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
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.
If you need an orthodontist and you live in the Sherman Oaks California area, contact our dental office.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t a decision that most people take lightly. It can be a process that takes up to a couple of years, so you want to be certain that you know all you can about it before beginning that journey. It is normal to have many questions about your specific treatment plan, so having an orthodontic consultation is necessary to help you decide whether to pursue treatment. It’s helpful to be prepared for the consultation so you can get all of your questions answered.
Some common questions that you may want to ask at your orthodontic consultation include:
- What kinds of problems will my treatment address?
- How long do you think I will need to wear braces?
- Will I need any other appliances or procedures?
- How often do I need to come in for checkups?
- What about keeping my braces and teeth clean?
- Do I have to avoid certain foods?
- How much pain should I expect, and how can I minimize discomfort?
- Can I still play sports?
- Can I play my musical instrument?
- What about cost and payment options?
Getting answers to those questions should help you as you decide whether orthodontic treatment is right for you. If you think of additional issues, don’t hesitate to call the orthodontist and ask. The staff is there to help you through each step of the process. Once you have all of the information you need and feel confident in the orthodontist team, you can decide if changing your smile through orthodontics is the way to go.
Visit our orthodontic office if you live in the Sherman Oaks, CA area. Dr. Fotovat has treated patients for over 15 years.
