patients appreciate most about the way we practice.
Frequently asked questions:
Do you see patients from all parts of Sacramento, or just certain neighborhoods?
We see patients from all across Sacramento, CA. That includes East Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Land Park, Curtis Park, Carmichael, and North Highlands. If you can get to our office, we can help you. Many Sacramento families find it easier to have everyone seen at one practice rather than driving to different locations for different family members.
What should I expect at my first orthodontist visit in Sacramento?
our first visit is mostly about getting a clear picture of your teeth, bite, and jaw. We do an oral exam, take digital X-rays, and talk through what we see. Nothing gets started that day without your input. You leave with a clear plan and real answers. No pressure, just information so you can make a good decision.
Do I need to see a general dentist before starting orthodontic treatment?
Yes, and this step matters more than most people realize. Any decay, gum disease, or active infection has to be treated before braces or aligners go on. Patients who keep up with regular cleanings are almost always ready to start right away. Patients who skip routine care can end up waiting weeks just to get healthy enough to begin treatment.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist in Sacramento?
Most orthodontists recommend a first evaluation around age seven. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in to spot crowding or bite problems early. Catching issues at eight is a very different situation than catching them at fourteen. Early evaluations do not always mean early treatment, but they give you options and time to plan.
Do Sacramento summers or the local lifestyle affect orthodontic treatment in any way?
Sacramento summers are long and full of outdoor events, River Cats games, concerts, and gatherings along the American River Parkway. Many patients plan whitening or finishing touches around big events. Clear aligner patients also need to stay hydrated in the heat and avoid sugary drinks that sit against trays. Your orthodontist can walk you through simple habits that protect your treatment all summer.
Can I get teeth whitening done while I am in orthodontic treatment?
Timing matters here. Whitening during active treatment is usually not recommended because brackets or trays can block even coverage. Most patients wait until treatment is done, then do a whitening session to create a clean, uniform look. Ask your orthodontist about the right window. They can point you to the best time so whitening works with your results, not against them.
Why Choose Dr. Tex Mabalon as your orthodontist?
We know that choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision. At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we treat you like a real person, not just a set of teeth. We explain the “why” behind every step so you feel good about your plan. Whether you are a parent looking for your child or an adult finally ready to fix those bottom teeth, we are here for our Sacramento community.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Choosing Dr. Tex means choosing a dental team that truly cares about restoring your health, function, and confidence.