A revolutionary new method is available for helping you achieve the beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligning trays to gradually shift your teeth into better position. This invisible approach is appealing to both adults and teens.
The strongest selling point for both age groups is the fact that others don’t notice that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. You wear a set of clear plastic aligners for about two weeks, which you can remove any time you’d like. However, it’s important to wear them for the timeframe recommended by your orthodontist to get the ideal results in the quickest timeframe. Every couple of weeks, you will change aligners to the next in the series provided. This straightens your teeth gently and gradually without the discomfort or inconvenience associated with traditional braces.
It is a real advantage that the Invisalign trays are removable. This means that adults and teens alike can eat and drink what you’d like throughout treatment, because there are no diet restrictions as with traditional braces. This also allows you to continue your normal brushing and flossing routine, and there are no worries about food becoming stuck in any cumbersome wires and brackets.
Invisalign does not require as many checkup appointments as traditional braces either. Most orthodontists advise you to come in to monitor progress only once every six weeks or so, and total treatment time with Invisalign averages from 9 to 15 months. State-of-the-art 3D computer imaging allows you and your orthodontist to see your progress during treatment, so you’ll be able to watch your teeth move and see how much farther you have to go.
Both teens and adults appreciate the way that Invisalign fits easily into a busy lifestyle. They don’t hamper your ability to participate in sports, play musical instruments, smile for special occasion photos, and other important things that come up in life. Invisalign offers a comfortable, effective, and practical way to transform your smile.
The advantages of receiving orthodontic treatment are more than just cosmetic. Straight teeth do make a beautiful smile, but they are also better for your overall long term oral health. Improvements in your self-esteem are also likely when you have an attractive smile. Patients seek orthodontic treatment for a number of important reasons beyond how the results look.
Teeth spacing
Crooked or overlapping teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly. Plaque and germs can build up to cause tooth decay and cavities. Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment allows you to clean your teeth more effectively. This helps you fight cavities, decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Alignment
When teeth are not aligned correctly, it is called malocclusion. This contributes to improper wear patterns on your teeth, which can ultimately lead to the need for dental veneers or bonding. Stress on your jaw muscles can also result, causing jaw pain. Malocclusion also may affect your bones and gums that support your teeth, which can end up in tooth loss if not treated.
Bite
An overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth, which may cause uneven or excessive wear on the teeth. Chips requiring dental repair can occur from an overbite, especially on the bottom teeth. An open bite is when the front teeth do not touch at all when you bite. This can lead to excessive pressure and wear on the back teeth. Bite problems are commonly corrected with orthodontic treatment.
Function
Braces or other orthodontics typically improve the function of your teeth. You may be able to bite and chew your food better, as well as speak more clearly. Orthodontic treatment improves your chances for better long-term function and health of your teeth and gums.
Dr. Fotovat is an orthodontist treating patients in the Sherman Oaks, CA area.
Unlike traditional methods of improving your smile, Invisalign offers a unique way to change your look without many of the hassles typically associated with braces. It is a great solution for getting rid of crooked, uneven, or misaligned teeth through a completely modern approach to orthodontics.
Unique
Invisalign makes your orthodontic treatment easy. Made up of clear plastic aligners, you simply wear the nearly invisible customized trays over your teeth to move them into better position. You wear each set of aligners for the timeframe indicated by your dentist, so that your teeth gradually shift. When that tray has achieved its goal, you switch to the next tray in the series to continue treatment until your teeth are in the ideal position. Length of treatment depends on each case, but often it is quicker than traditional braces.
High-tech
Computer imaging software is used to predict what your teeth should look like at the end of treatment. The software takes your current dental situation and maps the path to a final outcome. This allows your dentist to create the series of aligners that will progress your treatment to the desired end result. It also allows you to actually see the goal for your smile.
Professional
Invisalign is offered by dentists trained in this unique approach to orthodontics. The treatment program is specific to each patient and a customized solution will be developed for your needs based on the dentist’s professional skills and experience.
Advantageous
There are benefits that Invisalign offers unlike other orthodontic methods. Here are some top advantages:
- Clear plastic makes them almost invisible in your mouth during treatment.
- Removable trays allow easy cleaning of the trays as well as your teeth and gums.
- Wireless and metal-free, the aligners fit comfortably and do not affect your speech or diet.
- Gradual changes brought on by the series of trays avoids the pain that accompanies having traditional braces tightened.
- Computerized imaging allows you to see the forecasted outcome of your treatment.
Dr. Fotovat offers Invisalign to patients from the Sherman Oaks CA area.
Once you get braces put on your teeth, you must learn how to live successfully while wearing them. Following your orthodontist’s advice for restrictions and proper care will help the treatment process go faster. Here are some suggestions to follow while wearing braces.
Foods
Traditional braces have specific diet restrictions because some foods can cause damage. Your orthodontist will provide a list, but typical food categories to avoid include:
- Crunchy–popcorn, ice, chips
- Sticky–candy, gum
- Hard–candy, nuts
- Chewy–bagels, licorice
- Biting–corn on the cob, carrots, apples
On the other hand, foods to keep in your diet are dairy, soft breads, pasta, seafood, soft fruits and vegetables, and even desserts if they avoid the risky characteristics like stickiness or crunchiness.
Discomfort
Your mouth will be sore when you first get braces, but it will go away in a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and rinsing with warm salt water can help. Your cheeks, lips, and tongue sometimes become irritated, so ask your orthodontist for wax to place over pointy edges to lessen discomfort.
Loose appliances
Contact your orthodontist if any parts of your braces become loose, and save any pieces that fall off. Use the back of an eraser on a pencil to gently push wires back in place to avoid irritation until you can get your braces properly repaired.
Loose teeth
It is normal for your teeth to feel a little loose when they are being moved into better position. Once they are in the right place, they won’t be loose anymore.
Sports
You can continue to play sports while wearing braces, but should wear a mouth guard to prevent damage or injuries. Contact your orthodontist if you do experience any damage while playing sports so that it can be fixed.
Maintenance
Take good care of your braces so that they can effectively do their job in the shortest timeframe. Consistently wearing any additional orthodontics like rubber bands, retainers, headgear, and other appliances will enhance your treatment as well. Brush, floss, and care for your braces as directed by your orthodontist.
If you live in the Sherman Oaks CA area and you are interested in braces, contact our office today.
The concept of orthodontic treatment occurring in two separate phases is increasing in popularity. You may wonder why this has become common, instead of treatment in the past being one set of braces usually during the teen years. Every case is different and your orthodontist will recommend the best course of action, but there are some reasons that two-phased orthodontic treatment makes sense for some patients.
Two-phased orthodontics uses a specialized process that focuses on straightening teeth along with physical changes that occur during growth. It maximizes the ability to obtain attractive, healthy, and functional results that will last. This is not the case for patients with jaw issues who wait until all permanent teeth are fully erupted, which can result in unstable or compromised outcomes. Certain issues specific to the teeth also may warrant early intervention.
The first phase of treatment focuses on creating the ideal jaw size to accommodate permanent teeth and jaw growth. It is common for jaw problems to occur as children develop, allowing a perfect situation for early orthodontic treatment. This enables a good foundation to be established that provides sufficient room for adult teeth. Often, early orthodontics avoids procedures like tooth extractions later. Phase one of treatment varies in duration and types of appliances based on each patient’s condition.
After phase one is complete, there is a resting period is which permanent teeth erupt and jaw growth continues. Initial treatment should have created room for new teeth to erupt without becoming impacted or significantly misplaced. Occasional checkups are warranted to monitor progress during the resting phase.
Phase two of treatment may or may not be necessary based on the location of teeth and how the jaws, lips, and other features fit together. If the teeth are functioning properly and aesthetically appealing, treatment can be considered complete. However, if more correction is advised to create a more attractive or fully functional smile, then braces may be placed on the teeth for an average of 24 months. Afterwards, retainers will be fitted to maintain the correction until the orthodontist is confident that treatment is complete.
Orthodontic treatment in Sherman Oaks with Dr. Fotovat
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.
Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA
