When it comes to achieving the smile you always wanted by straightening your teeth, you have a number of options these days. Patients have varying opinions about what they are willing to wear on their teeth during orthodontic work, so advancements in technology allow for other alternatives to the traditional metal braces. Here are some common choices for teeth straightening.
Permanent braces
Made of metal or ceramics, these are the braces that probably come to mind first. Each bracket is permanently attached to the tooth for a secure fit. Permanent braces are highly successful for major realignments and restorative changes. Metal braces are durable but very noticeable in your mouth, while ceramic braces are somewhat less sturdy but can be colored to match your teeth.
Clear braces
Invisalign is a newer alternative to traditional braces, popular because they are made of clear plastic that makes them practically invisible. The trays gradually align your teeth as you’re wearing them, and are removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign may not be the best choice for severe orthodontic issues, however, as they are most effective for minor to moderate treatment.
Lingual braces
Placed on the inside of your teeth, lingual braces are hidden from view. This type of treatment requires a very skilled orthodontist to properly install and adjust the braces, and not all patients are candidates. Lingual braces sometimes irritate your tongue and gums, so make sure you discuss this type of treatment thoroughly with your orthodontist to make sure you understand all the pros and cons.
Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks specializing in Invisalign.
Cosmetic dentistry is a well-known field that focuses on improving your smile. Often people think this only means correcting tooth problems like stains, chips, cracks, or other unsightly flaws. However, cosmetic dentistry is not limited to only visible tooth problems, but also takes into consideration issues involving the jaw. This is where orthodontics can come to the rescue.
Misaligned jaws can cause a variety of oral health concerns. Facial features may be affected, as well as speech, eating, and breathing. Pain is a common side effect of jaw misalignment. Teeth can also be impacted eventually by jaws that are not in place, because they begin to compensate by moving into incorrect positions. Teeth grinding, decay, damage, and loss may occur without jaw correction.
Jaw malocclusion may be a genetic trait, or can result from things like trauma or disease. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull. When the TMJ is strained for any reason, the consequences like pain can extend toward the head and face. Other issues like stress are also known to affect the TMJ, and lead to further discomfort and jaw problems.
An orthodontist can diagnose and treat any of these jaw-related problems. X-rays will help determine exactly what is causing the symptoms, and treatment will be recommended. This may involve braces to move the jaw into proper alignment, therefore improving your appearance as well as your comfort level. A cosmetic dentist can tell you if orthodontics might be helpful to your condition, and refer you to an orthodontist who can put you on the road to a winning smile.
Cosmetic orthodontist Dr. Fotovat treats patients from Sherman Oaks, CA and the surrounding area.
When you wear braces, you probably can’t wait for the day your orthodontist takes them off and you can flaunt a beautiful, straight smile. Orthodontic treatment, however, doesn’t end with braces. Most of the time, your orthodontist will fit you for a retainer, an oral appliance that keeps teeth from shifting back into an improper position. You may wear a removable retainer as well as one that stays inside your mouth.
Initially, you will need to wear the removable retainer for most of the day. Over time, your orthodontist will watch your teeth and may lessen the number of hours you wear the appliance. For children and teenagers, many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer until their early 20s. To keep your retainer in good condition, follow these helpful hints:
- Remove your retainer when you eat, brush, or floss.
- Clean your retainer with warm, soapy water or toothpaste after each use.
- Put your retainer in a safe place when you aren’t wearing the appliance. People often remove their retainers at restaurants and place them in napkins, which can result in expensive replacement costs.
- Carry your retainer case with you so that you have it available at all times. Never leave the case on a table, bench, or counter.
- Keep your retainer away from pets or small children.
- When you participate in sports, take your retainer out and wear a mouth guard during games.
- If a wire breaks or something else happens to your retainer, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact your orthodontist immediately.
Schedule an appointment for your child at our Valley Village, CA orthodontists office.
If you think you’ll be the only parent wearing braces on your teeth at the same time as your teenagers, think again. One out of every five patients wearing braces is an adult. Advances in orthodontic treatment have allowed wearing braces as an adult to become an appealing and realistic option. It’s not too late to change your smile so that you look and feel your best.
Do braces work for adults?
Braces can be successful on patients of all ages. The process of moving your teeth into more healthy and attractive positions is the same whether you’re 15 or 50. There’s still time to correct problems that may have been bothering you for many years, including crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, or jaw issues.
Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a reputable orthodontist in your area. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. During your initial appointment, the orthodontist will usually assess your oral health, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Cost and insurance issues will be addressed, and initial photos, x-rays, and impressions might be taken if you choose to pursue treatment.
What are the benefits of adult braces?
Enhancing your smile through orthodontic work can improve you appearance, self-esteem, and your oral health. There are many options available today so that you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Braces are more comfortable, effective, and inconspicuous than ever before. If straightening your teeth has been your dream for a long time, consider making it a reality because age doesn’t matter.
If you need braces for your child in the Sherman Oak, CA area, contact Dr. Fotovat to schedule a consultation.
The spookiest night of the year is drawing close, and your little ghouls and goblins will be heading out to scare the neighbors and score some treats. You probably already know most of the safety rules when it comes to trick-or-treating, such as carrying a flashlight and wearing light-colored or reflective costumes. Another big one is inspecting the treats before your kids dig in, to make sure all the candy is safe. However, have you thought about looking at the candy for the purpose of making sure it’s acceptable for your child’s braces-clad teeth?
Your child’s orthodontist probably warned you to steer clear of certain foods that are known to commonly break or bend braces. Some of these items are pretty easy to avoid most of the time, but a jack-o-lantern full of candy can be very tempting. Many of the popular treats that your child may collect when trick-or-treating fit the guidelines of being hazardous to teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here are some items to avoid:
- All hard candies
- All chewy candies
- Nuts
- Licorice
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Jelly beans
- Bubblegum
- Popcorn
- Hard pretzels
- Caramel and candy apples
This may seem like a list that will take all the fun out of Halloween, but there are still many treats that your child can enjoy. Some braces-friendly examples are plain chocolate candy, peanut butter cups, sliced apples, and soft cookies and cupcakes. Just remember to look for treats that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy. Also, most parents tend to give their children a free pass about indulging in sweets on Halloween, but don’t forget your regular brushing and flossing routine. Maintaining healthy teeth will help you have a hauntingly good time on Halloween, and throughout the year!
Contact our Sherman Oaks orthodontist office to schedule your appointment.
Problems with your bite, or the way your teeth and jaw fit together, can wreak havoc on your mouth. It can be painful, unattractive, and lead to other problems like tooth decay. A bad bite, or malocclusion, is one of the most common reasons that orthodontists fit patients with braces.
What does it mean to have a bad bite?
When your doctor says you have spacing or alignment problems, it’s likely that you have a bad bite. This includes crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth. A bad bite also includes having your upper and lower jaws meet improperly, even if your teeth look straight. Also, bite problems can be caused by teeth that are too close together or too far apart.
What causes bite problems?
The most common causes of bite problems are thumb-sucking, heredity, early tooth loss, and mouth trauma.
What are the benefits of correcting bad bites?
Braces can help with problems related to bite issues in a number of ways, including:
- Appearance – correcting a bad bite creates a more appealing smile, and therefore also improves your self-esteem.
- Tooth wear – an uneven bite can cause abnormal tooth wear, which sometimes leads to the need for crowns or veneers. Braces can correct this problem before your teeth have a chance to wear inappropriately.
- Jaw problems – a misaligned bite can lead to painful conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Teeth cleaning – it is difficult to clean crooked, crowded, protruding, and overlapping teeth. Properly aligned teeth can be more thoroughly cleaned, and therefore have less decay.
Contact our orthodontics dental office in Sherman Oaks, CA to schedule an appointment!
