Both braces and Invisalign clear aligners are highly effective options. The right choice depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Braces
• Excellent for correcting all levels of alignment and bite concerns
• Clear ceramic options available for a more aesthetic appearance
• Ideal for younger patients and more complex cases

Invisalign Clear Aligners
• Virtually invisible
• Removable for eating and brushing
• Comfortable and discreet
• Popular among teens and adults seeking a refined option

Many patients appreciate the flexibility and subtlety of Invisalign. During your consultation, we will guide you toward the option that will deliver the most beautiful and stable results while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle

Treatment time varies based on individual needs, but most orthodontic treatment typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. Some minor alignment cases may be completed more quickly, while more comprehensive bite correction may take longer. Factors that influence treatment length include growth patterns, case complexity, and consistency with aligners or elastics when prescribed. Our approach is always focused on efficiency, precision, and long-term stability, ensuring your final result is both beautiful and lasting

Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment is increasingly popular among adults who wish to enhance their smiles and confidence.
Adults often pursue treatment to:

• Improve smile aesthetics
• Correct shifting or crowded teeth
• Enhance bite function
• Prepare for cosmetic or restorative dental work

Discreet options such as Invisalign make treatment comfortable and nearly invisible. Healthy teeth and gums are the primary requirements — it is truly never too late to achieve a beautifully aligned smile

Choosing a board-certified orthodontist ensures that your treatment is guided by the highest level of training, precision, and clinical excellence. Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics is a voluntary and rigorous achievement earned by only a select number of orthodontists. It requires advanced examinations, detailed case presentations, and a continued commitment to
exceptional patient outcomes. When you choose a board-certified orthodontist, you are choosing a doctor dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care and the most beautiful, stable results for your smile

Orthodontic treatment does much more than straighten teeth. A properly aligned bite
can improve the way your teeth function, making it easier to chew, speak, and maintain
good oral hygiene. Straighter teeth are often easier to clean, which may reduce the risk
of cavities and gum disease over time.
Orthodontic treatment can also correct bite problems such as overbites, underbites,
crossbites, and open bites that may contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort,
difficulty chewing, or speech concerns. For growing children, early orthodontic
evaluations can help monitor jaw development and identify the best time for treatment
when needed.
At Cook and Adabi Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to orthodontic
care by considering your smile, bite, facial balance, long-term oral health, and, when
appropriate, airway and breathing considerations. We proudly provide personalized
orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults from Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto
de Caza, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna
Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, and surrounding Orange County communities

Most patients visit our office every 6 to 10 weeks during treatment. The exact schedule
depends on your treatment plan and whether you are wearing braces or Invisalign®
clear aligners.
Patients with braces typically return every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments, while Invisalign
patients are generally seen every 8 to 10 weeks to monitor progress and receive their
next sets of aligners.
Keeping your scheduled appointments helps ensure your treatment stays on track and
finishes as efficiently as possible. If you ever need to reschedule, our team will work
with you to find a convenient appointment time

No, you do not need a referral from your dentist to schedule an orthodontic consultation
with us. You can call us directly at 949-589-7820
While many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, you are welcome to
contact Cook and Adabi Orthodontics directly. Whether you’re concerned about

crowded teeth, gaps, bite problems, or simply want to improve your smile, we’ll be
happy to evaluate your orthodontic needs.
During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Sara Adabi will perform a comprehensive
examination, discuss your goals, explain your treatment options, and answer all of your
questions. We’ll also review financing options and help you maximize any available
orthodontic insurance benefits

The cost of braces or Invisalign depends on several factors, including the complexity of
your case, the type of treatment recommended, and the estimated length of treatment.
Since every smile is unique, treatment fees vary from patient to patient.
At Cook and Adabi Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations, flexible monthly
payment plans, and 0% interest financing. Our knowledgeable team will also help you
maximize your orthodontic insurance benefits whenever possible.
During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and a clear
explanation of all costs before treatment begins—so there are never any surprises

Broken brackets and poking wires can occasionally happen during orthodontic
treatment. While these situations are usually not emergencies, it’s important to contact
our office so we can determine whether you should be seen before your next scheduled
appointment.
If a wire is causing irritation, orthodontic wax can often provide temporary relief. In some
cases, a clean pair of nail clippers may be used to carefully trim a protruding wire if our
office instructs you to do so. Please do not attempt to remove or glue a loose bracket
back onto your tooth.
If you experience significant pain, swelling, trauma to the mouth, or a dental injury,
contact Cook and Adabi Orthodontics as soon as possible so we can provide guidance
and schedule you promptly if needed

In some cases, yes. Certain orthodontic conditions may be associated with narrow
dental arches, jaw development, or other structural factors that can influence breathing.
For growing children, orthodontic treatment may help support healthy jaw development
and improve the amount of space available in the mouth when appropriate.

However, mouth breathing and sleep-related concerns often have multiple causes,
including enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, nasal obstruction, and other medical
conditions. Orthodontic treatment alone is not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea or
other sleep disorders.
At Cook and Adabi Orthodontics, Dr. Sara Adabi takes a comprehensive approach by
evaluating facial growth, bite development, airway considerations, and overall oral
function. When appropriate, we collaborate with pediatricians, ENTs, sleep physicians,
myofunctional therapists, and other healthcare professionals to help ensure each
patient receives comprehensive care.
If your child snores, breathes primarily through the mouth, has restless sleep, or you
have concerns about airway development, we encourage you to schedule a
consultation