Orthodontics & Smile Foundation | Sierra Dental
Sierra Dental
Atascadero, CA
Orthodontics & Smile Foundation

The best restorative dentistry often begins before restorations are placed.

Aligning teeth, improving root position, and establishing a healthier bite foundation first can allow for more conservative, more beautiful, and more predictable long-term results.

SureSmile clear aligners
Pre-restorative alignment
Interdisciplinary approach
Conservative by philosophy
Why orthodontics first?

Place teeth where they ideally belong — then restore.

Rather than restoring teeth into a compromised position, we frequently prefer to first place the teeth where they ideally belong whenever possible. We utilize SureSmile clear aligner therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for appropriate patients.

In many cases, orthodontics can make the final restorative phase more conservative and more successful — potentially reducing the amount of tooth reduction needed later.

Our goal
To help patients achieve their optimal teeth — not simply cover existing problems.
Orthodontics may allow us to
Improve crowding and spacing
Upright tipped teeth and optimize root position
Create proper space for implants or restorations
Reduce excessive wear forces
Improve smile symmetry and esthetics
Enhance gum architecture and restorative proportions
Improve bite coordination before veneers, crowns, or bonding
Potentially reduce tooth reduction needed later
A two-phase approach

Foundation first. Restoration second.

1
Phase one
Alignment & Foundation
SureSmile clear aligner therapy
Root position optimization
Arch coordination
Bite foundation establishment
Implant site development
Smile design preparation
2
Phase two
Restorative Completion
Bonding
Veneers
Crowns
Implant replacement of missing teeth
Full mouth rehabilitation
Wear reconstruction
Bite refinement and protective appliances
Occlusion matters

Bite stability is part of the plan.

We recognize the importance of a stable bite and functional harmony. In some complex wear or reconstruction cases, leveling or managing the occlusal plane may be an important part of treatment planning.

Every patient is different. Some benefit from orthodontics first. Others may require restorative changes, bite opening, or a combined interdisciplinary approach. Our responsibility is to determine the most logical and conservative sequence for long-term success.

Cases we treat
Tooth wear
Bite collapse
Missing teeth
Crowding and spacing
Pre-restorative alignment
Implant site development
Smile design preparation
Airway & skeletal considerations

When tooth movement alone isn't enough.

Some patients require more than tooth movement alone. When jaw width or skeletal constriction is present, we may recommend referral to trusted specialists for advanced treatment. This is especially important when facial development, airway concerns, crossbite, or significant skeletal limitations are involved.

MARPE (palatal expansion)
Surgical expansion
Orthognathic evaluation
Interdisciplinary orthodontic care

We believe in treating the cause, not just the symptom. Moving teeth into healthier positions first creates the strongest foundation for beautiful, lasting restorative dentistry.

Sierra Dental — Atascadero, CA

Wondering if orthodontics is the right first step?

Schedule a consultation and we'll evaluate whether aligning your teeth first would lead to a more conservative, more successful outcome for your situation.

Get in touch
Call or email to schedule your consultation.