We all think of braces as a rite of passage for middle school kids, maybe high school students, but it’s not something we commonly associate with adults. Many more adults, however, are turning to braces to correct problems that have bothered them for years, possibly since childhood. Adults who grew up being teased or embarrassed by their smiles can turn into adults who have difficulties getting close to people, something that can affect them personally and professionally. Fortunately, braces can help.
Braces can correct a host of oral issues, from simply poor aesthetics due to crooked teeth or an acutely bad bite (known as malocclusion). Adults who didn’t have the ability to change their teeth as children now turn to braces to make positive changes to their smiles and achieve their long-awaited dreams.
Adults and children respond differently to braces. Because a young person’s mouth is still growing and changing as part of aging, braces work more quickly on younger patients. Adults can achieve the same kind of smile successes as children can with braces, but it will just take a little more time due to their bones being already fully formed.
Adults typically care for their braces more than young people. A higher appreciation of the dangers of neglect and improper care can lead an adult to take far better care of his or her oral hygiene than a younger patient with braces.
Some types of braces are available that are less obvious than external brackets, such as ceramic brackets or lingual braces (worn on the inside of the arch of your teeth) or Invisalign aligners. Ask your orthodontist what braces options are available to you as an adult, and what positive changes they can make to your smile.
Orthodontist in Burbank CA
If you or your child are looking forward to orthodontia to improve your bite or smile, there are a few steps you can take to prepare before the placement of braces.
The most important step to preparing for braces is getting a full dental checkup. Your dental professional should give you a thorough cleaning, as well as an examination to check for signs of decay or gum disease. Your orthodontist may also require x-rays from your dentist. In some cases, you will need to have permanent teeth extracted to allow room for your remaining teeth to align properly.
Once your braces are placed, there are some foods you will need to avoid such as hard candy, popcorn, and other chewy or hard foods. Take this time to enjoy your favorite treats before your braces cause you to have to limit their consumption.
If you are experiencing fear or anxiety about having your braces applied, talk to your orthodontist about options for sedation that will help keep you be relaxed and comfortable during your appointment. A mild oral sedative may be all you need to alleviate your fears. You may also want to find out what amenities your orthodontist offers to make the time pass easier, such as music or movies in the treatment room.
Plan ahead for the few days of discomfort you may experience following the placement of your braces. Have anti-inflammatory pain medications on hand, as well as soft foods and tepid liquids. Ask your orthodontist for dental wax to protect your tongue and cheeks from irritation while your mouth adjusts to your new appliances.
On the day of your orthodontic appointment, be vigilant about brushing and flossing your teeth. A clean mouth will create an environment that allows your orthodontist to work more quickly and efficiently. Discuss with your orthodontist any of recommendations they can provide to prepare for getting your braces. By following these guidelines, your transition to life with braces should be smooth, painless, and stress-free.
Braces orthodontist in Sherman Oaks California
An alternative orthodontic treatment to traditional braces is Invisalign clear aligners. This has become a popular way to straighten teeth without the negative aspects that patients link to metal braces, like the noticeable appearance, limited diet, and difficulty cleaning. If you are considering Invisalign treatment, here are some common questions and answers about this revolutionary method.
Do I have to wear the aligners all the time?
Your goal should be wearing the aligners all the time except for eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. Wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day will help you finish treatment faster.
Can I at least remove them for special occasions?
Unlike traditional braces, it’s possible to remove your aligners when you’d like. That means special occasions or playing rough sports might be a time that you skip your aligners. However, don’t do it very often or you’ll risk delaying your treatment.
Do I have to change my diet?
You don’t have to alter your diet at all during Invisalign treatment since you remove the aligners for eating and drinking.
Will it affect my speech?
Wearing aligners can impact your speech until you get used to them. It usually takes a short time to adjust to the plastic aligners.
Do I wear the same aligners the whole time?
Your dentist or orthodontist will develop a plan that includes changing your aligners as your treatment progresses. You will change to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks or so. On average, patients need between 20 to 30 sets of aligners during treatment.
How often do I have to go for checkups?
You will go in for checkups about every 4 to 6 weeks so that your progress may be monitored. Appointments are typically short.
How long does treatment last?
Many patients report that Invisalign treatment requires less time to complete than traditional braces. Of course, it depends on your commitment to the process and the extent of correction required.
If you live in the Burbank CA area and you’re looking for an Invisalign dentist, contact our office today.
Did you know healthy teeth and gums can help maintain good general health? A healthy smile will mean you look your very best, and your risk of developing certain diseases or health issues may decrease. If you’d like to have great oral health and a gorgeous smile, read the following hints:
Ask about Sedation Dentistry
Many people feel too anxious or nervous to regularly visit a dentist. This could be due to a previous bad experience, a strong gag reflex or a reaction to the sights and smells in a dental office. Sedation dentistry provides numerous options to keep you comfortable during treatment, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation and intravenous sedation.
Don’t put up with Pain
Quite often people will put up with facial pain caused by TMD. This is a disorder affecting the jaw joints, and can occur if the jaw is misaligned. Your dentist in Reno can examine your teeth and jaws, and if necessary will provide treatment to resolve this issue.
Invest in a Mouthguard
If you like to play sports, invest in a custom made mouth guard. Popular activities such as soccer, football and baseball can all cause facial injuries. Even non-contact spots such as horse riding and gymnastics can result in damage to the teeth, jaws and face. If you clench and grind at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth from cracking and breaking.
Look After Your Teeth at Home
Twice daily brushing and once-a-day flossing are essential to maintain oral health. These habits help remove plaque before it can harden into tarter.
Book Regular Appointments
Schedule regular appointments with your dentist in Reno, and book a professional cleaning at the same time. This is essential, even if your teeth and gums appear healthy. Regular checkups help pick up any problems before they cause unpleasant symptoms such as toothache, and when they are much cheaper and easier to treat.
If you need an orthodontist and you live in the Sherman Oaks California area, contact our dental office.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t a decision that most people take lightly. It can be a process that takes up to a couple of years, so you want to be certain that you know all you can about it before beginning that journey. It is normal to have many questions about your specific treatment plan, so having an orthodontic consultation is necessary to help you decide whether to pursue treatment. It’s helpful to be prepared for the consultation so you can get all of your questions answered.
Some common questions that you may want to ask at your orthodontic consultation include:
- What kinds of problems will my treatment address?
- How long do you think I will need to wear braces?
- Will I need any other appliances or procedures?
- How often do I need to come in for checkups?
- What about keeping my braces and teeth clean?
- Do I have to avoid certain foods?
- How much pain should I expect, and how can I minimize discomfort?
- Can I still play sports?
- Can I play my musical instrument?
- What about cost and payment options?
Getting answers to those questions should help you as you decide whether orthodontic treatment is right for you. If you think of additional issues, don’t hesitate to call the orthodontist and ask. The staff is there to help you through each step of the process. Once you have all of the information you need and feel confident in the orthodontist team, you can decide if changing your smile through orthodontics is the way to go.
Visit our orthodontic office if you live in the Sherman Oaks, CA area. Dr. Fotovat has treated patients for over 15 years.
You have probably heard about the popular new way to straighten teeth called Invisalign. It involves wearing clear plastic aligning trays that are practically invisible. Teens don’t have to feel the humiliation of metal wires with food clinging to the brackets. Adults can avoid the embarrassment of wearing a metal smile to meetings or social events. Invisalign braces are more comfortable, less noticeable, easier to clean, removable, and other benefits compared to traditional braces. However, there are a few things to consider when you choose Invisalign treatment.
You may become more selective about meals when you have Invisalign braces. Even though the aligners are removable, you may avoid doing it in front of others. Also, the more time you have the aligners off the less effective treatment becomes.
Snacking is another thing that may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Some patients choose to cut way down on snacks instead of removing the aligners. This can be disappointing to those who habitually enjoy snacking throughout the day. On the other hand, lowered food intake can mean a way to get in shape.
Brushing is another consideration with Invisalign. If you aren’t in the habit of regularly brushing, you will want to commit to keeping up with it. You never want to insert your aligners into a dirty mouth, because food particles that remain in your teeth can lead to decay. Also, brushing helps freshen breath. Bad breath is an extra hazard when wearing Invisalign because the plastic aligners tend to make your mouth dry, which in turns causes bad breath.
A dry mouth also means that you will want to increase your intake of fluids like water. This is no problem for patients who drink lots of water throughout the day, but those who aren’t used to that may need to develop the habit of having a glass nearby.
All of these are simple changes you might need to make about your lifestyle if you are getting Invisalign braces. They are probably things you can grow accustomed to in order to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
An orthodontist for Invisalign can be a better option than a general dentist.
