Wearing braces is a tried and true way of straightening crooked teeth and correcting misaligned jaws. Braces are a solution for both adolescents and adults, and advancements have been made in the field of orthodontics to accommodate a variety of preferences and goals. The function is practically the same for all types of braces, but their appearances can be very different. Here are some of the main types of braces for you to consider.
Metal
The braces that many people are most familiar with are the traditional metal kind. They have metal brackets and wires, and some also employ rubber bands. Metal braces are very visible in your mouth, can be difficult to keep clean, and are accompanied by suggested food limitations so that braces aren’t damaged.
Clear
The most popular brand of clear braces is Invisalign, which consists of transparent aligners that are also removable. This type of braces eliminates many of the downfalls of metal braces, because they are hardly visible, easily removed for cleaning, have no food restrictions, and do not irritate the mouth. However, the effectiveness is dependent upon the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners consistently.
Lingual
This type of braces is attached behind your teeth, providing their main benefit of not being visible to others. Initial discomfort is to be expected as your tongue gets used to touching the braces. Only specialists trained in lingual braces provide this kind, and they are often more expensive than other types of braces.
Ceramic
Similar to metal braces but made of ceramic, these braces are less visible because the ceramic is closer in color to your teeth. It is a little more costly to get this kind of braces and they usually aren’t as durable as metal, but many patients prefer the look of ceramic.
Dental braces at our Sherman Oaks orthodontists office.
Sometimes a person’s jaw is not big enough to allow the teeth to come in properly, which can create problems such as incorrect bites. If the jaw size isn’t corrected in time, it can require serious orthodontic treatment in the future. Palatal expanders provide a way to correct children’s jaws while they are still growing.
What is a palatal expander?
An orthodontist attaches a palatal expender in the roof of the patient’s mouth to widen the palate so that the jaws fit together correctly. The expander works over time to separate the two halves of the upper jaw to create a wider distance between them. To be effective, the palatal expander must be worn before the median suture of the jaws close together.
Why is it necessary?
A typical result of an untreated jaw formation is a cross bite, which often leads to problems with the temperomandibular joint, abnormal wear on teeth, and receding gums. Wearing a palatal expander prepares the mouth for additional orthodontic correction like braces, and makes room for permanent teeth and less crowding within jaws that are too small.
What is the process like?
To activate the expander, a small key-like device must be turned in the appliance. A parent or other adult should turn the key as instructed by the orthodontist, usually once a day until the desired expansion has occurred. Most patients wear the expander for three to six months. Although it works by putting pressure on the teeth, it is usually not painful. During wear, patients should avoid sticky or hard foods and brush their teeth carefully.
When is it effective?
Remember, palatal expanders only work while the jaw is still growing. Parents should monitor their child’s mouth for growth, and maintain regular dental checkups to identify problems early. If this problem isn’t treated during youth, it can mean painful and extensive procedures as an adult.
Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA for teens and adults.
Once you decide to improve your smile with orthodontics, it’s a matter of learning which treatment works best for your lifestyle, budget, and dental problems. Two common methods of orthodontic treatment to choose between are traditional metal braces or clear Invisalign braces. Here is a comparison of some important factors about these types of braces to help you decide which might be right for you.
Appearance
Traditional metal braces are very noticeable in your mouth. There is pretty much no chance others won’t notice that you’re wearing them. Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligner trays that are practically invisible. One reason that Invisalign is very popular with adults is the fact that they are not noticeable.
Comfort
The wires and brackets of metal braces may irritate your mouth, so some patients find them uncomfortable. Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic that rarely causes any discomfort for patients.
Convenience
One well-known fact about traditional braces is that it is hard to keep them clean. Food can easily become stuck in the wires, and brushing and flossing can be difficult. Also, there are a number of foods that you should avoid eating while wearing metal braces because the brackets can break. On the other hand, removable Invisalign trays allow you to brush and floss normally. Since you don’t wear the trays while eating, there are no diet restrictions.
Effectiveness
Although they may not be as attractive or comfortable, traditional braces do a great job of aligning your teeth. They correct teeth that are rotated or crooked, as well as vertically misaligned teeth. They can effectively move teeth to improve your bite and jaw alignment. Invisalign usually has the same outcome as treatment with traditional braces, except in cases of certain problems that aligning trays cannot correct. Invisalign works well on horizontally misaligned teeth, but not as effectively on severely overcrowded or rotated teeth or teeth of varying heights.
Our orthodontists office in Burbank CA offers Invisalign options for teens and adults.
The foods you eat and when you eat them affects your overall health, but also the health of your teeth and gums. If you eat too many foods loaded with sugar, and not enough foods containing important nutrients, your risk of tooth decay increases. How can choosing a smart diet prevent dental problems?
When plaque on your teeth meets sugar, which then causes acid to attack your teeth, your teeth begin to decay. Foods and drinks containing any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. You should make a habit of reading the nutrition labels on foods, so that you can opt for the choices lowest in sugar. Common sugar-filled items to avoid include sodas, candy, cookies, and pastries.
On the other hand, certain nutrients help build up the health of your teeth and gums. If your diet lacks those vitamins and minerals, the tissues in your mouth will be less resistant to infection. This can lead to gum disease, which if untreated can end up in tooth loss. Experts suggest that gum disease worsens faster in people who maintain a poor diet.
The key is to eat a balanced diet containing the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy foods. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. You should also limit snacking between meals, because those tend to be foods that fall outside the recommended food items for healthy teeth. Also, more saliva is produced during a meal, which is helpful in cleaning your mouth and reducing the harmful effects of acid on your teeth and gums.
For good dental health, remember to practice proper dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing regularly. Maintaining consistent dental checkups is another way to maintain your oral health. In the meantime, making smart choices in your diet will help keep your mouth in tip-top shape.
Dr. Fotovat is a orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA
Taking good care of your braces is an important part of the orthodontic process. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or Invisalign aligners, proper care and maintenance will keep your mouth healthy and your appliances in good condition. Follow these guidelines for optimum results while wearing your braces and obtaining a beautiful smile.
How should I maintain traditional braces?
Traditional braces are known for capturing food particles when you eat, and it can be hard to get rid of all the residue. Brush your teeth diligently after every meal when possible, focusing on each side of every tooth before moving to the next one. Most orthodontists provide a small bristled orthodontic brush made for cleaning braces. There will be areas that your toothbrush can’t reach, but the small brush can access all areas more easily. You can also use a mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and food particles.
How should I maintain Invisalign braces?
One of the main selling points of Invisalign braces is the clear plastic aligners that are almost invisible in your mouth. To help keep them invisible, avoid consuming foods that stain like berries, sodas, grape juice, coffee, or wine. Since you shouldn’t be eating while wearing the trays, it shouldn’t be very difficult to keep staining items away from them. Rinse your aligning trays with warm water after wearing them, and brush the trays gently to avoid scratching or damaging them. Many orthodontists advise using a drop of liquid dish detergent on your toothbrush to clean your trays instead of toothpaste, which may contain abrasive particles. Thoroughly clean your aligners from every angle before returning the trays to your mouth, making sure all soap is removed first. Also remember to clean and rinse your teeth and gums properly before inserting your trays. This will help ensure a healthy and fresh smelling mouth.
Contact our Sherman Oaks orthodontists office for more information.
How do you know when you’ve done something to your orthodontic work that is considered an emergency? Major orthodontic emergencies don’t happen that often, but immediate attention is needed when they do. Less serious issues can usually wait until an appointment. Having some guidelines to explain the difference between types of emergencies is helpful.
Infection
Occasionally a patient’s tooth may become infected after orthodontic treatment. It may not even be related to your appliances, but either way an infection requires professional treatment. If you have pain or swelling near a tooth that continues to worsen, call your orthodontist.
Injury
Accidents can happen whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. See your orthodontist immediately if you injure your teeth, mouth, or jaw. An X-ray may be necessary to determine the extent of the damage. If your orthodontic appliances are affected, they may require adjustment or replacement.
Minor issues
It is much more common for minor problems to arise with your orthodontic work. Some issues that you can either repair on your own or wait until your next office visit include:
- Poking wire
- Loose wire
- Loose bracket
- Loose elastic band
- Lost or broken elastic band
- Loose appliance
- Headgear that does not fit
- General soreness
Avoiding problems
Most minor orthodontic issues can occur with normal wear and tear. You can help avoid mishaps by steering clear of foods that your orthodontist has warned you about. Hard or sticky items can cause problems. Also, overly vigorous brushing can harm your orthodontics. None of the examples of minor issues should be considered emergencies unless severe or prolonged pain is present.
If you are having an orthodontic emergency, contact our Sherman Oaks orthodontists office.
