Business Details
Your Trusted Orthodontist in Westwood, CA
Miriam V Van Allen, DDS & Kathleen Nuckles, DDS is dedicated to transforming smiles through personalized orthodontic care. Our practice combines advanced techniques with compassionate service, offering tailored treatment plans for children, teens, and adults. Dr. Miriam Van Allen brings extensive expertise in orthodontics, utilizing cutting-edge solutions like Invisalign and traditional braces to address diverse dental needs. With a focus on patient comfort and long-term oral health, we create welcoming environments where families feel valued.Our team's commitment to ongoing education ensures access to the latest innovations in orthodontic science. By prioritizing individualized attention, we help patients achieve confident, functional smiles that enhance quality of life. The practice emphasizes transparency in treatment processes and maintains affiliations with leading dental organizations to uphold professional excellence.
Services
Invisalign Treatment
Traditional Braces
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Adult Orthodontics
Orthognathic Surgery
Clear Aligners
Ceramic Braces
Teeth Straightening
Jaw Alignment
Retainer Services
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to individual dental needs
- Our practice utilizes advanced orthodontic technologies like Invisalign
- Experienced team with over 80 years of combined orthodontic expertise
- Family-centered approach creating welcoming environments for all patients
- Complimentary initial consultations for new orthodontic patients
Services
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth without traditional braces. This discreet option allows for easy removal during meals and oral hygiene routines. Our practice employs SmartTrack material technology for improved tooth movement control and patient comfort.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic intervention addresses jaw growth and bite issues in children aged 7-9. This phase creates proper space for permanent teeth eruption, potentially reducing future extraction needs. We evaluate each child's unique dental development to determine optimal treatment timing.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery corrects severe jaw misalignments that orthodontics alone cannot address. Performed in conjunction with braces or aligners, this procedure improves both dental function and facial aesthetics. Our team coordinates care with oral surgeons for comprehensive treatment planning.
Adult Orthodontics
Specialized orthodontic solutions for adults address unique concerns like periodontal health and previous dental work. Treatment options include ceramic braces, Invisalign, and surgical corrections. We focus on minimizing treatment duration while achieving optimal dental alignment.
Traditional Braces
Modern traditional braces offer efficient tooth movement with smaller, more comfortable brackets. Available in metal or ceramic options, these braces effectively correct complex alignment issues. Regular adjustments ensure steady progress toward the desired smile outcome.
People
Dr. Miriam Van Allen
Orthodontist
Dr. Van Allen earned her dental degree from UCLA and completed orthodontic residency at University of Colorado. She holds advanced Invisalign certification and participates in annual continuing education. Her practice combines artistic vision with scientific precision for personalized smile transformations.
Celina
Orthodontic Assistant, RDA/OA
Celina brings extensive clinical experience to patient care coordination. She assists with treatment planning and patient education, ensuring smooth orthodontic processes. Her expertise supports efficient delivery of various orthodontic appliances.
Lori
Dental Assistant
Lori provides chairside support during orthodontic procedures. She maintains strict infection control protocols and assists with patient comfort measures. Her technical skills support both traditional and digital orthodontic workflows.
Cathy
Practice Manager
Cathy oversees daily operations and staff coordination. She ensures compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining patient care quality. Her leadership supports the practice's commitment to exceptional orthodontic service delivery.
Terri
Financial Coordinator
Terri manages treatment financing and insurance coordination. She provides transparent cost breakdowns and payment planning. Her expertise helps patients navigate financial aspects of orthodontic care with confidence.
Questions
What orthodontic options are available for adults?
We offer traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners specifically adapted for adult dental needs.
At what age should children first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends initial evaluation by age seven for optimal early intervention planning.
How does Invisalign treatment work?
Custom clear aligners gradually shift teeth through sequential tray changes, using SmartTrack material for controlled tooth movement.
Do braces cause significant discomfort?
Modern braces use smaller brackets and gentler forces, minimizing discomfort while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
What payment options exist for orthodontic treatment?
We offer flexible payment plans and work with major insurance providers to maximize available benefits for patients.
Can orthodontic treatment address jaw alignment issues?
Yes, we coordinate orthognathic surgery with oral surgeons for comprehensive correction of severe jaw misalignments.
