Not everyone is blessed with perfect teeth, so that’s why you see many people wearing braces to correct their smiles. But did you know there are lots more people who wear braces then you realize? New technologies provide orthodontic treatment that you can’t even see without close examination, and the results are just as good as wearing traditional braces.
Why should I get braces?
The most obvious answer to this question is to correct crooked teeth. Braces are more than teeth straightening though. Jaw misalignment is another main reason for braces. There are also side effects of misplaced or overlapping teeth, such as speech difficulties, facial changes, malocclusion, difficulty eating, and tooth decay because you can’t adequately clean all areas of your teeth. A bad bite may cause your teeth to chip or break, and result in pain and headaches associated with temporomandibular joint disorder. Good orthodontic treatment can treat all of these issues.
Are there different kinds?
The traditional metal kind of braces has been around the longest. These involve metal wires pushing your teeth, along with brackets that attach to each tooth. Sometimes rubber bands and other appliances are needed as well. A newer type of braces is the invisible ones that are made of clear plastic. These removable aligner trays move your teeth without having the same aesthetic impacts on your smile during treatment.
What are the benefits of invisible braces?
The near invisibility of clear braces is the reason many patients choose them. Here are some additional reasons that they are popular:
- Comfortable and lightweight with no wires that might poke you
- Convenient to take in and out
- Allows normal brushing and flossing
- No diet restrictions
Visit an orthodontist for Invisalign – Dr. Fotovat is premier preferred provider of Invisalign to patient from Burbank and the surrounding area.
Teenagers are known for being busy and distracted, rushing from one thing to another. They often neglect things that they don’t realize are important parts of keeping healthy. One of the aspects of their lives that teens don’t make time for is properly taking care of their teeth. Here are some ways to help keep your teen’s mouth in good shape.
Brushing and flossing
The best way for your teen to avoid cavities is to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. Even though teenagers find it tempting to skip these dental hygiene steps, the payoff of having a mouth full of healthy and sparkling teeth will be worth it.
Nutritious diet
Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks is another way to protect teeth. Teens often grab quick snacks on the run, and are inclined to reach for items that don’t have much nutritional value. Try to keep a supply of foods that appeal to your teen without endangering their oral health.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a plastic coating that a dentist applies to teeth to create a barrier that protects teeth from developing cavities. They are usually applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth and to grooves in teeth. It’s a quick and easy process that can provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Mouth guards
Teens who are involved in sports or activities like skateboarding should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth against injury. They are the best way to avoid broken or knocked out teeth, and also to protect the mouth and face from harm. Your dentist can recommend the best type of mouth guard for your teenager.
Orthodontist for teens in Sherman Oaks and the surrounding area.
When it comes to achieving the smile you always wanted by straightening your teeth, you have a number of options these days. Patients have varying opinions about what they are willing to wear on their teeth during orthodontic work, so advancements in technology allow for other alternatives to the traditional metal braces. Here are some common choices for teeth straightening.
Permanent braces
Made of metal or ceramics, these are the braces that probably come to mind first. Each bracket is permanently attached to the tooth for a secure fit. Permanent braces are highly successful for major realignments and restorative changes. Metal braces are durable but very noticeable in your mouth, while ceramic braces are somewhat less sturdy but can be colored to match your teeth.
Clear braces
Invisalign is a newer alternative to traditional braces, popular because they are made of clear plastic that makes them practically invisible. The trays gradually align your teeth as you’re wearing them, and are removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign may not be the best choice for severe orthodontic issues, however, as they are most effective for minor to moderate treatment.
Lingual braces
Placed on the inside of your teeth, lingual braces are hidden from view. This type of treatment requires a very skilled orthodontist to properly install and adjust the braces, and not all patients are candidates. Lingual braces sometimes irritate your tongue and gums, so make sure you discuss this type of treatment thoroughly with your orthodontist to make sure you understand all the pros and cons.
Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks specializing in Invisalign.
Cosmetic dentistry is a well-known field that focuses on improving your smile. Often people think this only means correcting tooth problems like stains, chips, cracks, or other unsightly flaws. However, cosmetic dentistry is not limited to only visible tooth problems, but also takes into consideration issues involving the jaw. This is where orthodontics can come to the rescue.
Misaligned jaws can cause a variety of oral health concerns. Facial features may be affected, as well as speech, eating, and breathing. Pain is a common side effect of jaw misalignment. Teeth can also be impacted eventually by jaws that are not in place, because they begin to compensate by moving into incorrect positions. Teeth grinding, decay, damage, and loss may occur without jaw correction.
Jaw malocclusion may be a genetic trait, or can result from things like trauma or disease. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull. When the TMJ is strained for any reason, the consequences like pain can extend toward the head and face. Other issues like stress are also known to affect the TMJ, and lead to further discomfort and jaw problems.
An orthodontist can diagnose and treat any of these jaw-related problems. X-rays will help determine exactly what is causing the symptoms, and treatment will be recommended. This may involve braces to move the jaw into proper alignment, therefore improving your appearance as well as your comfort level. A cosmetic dentist can tell you if orthodontics might be helpful to your condition, and refer you to an orthodontist who can put you on the road to a winning smile.
Cosmetic orthodontist Dr. Fotovat treats patients from Sherman Oaks, CA and the surrounding area.
When you wear braces, you probably can’t wait for the day your orthodontist takes them off and you can flaunt a beautiful, straight smile. Orthodontic treatment, however, doesn’t end with braces. Most of the time, your orthodontist will fit you for a retainer, an oral appliance that keeps teeth from shifting back into an improper position. You may wear a removable retainer as well as one that stays inside your mouth.
Initially, you will need to wear the removable retainer for most of the day. Over time, your orthodontist will watch your teeth and may lessen the number of hours you wear the appliance. For children and teenagers, many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer until their early 20s. To keep your retainer in good condition, follow these helpful hints:
- Remove your retainer when you eat, brush, or floss.
- Clean your retainer with warm, soapy water or toothpaste after each use.
- Put your retainer in a safe place when you aren’t wearing the appliance. People often remove their retainers at restaurants and place them in napkins, which can result in expensive replacement costs.
- Carry your retainer case with you so that you have it available at all times. Never leave the case on a table, bench, or counter.
- Keep your retainer away from pets or small children.
- When you participate in sports, take your retainer out and wear a mouth guard during games.
- If a wire breaks or something else happens to your retainer, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact your orthodontist immediately.
Schedule an appointment for your child at our Valley Village, CA orthodontists office.
If you think you’ll be the only parent wearing braces on your teeth at the same time as your teenagers, think again. One out of every five patients wearing braces is an adult. Advances in orthodontic treatment have allowed wearing braces as an adult to become an appealing and realistic option. It’s not too late to change your smile so that you look and feel your best.
Do braces work for adults?
Braces can be successful on patients of all ages. The process of moving your teeth into more healthy and attractive positions is the same whether you’re 15 or 50. There’s still time to correct problems that may have been bothering you for many years, including crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, or jaw issues.
Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a reputable orthodontist in your area. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. During your initial appointment, the orthodontist will usually assess your oral health, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Cost and insurance issues will be addressed, and initial photos, x-rays, and impressions might be taken if you choose to pursue treatment.
What are the benefits of adult braces?
Enhancing your smile through orthodontic work can improve you appearance, self-esteem, and your oral health. There are many options available today so that you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Braces are more comfortable, effective, and inconspicuous than ever before. If straightening your teeth has been your dream for a long time, consider making it a reality because age doesn’t matter.
If you need braces for your child in the Sherman Oak, CA area, contact Dr. Fotovat to schedule a consultation.
