Advances in technology benefit most aspects of healthcare, and orthodontics is no exception. Patients are able to experience the many advantages that modern improvements offer as they seek to enhance their smiles.
One of the first things you might notice upon receiving an orthodontic consultation is that X-rays are not the same as they used to be. Digital X-rays and cone beam CT scanners are often used for examination and diagnosis, providing very detailed views to allow for more accurate results. These technologies give orthodontists the best tools to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.
There have never been so many choices in braces as there are today, with many ways to improve smiles without the same issues as traditional methods. Here are some examples:
- Self-litigating braces are more comfortable than traditional types. A slide is used to allow wire placement inside when it is open, and when it is closed the wire glides easily. This self-litigating action reduces pressure and places effective force on the teeth for movement.
- Clear brackets are nearly invisible to others, and resist stains or discoloration.
- Invisalign clear braces consist of a series of plastic aligners that gently move teeth by applying constant pressure. They are comfortable, practically invisible, and removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign has advanced even since its fairly recent introduction by introducing SmartTrack technology, which created a more elastic aligner that fits tightly and better controls tooth movement.
- Invisalign G5 has been developed for patients who have a specific bite problem that did not respond well to regular Invisalign treatment. Patients with these types of severe overbites are now candidates for Invisalign.
- In the past, headgear was the main option for patients with overbites. Now the advent of Forsus springs allows patients with traditional braces to have jaw repositioning done with springs attached to braces instead of unsightly and uncomfortable headgear.
These are just a few of the advances in orthodontics that help patients achieve that perfect smile. As technologies develop, it becomes even easier to get the treatment just right for you.
A new way to straighten teeth has been introduced with Invisalign clear braces. As you wear the invisible plastic aligners, your teeth are gently shifted into better positions and you avoid many of the hassles associated with traditional braces.
Treatment begins with a consultation with Sherman Oaks orthodontist, Dr. Fotovat who has been trained and recognized to provide Invisalign braces. A thorough analysis of your teeth and jaw, as well as your smile goals, will be done to determine if Invisalign is right for you. If so, a treatment plan will be customized just for you after X-rays and impressions of your mouth are taken. The process also uses 3D images to create a computer simulation of your treatment.
Using the exact measurements taken of your mouth, a set of aligners will be made from clear plastic. Invisalign treatment advances in stages, with a different set of aligners worn every two weeks. They should be worn consistently for about twenty hours daily, but are removable for eating and cleaning. Maintenance is simple because the aligners can be gently brushed along with your normal brushing routine.
There are no restrictions about foods to avoid when undergoing Invisalign treatment, since the aligners are removed while eating. You also don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in the braces like with metal braces, and because food doesn’t contact the aligners there are no worries about stains. Invisalign braces can be worn while playing instruments or sports, although they should not be considered a substitute for a protective mouth guard.
Visits to the orthodontist are usually required every six months or so to monitor treatment and ensure ideal results. The amount of time it takes to achieve your smile goals depends on each patient and how consistently the aligners are worn, but treatment often lasts about a year.
Being a teenager can be hard work, as they often have to cope with the stresses of school and exams and numerous extracurricular activities. This can be a hectic time and it’s easy for good oral care to fall by the wayside. Encouraging your teenager to take proper care of their teeth and gums will help ensure they enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
- Encourage your teen to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. Gently remind them about the importance of flossing to help remove plaque and maintain healthy gums.
- Discuss the consequences of poor oral hygiene which can include bad breath, stained teeth, cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss.
- Make sure they have everything they need to brush and floss. It can help to buy an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, and don’t forget to make sure they frequently change their brush. Purchase a brand of fluoride toothpaste they enjoy using, and make sure they have plenty of floss. If they can’t get on with floss, ask your orthodontist in Sherman Oaks about alternative tools such as interdental brushes or soft picks.
- Book regular checkups for your teenager. This will make sure your dentist can detect any problems early on when they are far easier to put right.
- If your teenager wears braces, make sure they have everything needed to keep them clean. This may include floss threaders or other specialist tools such as a WaterPik. Ensure they attend all appointments for adjustments so treatment isn’t delayed.
- Your orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, CA can supply custom-made mouth guards for teens keen on sports. This oral appliance protects the teeth, jaws, gums and lips against injury.
- Try to have plenty of healthy snacks on hand, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy items, for example cheese and yogurt. Encourage them to only eat junk food as an occasional treat.
- Lead by example. Make sure you look after your own teeth and gums, and attend regular checkups and professional cleanings.
Dr. Fotovat offers Invisalign Teen for patients in the Sherman Oaks California area.
Braces are a popular and effective way to straighten crooked or crowded teeth, and correct bite problems. Most types are usually worn for about two years depending on each patient’s specific issues. This means that selecting the type of braces you’d like to wear is important, as they will be with you for quite some time. Here are some facts about three common choices in braces.
Metal
The image most people come up with when they picture traditional braces, it is the metal type that has been around for many years. Metal brackets are attached to your teeth and then a metal wire is connected through the brackets. This type of treatment is proven to be very effective, but the main complaint is how visible they are. Some patients are self- conscious about having a mouth full of metal braces, which can also be uncomfortable when the wires poke the inside of your mouth or tongue. Special care must be taken to keep metal braces clean, and there are some diet guidelines to help avoid breaking the components.
Ceramic
Sometimes called clear braces, ceramic braces are made from materials that are close in color to your natural teeth. This makes the brackets less noticeable in your smile. The wire or elastics used with ceramic braces can also be in a less visible shade resembling your tooth color. One downside to these clear braces is that they are more breakable than metal braces, so care should be taken with them especially when playing contact sports. Also, ceramic braces are typically pricier than traditional metal braces.
Lingual
The most expensive of these three options is lingual braces, which are bonded to the back sides of your teeth instead of the fronts. This makes them invisible to others, although they are often less comfortable because your tongue touches them. Lingual braces can take more getting used to than other types of braces, but they are proven to be effective in transforming smiles.
Contact the orthodontic office of Dr. Fotovat if you are looking for an orthodontist in the Sherman Oaks area.
Patients who decide to seek orthodontic treatments in Sherman Oaks, CA have more than just the choice of whether or not to get braces. You also must decide what type of braces are right for you. Two of the most common types are traditional metal braces or clear Invisalign braces. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, so in the end it’s a matter of choosing which meets your goals the most.
Appearance
Obviously, traditional metal braces are much more noticeable than clear braces. Even though advances have been made in metal braces to make them look less unsightly, some patients still don’t want to have a mouth full of shiny metal. On the other hand, some patients find it fun to select bright colors to customize their look to favorite shades or school spirit. Invisalign braces are made from clear plastic so that they are hardly visible. The main concern about appearance with Invisalign is learning how to remove the aligners carefully so that it’s not an unappealing process to take them out in front of other people.
Maintenance
Traditional braces are known to trap food debris in the brackets and wires, so it’s important to clean them properly. This not only looks better, but also helps avoid tooth decay. Brushing and rinsing with mouthwash are good ways to maintain traditional braces. Invisalign aligners can accumulate bacteria if not cleaned well, which is both unsanitary and stinky. The aligners should be removed and gently brushed as directed by your doctor, or sometimes a special cleaning solution is advised in addition to regular brushing.
Results
Both traditional and clear braces provide similar results for nearly all of the reasons that patients seek treatment. Traditional braces may have the advantage in correcting serious misalignments, but Invisalign is advancing to treat alignment problems also. Ask your dentist for recommendations about the best treatment for you.
Having straight teeth is a goal from young people through mature adults, and achieving a great smile without having to wear braces is a wonderful benefit. Awkward moments of a mouth full of metal, food particles stuck in your smile, and painful wires poking your cheeks are all erased. How do you make this happen? The answer is Invisalign.
Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners that fit right onto your teeth, and move them using slow pressure. They are nearly invisible and can be removed at any time, allowing you to follow your usual eating and hygiene routines.
The first step is taking impressions of your teeth and making a digital 3-D image so that an exact treatment plan can be created. You will be able to see how your teeth should look at each treatment stage. Your customized aligners will be made in a lab so that they fit comfortably yet do their job.
You will need to wear your aligners during the day and while you sleep, but remove them for eating and hygiene. You can even remove them for special occasions, as long as you strive to wear the aligners 22 hours each day. Roughly every two weeks, you will change to a new set of aligners that will advance you to the next stage of treatment. You will see your dentist about every six weeks for checkups.
Invisalign treatment lasts about a year for adults and about two years for teens. Your progress will be visible throughout treatment, motivating you to continue wearing them to transform your smile. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have beautiful straight teeth and very few complaints about your orthodontic experience.
Invsalign dentist for adults and teens in Sherman Oaks CA
