Braces can straighten teeth and transform your smile. After orthodontic treatment, however, patients need to wear their retainers to stop teeth from shifting out of place. Forgetting to wear that retainer may result in movement and the potential need for more therapy. A spring retainer can help correct the position of your teeth, saving the hassle and expense of additional time in braces.
Made of a wire and acrylic frame, the spring retainer extends from cuspid to cuspid and forces the front teeth back into place. Spring retainers work well at fixing the shift that results when patients haven’t worn their original retainers as directed by their orthodontist. Even adults who stopped wearing their retainers years ago may benefit from therapy with a spring retainer.
Though spring retainers can cause movement, these oral appliances aren’t miracle workers. Ideally, a spring retainer will move your teeth one to two mm and should only be used for minor adjustments. Spring retainers won’t work for root or jaw movement, and these devices don’t help severely crooked teeth. Usually, spring retainers focus on the four front teeth, but they can be adjusted to encompass more of your smile.
Treatment time with a spring retainer only lasts about six months. Once the teeth have moved back into place, you will need to wear the spring retainer at night for a certain period of time to preserve the desired results. To determine if you could benefit from use of a spring retainer, contact Mehdi Fotovat, DDS in Sherman Oaks, CA. After a thorough exam, the orthodontist can make a detailed recommendation for treatment.
Mehdi Fotovat, DDS. Sherman Oaks California orthodontics – creating beautiful, straight smiles!
If you are thinking about bringing your child in for an evaluation or you are considering adult treatment, you will want to have at least a cursory knowledge of orthodontics. These questions and answers will get you started. After a complete evaluation, your orthodontist will explain the findings, review the treatment plan, and answer any questions.
Is there a difference between a dentist and orthodontist?
Yes. An orthodontist is a dentist that has completed an additional two to three years of advanced education in orthodontics, the branch of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What causes orthodontic issues?
Malocclusions, or bad bites, can be genetic or acquired. Often, people inherit problems such as crowding, extra space, or additional teeth. Trauma, thumb sucking, dental disease, and other factors can contribute to acquired malocclusions.
Why does it matter if I have orthodontic treatment?
Not only will straighter teeth look better, but they will also improve your oral health. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, which increases the chances of developing tooth decay.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Although most people usually wear braces for 12 to 24 months, the definitive answer depends on the individual case. Another factor that influences treatment time is cooperation. If you don’t listen to your orthodontist, the braces will stay on longer.
I am an adult. Are there other options besides metal braces?
In the past, metal braces were the only choice for orthodontic treatment. Now, adult patients can consider clear braces and Invisalign aligners to achieve flawless smiles and still maintain their polished appearances.
Consider our Orthodontic team in Sherman Oaks California – Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
While having braces may not seem like a ball of fun, it doesn’t have to create a negative affect on your life. Most people visit their orthodontist every six to eight weeks, finish treatment, and enjoy gorgeous smiles. Sometimes, orthodontic care doesn’t go as planned and you made need to contact the orthodontist for special circumstances. These tips can help you stay calm and handle the situation like a pro.
Know Your Appliance
Understanding the limitations of your braces or retainer can stop you from damaging these devices. With braces, staying away from crunchy or sticky foods can prevent breakage. When you have a retainer, wear the appliance as directed and leave it in the case when not in use.
Assess the need
If you run into a problem, determine how serious the issue is before you act. Call your orthodontist during business hours if something breaks, comes loose, or gets lost. Immediately contact the office when a broken appliance prevents you from opening or closing your mouth, or if you have pain even after taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Be prepared
Because brackets or wires can break, keep orthodontic wax on hand to protect the area until you can get in to see your orthodontist.
Take precautions
During your time in braces, ask your orthodontist about a mouth guard if you play sports. Also, don’t mess with your brackets or wires because you can accidentally cause problems with the dental appliance.
We care about your smile at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
While wearing braces can give you a stunning smile, most people don’t look forward to the process. Though the end result might be worth it, braces aren’t a lot of fun. These tips will help you get through your orthodontic treatment like a champ.
Get the facts
Find a good orthodontist and have a full evaluation so that you can discover exactly what kind of treatment you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or get more information if something is unclear.
Review your options
Though many kids and teens still wear traditional braces, other orthodontic options exist for adult and older teen patients such as self-ligating brackets, clear brackets, and Invisalign clear aligners.
Follow directions
Your treatment time will progress on schedule if you wear rubber bands, keep appointments, and completely listen to the orthodontist’s instructions. On the flip slide, you may have to wear the braces even longer if you don’t comply with what the orthodontist says.
Focus on the goal
Remember that your time in braces is temporary and has a definite purpose. After treatment, you will achieve a stunning smile that will provide years of enjoyment. Those one or two years in braces will seem like no time at all.
We care about your smile at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
After you finish corrective orthodontic therapy, your treatment probably won’t end. Most orthodontists recommend retainers for their patients. Because teeth have a tendency to shift back after treatment, this orthodontic device helps keep your teeth in the right position. Your orthodontist will determine how long you need the retainer for successful results, but patients often wear retainers for 12 to 24 months.
A retainer can be fixed or removable. As well, your retainer may be clear plastic or attached to a light-colored base with metal wires. Often, the top retainers can be taken out, but the ones for bottom teeth are cemented in place for the duration of treatment.
Once your braces come off, your orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth and use these molds to generate your retainer. Initially, you may need to wear your retainer at night and during the day. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and adjust that schedule accordingly.
When you have a retainer, it’s important to take proper care of your appliance. Remember to:
• Keep the appliance in a safe place. You will probably receive a case, so make sure to put the retainer away when you aren’t wearing it.
• Clean your retainer. Part of good oral hygiene is brushing or soaking your appliance to remove germs and bacteria.
• If it breaks, contact your orthodontist right away. Don’t try to fix the retainer yourself because you may do more damage.
• Take your removable appliance out to eat or brush.
If you’re looking for an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
If either you or your child needs braces, you should schedule a visit to an orthodontist. At this appointment, the orthodontist can examine your mouth and make recommendations for treatment. Much of the terminology may seem confusing. The following list of terms should help you understand orthodontic basics.
Arch wire
Attached to your brackets, this metal wire helps shift your teeth into the correct position.
Biomechanics
A term that describes the relationship between the force you apply to your teeth and how they move or change.
Crowding
An orthodontic problem that occurs when you have too many teeth in too small an area and results in overlapping teeth.
Dentition
Often used by dentists and orthodontists, this is a term for teeth, gums, and bone.
Fixed appliance
When orthodontic devices are cemented to your teeth, they are considered fixed appliances.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment
Also called Phase 1 treatment, interceptive orthodontic treatment is often performed on patients 6 to 10 years old. The goal of early treatment is to address issues that respond best to therapy while a child is still growing. A second phase of treatment may be needed later.
Malocclusion
The general term used to describe bite problems.
Palatal expander
Sometimes necessary in orthodontic therapy, a palatal expander will make your upper jaw wider.
Retainer
Either a fixed or removable device, a retainer is an orthodontic appliance that will help keep your teeth in the desired position after you finish corrective orthodontic treatment.
Wax
The clear material placed over braces to keep the metal from irritating your gums and mouth.
Giving our patients something to smile about at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
