Author: Dr. Vahid Babaeian

Congratulations! Your braces are finally coming off, and you’re probably super excited to see your brand-new smile. After your braces are removed, your teeth are cleaned and polished, you’ll be scanned or fitted for retainers, and you’ll wear retainers full time at first (about 20-22 hours/day for 3-6 months) before switching to nights.  Many patients Read More

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a beautiful, healthy smile! Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection in Downey, CA, wants to help you understand how to take care of your braces properly. One of the most important things to learn is which foods can damage your braces and which ones are safe to eat. Read More

The short answer is yes! Many people believe they need a referral from their general dentist to see an orthodontist, but this is actually a common misconception. You have the freedom to schedule an orthodontic consultation directly with a qualified orthodontist like Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection.   Understanding Direct Access to Orthodontic Care Read More

Planning to transform your smile with Invisalign but wondering about the monthly costs? You’re not alone. In 2025, Invisalign treatment costs vary significantly based on your individual needs, but the good news is that flexible monthly payment plans can make this investment surprisingly affordable for most budgets. At Brace Connection, Dr. Vahid Babaeian understands that Read More

Let me guess. You’ve been thinking about getting braces for… what, years now? Every time you see your smile in photos, you do that thing where you kind of purse your lips or smile without showing teeth. Am I right? Here’s the thing – you’re definitely not alone. Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection in Read More

Are you dreaming of straighter teeth but hesitant about traditional metal braces? Clear aligners might be the perfect solution you’ve been searching for. At Brace Connection in Downey, CA, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Vahid Babaeian has helped countless patients achieve beautiful, confident smiles using the latest clear aligner technology.

When considering orthodontic treatment, one of the most common questions patients ask is: Braces vs Invisalign—what’s the better choice? Whether you’re a teen, an adult professional, or a parent researching teeth straightening options for your child, understanding the differences between these two popular solutions is essential. At Brace Connection in Downey, CA, we’ve helped hundreds Read More

Achieving a beautifully aligned smile is more than a cosmetic goal—it’s an investment in your long-term oral health. At Brace Connection in Downey, CA, we offer a variety of teeth straightening options designed to fit different needs, lifestyles, and smile goals. With so many advances in modern orthodontics, patients now have multiple effective and discreet Read More

After spending months or even years with braces, the removal of them is a rewarding milestone. However, the end of your braces journey marks the start of an important new phase—wearing retainers after braces. Retainers are crucial for preserving your newly aligned teeth and preventing them from shifting back to their original positions.

Embarking on the journey to a beautiful smile with these innovative aligners can be exciting, yet it also requires adjustments and a new way of thinking about your daily habits. These nearly invisible appliances offer a less noticeable and more flexible alternative to traditional braces, but how does life shift once you begin treatment? From Read More

As a parent, navigating the world of orthodontics can feel like a daunting task. When it comes to deciding on braces for kids, there’s a lot to consider: the right age to start treatment, the different types of braces, and what your child’s orthodontic journey will entail. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the Read More

Braces are often thought of as a treatment for teenagers, but did you know that around 1 million adults in the U.S. wear them? Adult braces aren’t just for kids—adults can also benefit from orthodontics at any stage of life. As long as your jawbones and teeth are strong enough to withstand the movement needed for Read More

After your braces come off, your orthodontist provides you with a retainer to maintain your new smile. These appliances are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, ensuring they stay in their proper positions. However, if your retainer starts feeling tight, you may wonder what’s going on. Read more from Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection Read More

Braces don’t mean you have to say goodbye to sweets! While it’s true that some candies can damage your braces and extend your treatment time, there are still plenty of delicious options you can enjoy safely. Knowing what’s safe and what’s not can help you protect your investment in a straighter, healthier smile. In this Read More

Losing teeth is an exciting time in any child’s life. The tooth fairy starts making appearances in your household and adult teeth start to grow in. What’s exciting for your kids might raise some fears and questions for the parents. It’s common to wonder if your child is losing teeth at the right time, or Read More

Many people often confuse dentists with orthodontists, assuming they serve the same function. While both professions share similarities and collaborate closely, orthodontics is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on specific dental concerns.

Without a doubt, “How long do I have to wear my braces?” is the most common question we’re asked by patients. More so than cleaning tips and food restrictions, people want to know how long they’ll have to live with braces. It’s understandable. Braces are hard to brush and floss around, they come with food Read More

It’s common for young children to put anything and everything into their mouths. This curiosity is normal, and unless it develops into bad habits that carry into later childhood, is beneficial to development. Habits like nail-biting, thumb sucking, using a pacifier excessively, and tongue thrusting as you swallow all have negative long-term effects on your Read More

Often the first step of orthodontic treatment is an expander. Expanders, or palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances that increase the space between the halves of the upper jaw. While that sounds scary and painful, expanders are very common! Many young and growing orthodontic patients have expanders, and they can help make sure you don’t have to undergo surgery later!

Getting braces is a big change, and on top of the wires, brackets, or Invisalign trays, there’s a whole new set of habits you must get used to. Luckily, we’re here to help and answer any questions you may have during treatment! One of our most common questions from patients is “What can I eat Read More