Your West Hollywood Orthodontist

Absolutely! We offer both clear ceramic braces and Invisalign options for kids, teens, and adults.

Yes—our treatments are designed to improve jaw structure, promote nasal breathing, and prevent airway issues.

Yes, we accept all PPO dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options.

Most patients finish in 12–24 months, depending on their orthodontic treatment plan and goals.

Yes—we see patients from all area schools are nearby Hollywood Schoolhouse, Larchmont Charter, West Hollywood Elementary School, the Center for Early Education, and Fairfax High School.

Directions to McComb Orthodontics West Hollywood from Hollywood Schoolhouse

Directions to McComb Orthodontics West Hollywood from Larchmont Charter School

Directions to McComb Orthodontics West Hollywood from The Center for Early Education

Directions to McComb Orthodontics West Hollywood from Fairfax High School

Our office is only minutes away from both The Grove and Beverly Center, making it easy to stop by for a quick Invisalign or braces appointment while shopping.

Directions to McComb Orthodontics West Hollywood from The Grove LA

Definitely! We serve patients from all areas, including West Hollywood, Melrose, Fairfax District, Hancock Park, and Beverly Hills.

Yes—many of our patients work at nearby studios and agencies such as Paramount Pictures, Netflix, and Sunset Gower Studios. We offer flexible scheduling to fit busy production calendars.

In California, all orthodontists practicing in West Hollywood are licensed, but only about 30 percent of orthodontists nationwide go on to become board certified. Board certification involves significantly exceeding the standard educational and achievement requirements. In addition to dental school and specialty training, a board-certified orthodontist completes three additional years of advanced education and must pass a rigorous qualifying examination. This extra commitment demonstrates a higher level of dedication to the field and to patient care. For families in West Hollywood seeking orthodontic treatment, choosing a board-certified orthodontist means working with a specialist who has pursued the highest level of training and achievement available in the profession.

Yes, softer snacks like Cheez-Its and Cheeto Puffs are safe with braces, but hard chips (like tortilla chips, kettle chips, or crunchy Pringles) can risk breaking your brackets. If you’re grabbing a bite near our West Hollywood office, stick to softer choices from local favorites like Vons on Sunset Boulevard or Erewhon Market on Beverly Boulevard. Many patients stop in after shopping around the Sunset Strip, working near Ticketmaster headquarters, or visiting Beverly Hills—and they find it easy to grab braces-friendly snacks when they know what to look for.

Braces-friendly snacks include soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, bananas, applesauce, and softer crackers. In West Hollywood, a smoothie from Joe & The Juice on Sunset Boulevard or a yogurt bowl from Pinkberry on Beverly Drive are great options that won’t damage braces. Whether you’re heading down the Sunset Strip, passing by Ticketmaster headquarters, or meeting friends in Beverly Hills, you can easily find snacks that are safe for your smile.

Yes—soft meals like burritos, ramen, noodles, and mac & cheese are perfectly fine with braces. Just avoid crunchy toppings or hard shells. Patients near our West Hollywood office often enjoy burritos from Trejo’s Tacos on La Brea or ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar on Santa Monica Boulevard after an appointment. Whether you’re hanging out on the Sunset Strip, near Ticketmaster headquarters, or headed into Beverly Hills, these softer meals are tasty and braces-safe.

French fries are fine with braces if they’re soft, but crunchy foods like granola can be risky since hard pieces may break brackets. Instead, go for softer alternatives like oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, or softer fries. In West Hollywood, patients often stop for fries at Shake Shack on Santa Monica Boulevard or oatmeal bowls at Urth Caffé on Melrose Avenue after appointments. These softer foods are easy to enjoy while exploring the Sunset Strip, working near Ticketmaster headquarters, or spending time in Beverly Hills.

Clear (ceramic) and metal braces both work; your choice is about aesthetics vs. durability. Clear braces are discreet and popular for on-camera or public-facing work, while metal braces are the workhorse option for challenging tooth movements. For many cases, treatment time is similar; for a few complex movements, metal can be more efficient. Visit us between errands on Sunset Boulevard or the Sunset Strip—if you’re near the Ticketmaster headquarters or coming from Beverly Hills, we’ll walk you through both systems and match the option to your timeline and lifestyle.

Ceramic brackets don’t really stain—it’s usually the clear ligature ties that pick up color between appointments. We swap those ties routinely, and most patients do great with normal eating plus smart hygiene. If you’re sipping espresso on Sunset Boulevard, dining along the Sunset Strip, or meeting near Ticketmaster HQ or Beverly Hills, just rinse after darker foods and brush when you can. Prefer to keep things ultra-clear for events? Ask us about tie changes before big dates and aesthetic wire options.

Yes—clear braces can match metal braces in effectiveness for most patients. In select situations with higher forces or intricate movements, metal can have a small advantage in durability and control. We’ll show you where that matters (if at all) in your plan. A lot of professionals who spend time on Sunset Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, or near Ticketmaster headquarters opt for clear on the social “smile zone” and metal in less visible spots to balance discretion and speed.

Serving West Hollywood, McComb Orthodontics treats tooth and jaw alignment with Invisalign® clear aligners, clear or metal braces, early/interceptive treatment for children (growth guidance, palatal expansion), retainers, TMD/TMJ bite therapy, and surgical orthodontics (pre- and post-orthognathic care). Our planning is airway-aware and jaw-guided to achieve straighter teeth, a comfortable bite, healthy function, and a smile that suits your face. We collaborate closely with Los Angeles oral and maxillofacial surgeons when corrective jaw surgery is appropriate. See the jaw-surgery FAQs below for timing and costs.

Orthognathic (corrective) jaw surgery repositions one or both jaws to address skeletal issues—such as severe underbite/overbite, crossbite, facial asymmetry, or airway collapse—that can’t be corrected with orthodontics alone. It’s performed by an oral & maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), typically with braces or aligners before and after surgery to fine-tune the bite. In West Hollywood and greater Los Angeles, major centers (academic OMFS clinics and private OMS groups—e.g., UCLA School of Dentistry) assess candidacy and work jointly with your orthodontist.

Terminology note: TMJ is the joint; TMD refers to disorders of the jaw joints and muscles (pain, clicking, limited opening). We manage many TMD issues orthodontically; true skeletal discrepancies may still require surgery.

Costs vary widely based on procedure type, hospital vs. surgery center, anesthesia, surgeon fees, imaging, and—crucially—insurance coverage. Published self-pay estimates for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA)—often used for underbite correction or sleep-apnea surgery—range roughly from $40,000–$100,000 in some national reports, though other sources cite lower totals depending on setting and coverage. Always request an individualized quote and an insurance predetermination. In West Hollywood and greater Los Angeles, many oral surgeons are in-network and can help secure partial coverage. Local OMS groups (e.g., the Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery) will work directly with you and your insurer to determine exact costs; a consult with the surgeon is required for an accurate figure. We’ll coordinate surgical planning and provide the orthodontic phases before and after your surgery.

• TMJ = the temporomandibular joint itself (everyone has two).

• TMD = temporomandibular disorders—over 30 conditions affecting the joints and chewing muscles.
  Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking/popping, limited opening, headaches, ear fullness, and bite changes. Conservative care (bite balancing with orthodontics, splints, habits/physiotherapy) resolves most cases; surgery is rarely needed. If symptoms persist, a multi-disciplinary evaluation is best.

Yes—you can mix clear and metal to suit your priorities. A common setup is clear on the upper front teeth and metal on lower or back teeth for strength. The wire itself is generally metal, with optional aesthetic-coated wires to soften the look (coatings may chip with use). We’ll show you side-by-side samples so you can decide what feels right. Whether you’re between meetings on Sunset Boulevard, walking the Sunset Strip, commuting from Beverly Hills, or near the Ticketmaster headquarters, we’ll tailor the blend to your day-to-day visibility needs.

Some orthodontic offices use an ALF appliance (Advanced Lightwire Functional)—also called an ALF expander, ALF palate expander, ALF mouth appliance, ALF orthodontics/ALF ortho, or simply ALF dental—to gently encourage healthier jaw and tooth positions. Goals often include better alignment, airway support, bite comfort, and overall facial balance (many patients search “ALF appliance before and after” for examples).
At McComb Orthodontics in West Hollywood, we pursue those same goals with Invisalign® clear aligners rather than a wire appliance. Invisalign is nearly invisible, removable for meals, straightforward to clean, and generally easy to live with day-to-day. Like the ALF approach, our Invisalign protocols look far beyond “straight teeth” to support:

• Guided jaw development for healthy growth and arch form

• Breathing and airway function through growth-minded planning

• Reduced strain on the jaw joints (TMJ) by improving bite relationships

• Lasting facial balance by harmonizing tooth position with the face

In short: if you’re researching “ALF appliance teeth,” “ALF treatment,” “clear vs metal braces,” or “ALF appliance before & after,” know that Invisalign can target these broader wellness-oriented objectives—with minimal lifestyle disruption and excellent aesthetics. If you’d like to compare options, we’re happy to build a personalized West Hollywood treatment plan focused on airway, bite comfort, facial balance, and a great smile.

Choosing an orthodontist in Beverly Hills can feel overwhelming—there are so many options, promises, and price points that it’s hard to know what truly matters. Use this guide to spot the red flags and understand what a great first visit should include, so you can choose with confidence.

1) What are the biggest red flags to watch for?

• No in-person exam or records before treatment. A proper diagnosis includes an exam and appropriate records (photos, scans, and X-rays when indicated).

• Poor infection-control habits. You should see clean instruments, gloves/masks, and clear sterilization routines.

• No informed-consent conversation. Risks, benefits, alternatives, and expectations should be explained and documented in plain language.

• Vague or misleading credentials. “Orthodontist” means a dentist with accredited specialty training; board certification is an added quality marker.

• One-size-fits-all treatment or “guaranteed” timelines/results. Every bite is different. Be wary of promises like “everyone finishes in 6 months.”

• Pressure to start same day without a plan. You should receive a written treatment plan after records—not a sales pitch.

• Minimal doctor time or oversight. If you rarely see the doctor, quality and safety can suffer.

• Opaque pricing and surprise add-ons. You should get a total fee and what it includes (emergencies, refinements, retainers) up front.

• No help for issues between visits. There should be a clear process for pokey wires, broken brackets, or aligner problems.

2) What should a good first visit include?

• A real conversation about your goals (comfort, appearance, timing).

• Clinical exam + appropriate records (photos, digital scans, X-rays as indicated).

• Diagnosis and options (aligners vs. braces, or a combo), with pros/cons and realistic timelines.

• Transparent financials (total fee, what’s included, insurance/financing).

• Time for your questions—not a rushed handoff.

3) How can I quickly verify an orthodontist’s training?

• Specialty status: Confirm they are an orthodontic specialist (not just “offers braces”).

• Board certification: Ask if they’re certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).

• Professional engagement: Active membership in reputable organizations.

• Licensure: Current license and good standing with the state dental board.

4) What’s a healthy way to talk about fees and timelines?

• Clear, written total—no gotchas. Confirm what’s included: emergencies, refinements, retainers, follow-ups.

• Realistic timelines with the factors that could speed up or slow down treatment.

• Straightforward payment options (monthly plans, HSA/FSA when relevant).

• Focus on value, not just price—experience, monitoring, technology, and outcomes matter.

5) What questions should I bring to any consult?

• “Will you take records and review them before recommending treatment?”

• “What are my options (aligners vs. braces), and what are the trade-offs?”

• “How will this plan protect my bite, airway/TMD health, and long-term stability?”

• “How often will I see you, and who does what at each visit?”

• “What’s the all-in fee and what exactly is included?”

• “Are you board-certified, and can I see similar cases?”

If you’re comparing options in Beverly Hills or nearby, we’re happy to walk you through our process step-by-step and give you a clear written plan you can take home.

Sometimes—yes. In many kids, a “gummy smile” shows up because baby teeth are shorter, adult teeth are still erupting, or the upper lip lifts high when smiling. As children grow, adult teeth emerge fully, gums settle, and the upper lip lengthens, so the smile often looks less “gummy.”

Common, normal reasons kids show extra gum

• Eruption timing: Adult front teeth (and later canines) are still coming in; crowns look short until gums “settle.”

• Tooth size vs. gum coverage: Some children have thicker gum tissue that thins with growth and good hygiene.

• Smile muscles/lip activity: A high smile line or hyperactive upper lip can show more gum during a big grin.

When it may not self-correct

• Altered passive eruption: Gums cover more enamel than usual even after adult teeth are fully in.

• Vertical maxillary excess (jaw growth pattern): The upper jaw grows longer vertically, showing more gum.

• Airway/posture habits: Mouth-breathing, chronic congestion, or low tongue posture can influence gum show and facial posture.

• Medication-related gingival overgrowth (less common in kids).

What you can do now

• Dial in daily hygiene (gentle brushing along the gumline, flossing) to calm puffy gums.

• Track with photos every 6 months while adult teeth erupt.

• Watch breathing habits: If you notice snoring or mouth-breathing, mention it—airway matters.

How we help (Beverly Hills & West Hollywood families + braces options)

• Reassurance & monitoring: Many kids grow out of it as adult teeth settle—especially around mixed dentition ages.

• Minor gum contouring (when appropriate): For fully erupted teeth still “hidden” by tissue, a conservative gingival recontour can reveal normal crown length.

• Orthodontics to balance the smile line: We use Invisalign® or braces (clear or metal) to fine-tune tooth position, eruption, and bite. Strategic movements can reduce gum display and improve smile harmony.

• Airway-first care: If mouth-breathing or allergies are part of the picture, we coordinate with pediatricians/ENT.

• Advanced options (for teens/adults, when indicated): Lip-repositioning, Botox® for a hyperactive upper lip, or orthognathic surgery for true vertical jaw excess—reserved for specific diagnoses.

Bottom line: Many children do outgrow a gummy smile as growth and eruption finish. If it persists after the front adult teeth have been in for ~12 months—or if you’re in Beverly Hills/West Hollywood and want clarity—book a consult. We’ll let you know whether simple monitoring, braces or Invisalign, minor gum shaping, or a combination will give your child a balanced, confident smile.