Braces, Invisalign, and accelerated orthodontic treatment with Wilckodontics at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, CA
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth affect more than your appearance. Malocclusion can lead to uneven wear on enamel, difficulty cleaning between teeth, increased cavity risk, jaw pain, and even speech difficulties. Orthodontic treatment corrects these issues by gradually repositioning teeth into proper alignment, improving both function and aesthetics.
At The Loft Dental Studio, we offer a full range of orthodontic solutions for adults and teens in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County. What sets our practice apart is the on-site collaboration between specialists. Dr. Chanook David Ahn, a board-certified periodontist, works alongside our general and prosthodontic team to ensure your teeth, gums, and bone are all healthy and stable before, during, and after orthodontic movement. This level of integrated care is rare in a single office and makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Whether you are a candidate for traditional braces, clear aligners, or our accelerated Wilckodontics protocol, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique anatomy and goals. Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that modern orthodontics can deliver results in far less time than they expected, especially when combined with periodontally assisted techniques that speed up tooth movement at the biological level.
Traditional metal and ceramic braces remain one of the most versatile and effective orthodontic systems available. Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by archwires that apply steady, controlled pressure to guide teeth into alignment over time. Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than they were a decade ago.
Braces are particularly effective for complex cases that involve severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies such as overbites or underbites, and teeth that need to be rotated or moved vertically. Ceramic brackets offer a tooth-colored alternative for patients who want a less noticeable appearance while still benefiting from the mechanical precision of a bracket-and-wire system.
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems use a series of custom-fabricated, removable plastic trays to shift teeth gradually. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next in the series, with each tray making incremental adjustments to tooth position. Because aligners are transparent and removable, many patients prefer them for their discreet appearance and the convenience of being able to eat and brush without obstruction.
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, and certain bite corrections. They require patient compliance since the trays must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on schedule. Advances in aligner technology, including attachments and precision cuts, have expanded the range of cases that can be treated effectively without brackets. During your consultation, we will assess whether aligners can achieve the results you need or whether a bracket system would be more predictable for your specific situation.
For patients who want dramatically faster results, we offer Wilckodontics, also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics. This advanced protocol pairs orthodontic treatment with a minimally invasive periodontal surgical procedure to accelerate the rate at which teeth move through bone. The result is orthodontic treatment that finishes three to four times faster than conventional approaches. Instead of spending two years or more in braces, many Wilckodontics patients complete their treatment in six to nine months.
Wilckodontics is performed by Dr. Ahn and is one of the services that truly distinguishes The Loft Dental Studio from other practices in Orange County. Learn more about the science and process on our dedicated Wilckodontics page.
Wilckodontics represents a paradigm shift in orthodontic treatment. It leverages the body's own healing response, the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, to create a temporary window of dramatically increased bone metabolism. During this window, teeth can be moved at rates that would be impossible under normal biological conditions.
The Wilckodontics protocol requires close collaboration between two specialists. Dr. Ahn, as a board-certified periodontist, performs the surgical component. He creates small, carefully planned incisions in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone, then makes selective micro-perforations in the cortical plate surrounding the teeth that need to move. Bone graft material is placed at the surgical sites to augment volume and support new bone formation. The orthodontist then applies or adjusts braces or aligners within days of the procedure to take advantage of the accelerated remodeling phase.
This collaboration is critical. The periodontist ensures the surgical procedure is precise and that the bone and soft tissue remain healthy throughout treatment. The orthodontist calibrates the orthodontic forces to work in concert with the biological acceleration. Having both specialists coordinate under one roof at The Loft Dental Studio eliminates the delays and miscommunication that can occur when patients travel between separate offices for each component of their care.
The difference is striking. Patients who choose Wilckodontics often finish their orthodontic treatment before patients who started conventional braces at the same time have even reached the halfway point. Beyond speed, Wilckodontics patients frequently end up with stronger bone support around their teeth because the bone grafting component augments the alveolar ridge during treatment.
Most orthodontic practices do not have a periodontist in the office. This means that if a patient develops gum recession, bone loss, or other periodontal complications during orthodontic treatment, they must be referred out to a separate specialist, adding time, cost, and coordination challenges. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn is available to evaluate and manage periodontal health at every stage of treatment.
Having a periodontist on-site is especially important for adult orthodontic patients. Adults are more likely than adolescents to have some degree of existing bone loss or gum disease, conditions that must be addressed before orthodontic forces are applied. Moving teeth through compromised bone can accelerate bone loss and lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss. Dr. Ahn can perform periodontal treatment to stabilize the foundation before orthodontic movement begins, monitor bone levels throughout treatment using advanced imaging, and intervene immediately if any periodontal issues arise.
Every time a tooth moves through bone, the bone remodels. On the pressure side, bone is resorbed to create space. On the tension side, new bone is deposited to fill the gap left behind. In a healthy patient with adequate bone volume, this process works smoothly. In a patient with thin bone, existing defects, or active gum disease, orthodontic movement can push teeth out of the bony housing and cause irreversible damage.
Dr. Ahn's expertise in bone regeneration and grafting means that if a patient needs additional bone support before or during orthodontics, it can be provided as part of the same treatment plan. This integrated approach protects the long-term health and stability of every tooth that is moved, reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring that your results last for years to come.
Our multidisciplinary team also includes Dr. Yuliya Filipenka, a general dentist, and Dr. Elaine Lu, a prosthodontist. If orthodontic treatment is part of a larger restorative or cosmetic dentistry plan, all three specialists can collaborate to ensure every phase of your care is coordinated from start to finish.
Find out which orthodontic option is right for you. Call us at (714) 549-7030 or book online.
Book Your ConsultationAbsolutely not. Adults of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. In fact, about one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult. At The Loft Dental Studio, having a board-certified periodontist on-site means we can monitor and maintain your gum and bone health throughout the entire orthodontic process, making treatment safer and more predictable for adult patients.
Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by archwires that apply continuous pressure to guide teeth into position. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth. Braces are more effective for complex movements such as severe rotations or vertical repositioning, while Invisalign offers a nearly invisible aesthetic and the convenience of being removable for eating and brushing. During your consultation, we will recommend the best option based on the complexity of your case.
Wilckodontics uses a minimally invasive surgical procedure called selective corticotomy, performed by a periodontist, combined with bone grafting. This triggers the body's Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP), which dramatically increases bone remodeling activity in the treated area. When orthodontic forces are applied during this heightened metabolic state, teeth move three to four times faster than they would with conventional orthodontics alone. Treatment that would normally take 18 to 24 months can often be completed in just 6 to 9 months.
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when switching to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is typically described as a feeling of pressure and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The soreness usually subsides within three to five days. For Wilckodontics patients, the surgical component involves a recovery period of about one to two weeks, during which any discomfort is managed with prescribed medication.
With conventional braces, appointments are typically scheduled every four to six weeks for adjustments. Invisalign patients usually visit every six to eight weeks to receive new sets of aligners and have their progress checked. Wilckodontics patients may have more frequent visits in the first few months following the surgical procedure, then transition to a standard adjustment schedule as treatment progresses.
Yes. Retainers are an essential part of every orthodontic treatment plan. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, a retainer holds them in place while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions. Most patients wear a retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear for long-term maintenance.