FAQ's

If you want an easy way to improve your smile, consider orthodontic treatment. Looking better and feeling good about your smile can improve your self esteem and promote a positive attitude. A breathtaking smile provides a valuable asset at any age.

From braces to Invisalign, early treatment (Phase I treatment) to adult orthodontics, we are here to answer your orthodontic questions. Like many who live in Burbank, Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, you may have questions about dealing with braces, fees and insurance, or appointments. This section focuses on answering our most frequently asked questions relating to orthodontic /braces treatment. Browse through this section and then call our Laurel Canyon Blvd. office at (818) 980-5300 so that our team can address your specific questions.

Q: Do I need a referral for an orthodontic evaluation by Dr. Fotovat?
A: No. Often, potential patients notice a problem with crooked teeth, spacing, and /or a bad bite on their own. Some general dentists refer patients, but you can call our Laurel Canyon Blvd. office directly at 818 980- 5300 if you notice a problem.

 

Q: What treatment options are available to me as an adult?
A: Our doctors believe it's never too late for an amazing smile. In fact, thirty five percent of our orthodontic patients are adults. People in their 50's, 60's, and even 70's have become our patients. Adult treatments may include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.

 

Q: Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and /or missing teeth?
A: Absolutely. In some cases, orthodontic treatment will actually move the remaining teeth in to the correct alignment so that the dentist can place a more ideal restoration, like a crown, bridge, or implant. Even if you have a crown on your tooth, it will move just as easily as any other tooth.

 

Q: I have had crooked teeth for many years. Why should I move them now?
A: Having crooked teeth can often lead to a bad bite, which means your teeth don't fit together properly so they are wearing unevenly. Without treatment, excessive wear can cause cracked teeth and lead to more dental work. Orthodontic treatment can improve function, creating teeth that last longer, work more efficiently, and usually look better. Because properly brushing and flossing your teeth is more difficult with crooked teeth, having a straighter smile will promote proper oral hygiene and keep teeth healthy for the rest of your life.

 

Q: Why is it important to go to an orthodontic specialist like Dr. Fotovat?
A: If you needed heart surgery, you would see a cardiologist, not a family doctor. The same logic applies to orthodontics. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth and sometimes your entire facial structure are permanently altered. An orthodontic specialist has had specific training for an additional two to three years after dental school that addresses the art and science of moving teeth and aligning the jaws.

 

Q: I see ads for perfect teeth in just a couple visits to the dentist. Can I straighten my teeth that quickly?
A: Not really. Usually, these ads refer to porcelain veneers, which will cover your front teeth and mask the crookedness. Orthodontic treatment will straighten your teeth without any type of covering.

 

Q: How do I make an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation?
A: Just call our Valley Village office at (818) 980-5300, or request a complimentary consultation on the Web site. Our team will be happy to schedule an appointment for you or your child.

 

Q: How much does the initial consultation cost?
A: Nothing. An orthodontic evaluation at our Laurel Canyon Blvd. office is complimentary!

 

Q: What do you do at the initial consultation appointment?
A: During your first visit, you will meet our treatment coordinator, who will show you around the office. Then, Dr. Fotovat will thoroughly examine the alignment of your teeth and jaws. The doctor will review the findings with you, present all your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have regarding this information.

 

Q: What will I learn after my initial orthodontic consultation?
A: Once Dr. Fotovat can complete a thorough orthodontic evaluation, they can let you know if you need orthodontic treatment, the recommended plan, and how long therapy will last. We will also review cost estimates and insurance coverage. Our doctor will also answer any questions that may apply to your specific case.

 

Q: What is the best age to schedule my child's first orthodontic evaluation?
A: According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should schedule your child's first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this time, the six-year molars, laterals, and central incisors are in place, and your child's jaw growth pattern will be more obvious. Early detection helps with the diagnosis and prevention of many potential problems. In many cases, the doctor may not recommend early treatment, but Dr. Fotovat will monitor your child's growth and development can be monitored so that we can recommend the best, most efficient treatment for your child's individual needs.

 

Q: Can my child's teeth straighten out on their own?
A: No. The space available for the permanent teeth and the jaw growth pattern will not change on its own and may become more noticeable as your child ages.

 

Q: Does my child need braces even when they still have some baby teeth?
A: With some orthodontic problems, early intervention is recommended, which is why orthodontists like Dr. Fotovat suggest an early orthodontic evaluation. That way, he can monitor the growth and development of your child to identify the right time for orthodontic treatment.

 

Q: What is Phase I or early treatment?
A: For children who have skeletal or dental orthodontic problems that need to be addressed early on, we may recommend early treatment. Issues that may warrant Phase I treatment include poor jaw relationships, traumatic bite, lack of space for permanent teeth, avoiding impactions of permanent teeth, and severe bites that can affect self esteem. Addressing these concerns as soon as possible can help avoid major orthodontic problems at a later time.

 

Q: If my child has Phase I treatment, will they need braces again?
A: Yes. Phase I treatment is designed to handle any major issues that need early intervention. Phase II treatment, or full braces, will occur after Dr. Fotovat carefully monitors your child's growth and development, and decide to start the second phase of orthodontic treatment, which will align the permanent teeth.

 

Q: What is an expander and why is it used?
A: An expander helps coordinate the alignment of the upper and lower jaw to correct cross bites. The orthodontist may also suggest an expander to widen the upper jaw and allow more space for permanent teeth to erupt, which avoids possible impactions of teeth (view expander video). Dr. Fotovat will evaluate your child's case to see if an expander will help with treatment.

 

Q: Will my child need teeth removed for braces?
A: Sometimes. Our doctor will work to create a beautiful appearance with teeth in the right place. At times, Dr. Fotovat will recommend removal of teeth to achieve the most stable, aesthetically pleasing results. When teeth are removed, all spaces will be closed and no one will notice where teeth were extracted once treatment is completed. Because the advanced, next generation braces, along with space-age wires in our orthodontic office, the need for removal of teeth significantly dropped.

 

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?
A: The treatment course depends on several factors, like the severity of the bite and patient cooperation. Patients can take a few months or a few years to correct their bites. During a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Dr. Fotovat's Laurel Canyon Blvd. office, we can evaluate your case and determine an individualized plan for treatment.

 

Q: How much does orthodontic treatment (braces/Invisalign) cost? Are financing options available?
A: Your orthodontic treatment costs will depend on the severity of the case and the time required to correct bite issues. Call our office to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation in Dr. Fotovat's Laurel Canyon Blvd. office. At that time, we will can review the fees, determine insurance coverage, and discuss financing options. We will also file your insurance on your behalf.

 

Q: How do I keep my teeth clean while I have braces?
A: When your braces are placed, we will review the steps for keeping teeth clean. A team member will also demonstrate how to properly floss and brush with the braces. For successful orthodontic treatment, patients need to maintain clean teeth and healthy gums. Review the You and Your Braces video.

 

Q: Do I have to avoid certain foods with braces?
A: Yes. Our office will give you a list of foods that can easily break or loosen the braces. Some of the foods listed include nuts, chewy foods like taffy or caramel, raw vegetables, ice, and hard candy. To decrease the chances of cavities and decalcification, patients should also avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.

 

Q: How often do I come in for adjustments for braces/Invisalign?
A: Usually, appointments are scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart. The wires that we use provide gentler forces for longer periods of time, which means you don't need orthodontic adjustments as frequently, but your teeth are moving more efficiently with modern orthodontic appliances. Invisalign patients can also set longer appointment intervals, and we will prepare your aligner sets to fit your busy schedule.

 

Q: I am an adult and I want straighter teeth without braces. What is my option?
A: If you don't want traditional orthodontia, Invisalign is the clear choice. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Invisalign. During a complimentary orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Fotovat will evaluate your case and explain whether Invisalign can give you the desired results.

 

Q: Can all my child's appointments be scheduled after school?
A: We will work hard to schedule most appointments after school. However, Dr. Fotovat will have times when they need longer appointments with your child, and these are scheduled in the mornings. Longer appointments usually involve placing, removing, and repairing the braces. Because most appointments are set for 6 to 10 week intervals, your child will miss very little school. To help meet your scheduling needs, we reference most school calendars in the San Fernando Valley area, including North Hollywood, Valley Village, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City.

 

Q: Can I go back to school or work after I get my braces/ Invisalign?
A: Definitely.

 

Q: Do braces or Invisalign aligners hurt?
A: When you receive a new appliance, whether braces or Invisalign, your mouth will have an adjustment period. Patients sometimes feel a little sore for a few days, but your teeth will soon adjust.

 

Q: Do you need to give a shot (injection) for braces?
A: No injections are given when we put on braces.

 

Q: Can I drop my child off for their orthodontic appointment?
A: Usually you can. At different times, Dr. Fotovat may need to speak with you to review treatment progress. Please let our front office know your plans before you leave so that we can make necessary arrangements.

 

Q: Do you recycle the braces?
A: No. Our practice does not use recycled braces. Each patient gets a set of new braces.

 

Q: Can I participate in sports activities with braces?
A: Yes. For anyone participating in sport activities, we recommend getting an orthodontic mouth guard to protect your teeth. Our office will provide you with one, at no additional charge.

 

Q: Can I play a musical instrument with braces?
A: Yes. You may need a little time to adjust if you play wind or brass instruments, but after a short time, braces usually don't interfere with your performance.

 

Q: Can I have braces if I have nickel or metal allergies?
A: Yes. At the initial consultation appointment, please tell Dr. Fotovat. Our practice offers titanium brackets, and the doctor can evaluate your case to see if you are candidate for Invisalign.

 

Q: What do I do in case of an orthodontic emergency?
A: Luckily, orthodontic emergencies happen very rarely. If a situation occurs where a bracket breaks and you are in pain, access the online Emergency Info video or call us at (818) 980-5300. In most cases, you can resolve the emergency by watching the video, or we can walk you through the steps over the phone.

 

Q: Do I still need to go to my family dentist while I have braces?
A: Absolutely. You will receive regular checkups and cleanings from your general dentist. Our doctors recommend that patients visit their family dentists every three to six months.

Q: How do I distinguish an orthodontist from a general dentist?
A: Although a general dentist can provide orthodontic treatment, orthodontists like Dr. Fotovat has received an additional two to three years of orthodontic training, which provides coursework on the art and science of moving the jaws and teeth in to the proper position.