Providing teens with a unique and positive experience that they can’t find elsewhere is a primary goal for my practice. In short, I strive to make a good impression by providing treatment that’s effective yet also comfortable. I accomplish this by incorporating the latest technology into the practice of orthodontics.
Of particular relevance to your teenagers, who may be interested in pursuing treatment using Invisalign®, is our iTero® Element™digital scanner. It’s used to take 3D “impressions” (models) on each patient, allows us to avoid using that uncomfortable, gooey, impressions material that is typically used. At the same time, it provides more precise information for better fitting Invisalign aligners (and can even allow for shorter appointment times!)
Here’s how it works: With a scanning wand, we’re able to take hundreds of photos of a patient’s teeth in just minutes. These digital pictures are displayed on our computer, providing 3D imaging of your teen’s mouth from any angle. And, after I decide on the treatment plan, your teen can even see the outcome of their smile ahead of time!
And the final result of using our iTero scanner? Faster turnaround time, and perfectly fitted aligners. So the next time you hear the word “impressions,”– don’t worry! We’re sure to make a good impression with your teen.
Dr. Fotovat offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website at: call us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.
At one time, the only option for orthodontic treatment was bulky, metal braces. Many adults shied away from straightening their teeth because they didn’t want the hassle or discomfort of traditional orthodontics. With Invisalign clear aligners, adult and older teen patients can transform their smiles but keep their dignity intact.
Before starting treatment, your orthodontist will take x-rays and perform an exam to see if Invisalign is a good option. Invisalign can correct many common orthodontic problems. Using a series of clear, custom aligners, Invisalign will gently move teeth into the proper position.
At the first visit, your orthodontist will take 3-D images and impressions of your teeth, which an Invisalign lab will utilize to produce your entire set of aligners. Wear each aligner for about two weeks and move on to the next one. Ideally, you should keep the aligners in for about 22 hours a day. In 12 to 18 months, patients can achieve perfect smiles.
To monitor your progress, the orthodontist will schedule appointments every four to six weeks. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat, brush, or attend a special event. Even when you are wearing the aligners, the clear plastic material makes them virtually invisible to the people you see.
Invisalign aligners offer several advantages to traditional orthodontics including:
• No adjustments or pain
• Reduced treatment time
• Removable aligners
• Imperceptible to others
Schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks orthodontic practice and see how we can enhance your smile. Mehdi Fotovat
Having braces isn’t always fun, especially when it comes to food intake. Most orthodontists tell their patients to avoid sticky snacks or hard candy because these food items can damage brackets and wires. Although there are some limitations on your diet, you still have lots of choices for healthy eating during orthodontic treatment.
Fruits and vegetables are alright. An important part of eating right, most people several servings of both categories each day. Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, can be tough to bite into, so cutting these foods into bite-size pieces so that back teeth can chew them will prevent any issues. Choosing soft options, like bananas or cooked squash, is another good option.
Go with whole grains. Since most grain products are soft, having braces shouldn’t impact your ability to eat regular breads or cereals. You may want to avoid unground whole grains because the seeds can get stuck in between your brackets.
Get your dairy on. Calcium helps keep your teeth strong, and dairy products are a great source of this mineral. Low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are soft on your braces too.
Eat more chicken (or beef too). Certain cuts of meat can be tough and difficult to chew when you wear braces. Don’t eat meat straight off the bone, and select lean cuts of fish, beef, and chicken for easier chewing.
Sweet treats you can still enjoy. Although taffy, lifesavers, and gummy bears are temporarily off the menu, feel free to indulge in chocolate or a bowl of ice cream every once in a while.
It’s time to schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Most people desire a perfect smile because it makes them look and feel better about themselves. Certainly, boosting your confidence and outward appearance are perks of having straight teeth, but there are other reasons to consider orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth can positively impact your oral health as well as create whole-mouth harmony.
Although straight teeth do look fantastic, they also promote optimal oral health. Crooked teeth are actually harder to keep clean, which can lead to problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. Less plaque and tartar build up when you have straight teeth, so patients can actually get between the teeth to take care of them. Correcting issues of crowding makes brushing and flossing easier, so you can enjoy a truly healthy smile.
Other side effects of untreated orthodontic issues can include abnormal wear of teeth surfaces, inefficient chewing, and excessive strain on supporting tissues. Misalignment of the jaw joints can also occur, which can result in headaches, neck pain, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder. Treating the orthodontic problem can cost less money, time, and discomfort than having to repair long-term damage to your mouth.
If you think you or a loved one might need orthodontic treatment, contact your orthodontist for a consultation appointment. At this time, the doctor can take X-rays, examine your whole mouth, and review the treatment options. Because of advances in orthodontics, patient have a variety of choices to straighten their teeth, including clear brackets, self-ligating brackets, and Invisalign clear aligners for adults or older teen patients.
We love creating beautiful, healthy smiles at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Brushing and flossing are important components of protecting your dental health. When you have braces, however, good oral hygiene becomes even more critical. If you don’t take good care of your teeth while wearing braces, you can develop issues like plaque, gum disease, and bad breath.
Because braces cover your teeth and remain in your mouth, food can get trapped in between teeth. This situation creates an optimal environment for plaque, the sticky film that coats your mouth and teeth. If patients don’t remove plaque from around braces, this substance can harden in to tartar, which leads to oral health problems.
Consider the following suggestions to help protect your teeth or your child’s teeth during orthodontic treatment:
Brushing
Select a soft-bristle toothbrush. If you like, look for toothbrushes specially designed for people with braces; these products have longer bristles on the outside and shorter ones in the center. Plan to brush three times a day, especially after meals, which will prevent food from staying trapped between brackets. Time yourself so that you brush for at least two minutes.
Flossing
Although flossing can be more difficult with braces, patients need to make the extra effort. Your orthodontist can recommend special products that will help you thread the floss under the wires. Ask your orthodontist if you aren’t sure about the right technique.
General Dental Care
For patients with braces, many orthodontists and dentists recommend more frequent visits to the family dentist. An extra cleaning can help remove any build up and allow your regular dentist to monitor your oral health. Your doctor may recommend a fluoride rinse for added protection.
Schedule an orthodontic consultation at Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
Although it seems cute to see a little baby sweetly sucking on his thumb, that habit can actually cause long-term dental problems. In fact, about 80 percent of babies and young children suck their thumbs at some time. While this method of self-soothing seems appealing to tired parents, most orthodontists recommend that parents get their children to stop thumb sucking as soon as possible.
In general, thumb sucking doesn’t cause extensive issues while your child still has baby teeth. Once permanent teeth arrive, around age six, you run the risk of causing problems that will require orthodontic intervention. Children who suck their thumbs after this point run the risk of developing malocclusions, or alignment problems, as well as speech problems or damage to the roof of the mouth. Another element that contributes to the problems created by thumb sucking is intensity. When children forcibly suck their thumbs from an early age, this action could affect the shape of their mouths and the position of teeth, even the baby teeth.
If you have a thumb sucker, try these tips to help break your child of this habit. Keep in mind that a child needs some motivation to quit.
- Help your child see that he or she is growing up and know longer needs things like bottles, high chairs, etc. Explain that thumb sucking is the same thing.
- If you notice thumb sucking, try to distract your child by reading a book or offering a stuffed animal.
- Praise your child for making progress, even if it is baby steps.
- Use peer pressure to your advantage. Encourage your child to spend time with friends who don’t suck their thumbs.
- Have your dentist and doctor back you up. Children often respond better to authority figures.
- Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about specially designed devices that can help curtail thumb sucking.
If you have questions about thumb sucking, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
