It’s never too late to correct bothersome or unappealing problems with your smile. Adult braces are becoming more and more popular, especially as options are available that are not as noticeable as traditional braces. Two choices that many adults select between are clear braces and Invisalign. Here is a comparison of these two options that adults tend to choose when taking the plunge into orthodontic work.
Clear braces
This type of braces is practically invisible in your mouth. Comprised of clear materials and modern wires, they are not noticeable when you smile. They also move teeth quickly and effectively. Clear braces provide a faster treatment than the option of invisible aligning trays. There are no speech impediments and some say they are easier to maintain than metal braces, since you can see where food particles are hiding and clean them away. You do need to steer clear of things known to stain teeth, such as coffee and smoking, while wearing clear braces because they can become discolored.
Invisalign
Clear aligning trays make up the other option called Invisalign. The trays are custom-made for your mouth, which makes them comfortable. They are also more comfortable than traditional braces because there aren’t any metal wires or brackets that tend to irritate your gums and mouth tissues. The clear trays are nearly invisible, and others may not even notice you’re wearing Invisalign. One of the biggest benefits of this orthodontic choice is that the trays are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and even special occasions. They are easy to clean and you are able to maintain your regular dental hygiene routine.
Whichever choice you make for adult braces, the good news is that both of these options successfully straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Consult an orthodontist to see which of these choices might work best for you.
If you live in the Sherman Oaks area, visit our office to learn more about Invisalign.
It doesn’t happen very often, but major orthodontic emergencies require immediate treatment. As opposed to minor issues that can be handled yourself or at your next appointment, emergencies should be treated by a professional. Here are some ways to help you tell the difference between types of problems.
Serious injury
See a dentist or doctor immediately if your teeth, mouth, or jaw is directly injured. An X-ray might be required to correctly diagnose and treat your injury. If orthodontic appliances are affected, they may need adjustment or replacement.
Infection
Teeth sometimes become infected after orthodontic work. If pain or swelling occurs near a tooth and worsens, seek professional treatment as soon as you can.
Minor problems
Some issues arise due to normal usage, wear, and movement of your braces. Sticky or hard foods can contribute to or worsen the problems, as can overly vigorous dental hygiene tasks. These issues are usually not emergencies unless accompanied by severe or prolonged pain. Here are some common minor problems:
• Loose wire
• Poking wire
• Loose bracket
• Loose appliance
• Loose elastic band
• Broken or missing elastic band
• Ill-fitting headgear
• General discomfort or soreness
Remedies
There are some remedies you can try at home to lessen your discomfort due to a minor issue until you see your orthodontist. Cover a loose wire or bracket with wax. Adjust a poking or protruding wire with clean tweezers or a cotton swab, or try clipping it gently with nail clippers. Remaining wire ends can be covered with wax. If your mouth is sore or you have areas of irritation, rinse with a saltwater mixture.
Orthodontist for emergencies in Sherman Oaks CA.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is very common. Young people are more at risk as their tooth enamel is less resistant to decay, but anyone can develop a cavity in a tooth, at any age. Tooth decay is caused when plaque is allowed to build up on the tooth surfaces. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars found in foods, and these bacteria produce acids that soften the tooth enamel. These acids continue to attack the teeth for approximately twenty minutes after eating. After this time the mouth gradually becomes less acidic, and the tooth enamel begins to re-harden. This is why it is best to wait for at least twenty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth, as brushing too soon disrupts the hardening process.
Reducing Your Risks
There are various other things you can do to help reduce the risk of developing cavities, and these include:
- Making sure you have good oral hygiene, as regular removal of plaque will reduce the numbers of bacteria in your mouth, so there are fewer left to produce acids whenever you eat.
- Reducing the number of snacks in between meals will reduce the number of times your teeth are attacked by acids. If you do want to snack then opt for a hard piece of cheese that is full of tooth-friendly calcium, or very crunchy fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and which contain a lot of water. Fibrous fruits and vegetables have a slight scrubbing action on the teeth and the high water content helps to wash away excess food particles.
- Avoid highly acidic beverages and foods, as the acids will directly attack your tooth enamel.
- If you are unable to produce sufficient saliva (a condition called dry mouth), ask your dentist for advice on how to deal with this problem. Saliva is essential for helping to reduce acidity in the mouth, and for washing away excess food and bacteria.
- Regular professional dental care helps ensure any early signs of cavities are detected and treated before they can cause any problems.
Orthodontists office in Sherman Oaks, CA
A common question patients have when they are undergoing orthodontic treatment is whether or not they should continue seeing their dentist during that timeframe. The answer is yes, you should maintain your regular dental checkups even though you visit your orthodontic for periodic adjustments to your braces. Seeing your dentist throughout orthodontic treatment will help your teeth look their best when the braces are removed.
Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings are the best way to fully get rid of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Food and bacteria can easily become hidden around your braces, causing plaque and tartar to build up around your bands, brackets, or appliances. Having your dentist clean your teeth will reduce your chances of developing cavities. If your braces are the clear Invisalign trays, you should still maintain regular dental checkups.
Decalcification
When calcium in your teeth is lost, it is called decalcification. This can lead to unsightly white spots on the surface of your teeth. If not treated, decalcification cannot be reversed and may cause cavities. Patients who avoid sugary or acidic foods, practice proper oral hygiene, and see the dentist regularly can avoid decalcification of their teeth.
Timing
The time that you have to undergo orthodontic treatment may be extended if you experience dental problems along the way. For instance, cavities can lengthen your treatment time. Your dentist can help you avoid cavities through professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. Seeing your dentist every six months will help you realize your goals of finishing orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Fotovat is a orthodontist in Sherman Oaks California.
Your teeth may be the last thing on your mind during pregnancy, but your oral health is actually a very important part of your body to consider during this time. Not only can dental problems affect an expectant mother, they can also impact her unborn baby. Here are some things to keep in mind about your oral health if you are pregnant.
Dental hygiene
Increased hormone levels during pregnancy can cause gum bleeding, inflammation, and higher risk of trapped food. Gum disease is more likely during pregnancy; in fact, gingivitis affects 60 to 75 percent of expectant mothers. If untreated, periodontal disease and tooth loss can occur. Pre-term births are even linked to gum disease. Therefore, following a strict routine of brushing and flossing will help avoid oral health problems.
Checkups
Women should continue to see their dentist throughout pregnancy. Tell your dental professionals that you are pregnant so that appropriate precautions can be taken. The second trimester is the perfect time to schedule a checkup. If you require extensive dental treatment like fillings, root canals, crowns, or extractions, discuss the procedures with both your dentist and your doctor to ensure your health and that of your baby are protected.
X-rays
Avoid routine X-rays during pregnancy. In some cases, X-rays are essential to handling a serious dental problem. According to the American College of Radiology, a single diagnostic X-ray does not contain enough radiation to harm your baby.
Medication
Dosages of any medication should be kept as low as possible. Category B drugs are considered safe in limited amounts. Be careful not to overmedicate yourself with over-the-counter pain relievers for a dental problem. Even though some drugs are approved, that doesn’t mean they can be taken in high doses. If antibiotics are needed, ask your dentist about which ones are approved to be safe for unborn children.
Anesthesia
Undergoing anesthesia should be avoided while pregnant. Lidocaine is commonly used in dental procedures, and is known to cross the placenta. This means that if it is used, the dosage should be kept low.
Family orthodontist in Sherman Oaks
You may have noticed more and more adults you know are sporting braces on their teeth. In fact, there has been a dramatic rise during the past two decades in the popularity of adults enhancing their smiles with orthodontic treatment. There are a number of unique advantages that patients have for choosing braces later in life.
Getting braces as an adult is a choice. Many youth who wear braces don’t have much say in the decision; parents choose to get braces for their children. On the other hand, adults may decide to get braces for the first time because they never had the opportunity as a child. Or some adults are undergoing a second round of treatment because they were negligent about following recommended guidelines after braces. Either way, adults who choose to get braces do not take the decision lightly.
For one thing, braces are a considerable investment of both time and money. Adults must take time off their jobs or busy schedules to visit the orthodontist. And most grownups no longer get to rely on their parents to pay for braces, so paying for it themselves can make a patient more committed to the process.
Adults tend to be more compliant in following the instructions while wearing braces. Certain foods can put you at increased risk for damaging your appliances, so adults are often more able to steer clear of restricted foods than kids. Adults also understand the negative effects that certain habits can have on teeth, such as smoking or eating sugar.
Adults take the time to care for their smile. That means brushing carefully after each meal to remove food particles from the braces, and even using special tools like orthodontic brushes or floss threaders. After braces are removed, adults usually follow through on the advice to wear retainers for the recommended time and are diligent about keeping up with appliances.
Getting braces as an adult is a great way to improve your smile so that you’ll be happy with it the rest of your life, and feel better about yourself in the process.
Orthodontist for adults in Sherman Oaks CA
