Whether your child has a gap between his front teeth or you’ve finally decided to get rid of your crooked smile, the first step toward getting the results you want is selecting the perfect orthodontist. You need to find an orthodontist who meets your needs and with whom you can develop a rapport as well.
When looking at potential candidates, keep these things in mind:
Experience – As you weed through the myriads of orthodontists in your area, evaluate the training skills of anyone you put on your short list. For example, look for someone certified in Invisalign or who offers In-Ovation C braces, if clear braces are the option you most want to pursue.
Personality – Orthodontic treatment lasts, on average, from six to 18 months. If you are going to invest that much time, and a great deal of money, you want to find someone who gels well with you or your child, depending on who is the patient.
References – A great place to find an orthodontist is by asking family or friends who they recommend. Before making a decision, you can also ask for the names of one or two satisfied patients. Meeting people who had a positive experience with the orthodontist you have selected can help solidify your decision.
Environment – Another factor to consider is the atmosphere. Does the practice offering leading edge technology? Did you feel comfortable with the staff? Was the office clean and well kept?
Location – Don’t knock the importance of convenience in making your choice. If you have to schedule visits on your lunch hour or shuttle your child back and forth from school, picking an orthodontist close to these spots will save you time and frustration.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year from our orthodontic dental team in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
Everyone has heard of braces and retainers. Usually, braces consist of bands, wires, and brackets. A retainer will keep your teeth from shifting back into their natural position. These orthodontic devices are used to straighten teeth and maintain the results after treatment.
Sometimes, the orthodontist will need to use additional devices to complete your treatment. Although not as common as braces, these appliances can be an important component to achieving a straighter smile. After a thorough evaluation, your orthodontist may recommend one of these devices in conjunction with braces:
Fixed Space Maintainers – When a patient loses a baby tooth prematurely, the doctor may place a fixed space maintainer to keep the spot open until the permanent tooth erupts.
Palatal Expander – Positioned over the roof of the mouth, a palatal expander widens the arch of the upper jaw. The palatal expander uses screws to apply outward pressure and stretch the corresponding bones and joints.
Lip and Cheek Bumpers – Your lips and cheek muscles can actually exert pressure on your teeth. These appliances keep the lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
Headgear – Designed to slow the growth of the upper jaw, headgear will hold the back teeth in position while the front teeth are pulled back. Headagear is held in place with a strap across the back of the head and a wire that fits across the front.
Spacers – Rubber bands placed between teeth, orthodontic spacers are used to create enough room so that the doctor can place brackets and metal bands on the back teeth.
Visit our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, California – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
If you have a child or teenager with braces, you will likely have unexpected situations arise. Even adults aren’t immune to occasional issues with their orthodontia. Call your orthodontist when an incident occurs. Luckily, very few true emergencies will arise during orthodontic treatment. These tips will help you deal with any unforeseen issues.
Broken or Loose Wire – If a wire starts to poke your child, place dental wax over the area to protect the inside of the mouth. Sometimes, wires break. Bring any pieces of wire with you to the orthodontist.
Loose or Broken Bracket – When the bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, you should see the orthodontist right away. Once the bracket breaks off, save it and bring it with you as soon as you can see the doctor.
Loose band – Usually, a band is cemented on the tooth so the patient is in no immediate danger. Call your doctor as soon as possible so that you can go in and have the band re-cemented in place before food and bacteria get under the area.
Trauma with loose teeth – In these cases, you should contact your family dentist as well as your orthodontist to coordinate patient care.
Broken Retainer – Because a retainer holds teeth in place after braces, call your orthodontist immediately if the appliance stops fitting correctly.
Cuts or sores inside your mouth – Thoroughly rinse the area with warm salt water to help with healing. Call for an appointment so the doctor can determine the cause of irritation.
Creating healthy, beautiful smiles at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Dr. Mehdi Fotovat.
