Getting Your Questions about Invisalign Answered

The best way to determine if an orthodontic treatment plan is right for you is to visit a qualified professional for a consultation. However, it’s also smart to go into the office with some knowledge about the options and questions that you might have. Being well-informed puts you on the road to a successful experience. If you’re wondering about Invisalign treatment, here are some common questions and answers about this method.

How does Invisalign work?

Unique 3D computer technology is used to create a treatment plan from the initial teeth position to the final desired position. Clear plastic aligners are developed based on the imaging in sets to be worn from the start of treatment and changed every couple of weeks to new sets as treatment progresses. This process gradually moves the teeth into better positions.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Most adults and teens are eligible for treatment, with the exception of those who still have too many baby teeth or are awaiting the eruption of second molars. Invisalign addresses most orthodontic issues, although a professional consultation is the best way to find out if it’s right for you.

What type of doctor should I see?

Special training is required to become an authorized Invisalign provider, as well as ongoing training classes to maintain the designation of “Preferred Provider.” This status may be achieved by a dentist or an orthodontist, so just look for a provider with the required Invisalign training.

Does Invisalign hurt?

The pain associated with traditional orthodontics does not occur with Invisalign, mainly because there are no wires involved. You may experience slight discomfort as you adjust to each new set of aligners, but it dissipates quickly and is not severe.

How will Invisalign affect my everyday life?

Since the aligners are removeable for eating and cleaning, you can stick to your regular diet and oral hygiene. Fewer appointments are required than with traditional braces, so you won’t even be giving up your time to sit in the dental chair. Your daily life will hardly be affected during Invisalign treatment.

If you live in the Burbank, contact us today

Oral Cancer Screenings at Your Dentist

Oral cancer includes cancers of the tongue, the hard and soft palate, the sinuses, the throat, and the cheeks and lips. It is a disease that can be life threatening if not diagnosed early enough, and oral cancer rates are increasing. One of the main problems with this condition is that it is frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already well advanced, and when the chances of a complete cure are greatly reduced.

What Are The Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Sores in the mouth that fail to heal within two weeks, and which bleed easily
  • Lumps, bumps and swellings in the mouth
  • Rough patches of skin in the mouth
  • Color changes to the soft tissues in the mouth, for example the development of red or white spots
  • Difficultly in eating, chewing or swallowing
  • Having a sore throat or feeling hoarse
  • Noticing your teeth fit together slightly differently
  • Certain areas of the face may become numb, or might feel painful or tender

How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

Oral cancer screenings are a part of regular dental checkups. Your dentist will examine all the soft tissues in your mouth, and will check to see if the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen. If they find anything that looks suspicious then they will remove a few cells for closer examination. This is done with a brush biopsy, where a small brush is used to collect a few cells, or through removing a small sample of tissue for closer analysis. If anything suspicious is found then your dentist will refer you to an oral cancer specialist for further tests.

Early diagnosis of this disease is essential, and you can help yourself by keeping an eye out for any possible symptoms in between regular screenings. One of the most commons symptoms is noticing an ulcer or sore that fails to heal within a reasonable timeframe. It is always worth seeking professional dental advice to help eliminate the possibility of oral cancer.

If you need a orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, contact us today

Early Orthodontics: When’s The Best Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?

Early Orthodontics: When’s The Best Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?

Your oral health is essential to longevity and a good quality of life. Many adults would agree, however, did you know that establishing positive oral hygiene habits begin in early childhood? If your child’s teeth and gums aren’t healthy at the early stages of their life, this could easily foster into bigger health problems down the road. Dr. Fotovat recommends that all parents take action now and learn the best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam in order to preserve your youngster’s health and healthy smile during their developmental years.

Maintaining quality oral care habits often goes far beyond consulting a dentist. As they get older, it becomes obvious that many children need the help of a specialist to ensure their teeth remain in great shape. A qualified Orthodontist like Dr. Fotovat can identify irregularities in the teeth, jaws and face, as well as offer corrective treatment that best fit your youngster’s oral health needs.

It’s important to seek an orthodontist for your child when his or her permanent teeth are starting to grow in. This age varies since every child is different. Most orthodontic exams and treatments begin for kids around age 7 and should definitely occur no later than 9 years of age.

Here’s Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist at an Early Age

The best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam is when his or her jaw and face begins developing as their adult teeth start coming in. Holding off on orthodontic treatment can potentially cause crooked teeth and spaces in the mouth that can effect your child’s facial balance. By the time he or she is past adolescence, their bones have already set in place. While it’s not impossible to seek orthodontic care after this time, keep in mind it’s certainly more difficult to bring the muscles and teeth into harmony with the rest of the face.

Dr. Fotovat is an exceptional Orthodontist, and he will initially assess your child’s needs during the first consultation. Concerns such as crowding, large spacing, problematic facial growth and bad habits, such as thumb-sucking, cheek-biting, or tongue-thrusting are taken into consideration. Afterwards, it’s easier to determine your child’s individualized treatment plan. If braces or retainers aren’t needed, your child will at least receive instructions on how to better preserve their teeth’s appearance.

What are some of the benefits of early orthodontics?

• A beautiful smile
• Proper tooth alignment
• Comfortable eating and digestive habits
• Easier time breathing and sleeping
• Improvement in speech
• Healthy self-esteem

The best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam remains a crucial factor in their development. As a family dentistry practice we encourage you to teach your child the benefits of early orthodontic care. Help them to avoid issues that can hinder their well-being in the future.

Scheduling a complimentary consultation with Fotovat DDS is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy, attractive smile. Call us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.

We look forward to meeting you!

How to Maintain a Gorgeous Smile

One of your most valuable assets is your beautiful smile. You feel better about yourself and display an air of self-assurance when your smile looks sensational. To keep your pearly whites in top condition, follow these helpful hints.

Schedule routine dental visits

During these appointments, your dentist will perform a thorough exam to assess your current status and look for any potential problems. Addressing small issues, like cavities, before they escalate can save you time and money.

Brush and floss frequently

Good home care goes a long way towards protecting your teeth and gums. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent problems like cavities and gum disease.

Consider orthodontic therapy

With a straighter smile, you will feel more confident and improve your dental health. Routine tasks, like brushing and flossing, are easier to perform on straight teeth.

Eat well

Choose a balance diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy options, and lean proteins. Limiting your intake of sugary beverages and sweet treats will also help preserve your smile.

Curb bad habits

Nail biting, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to teeth and gums. Talk with your dentist if you need suggestions to help you break the habits.

Talk with your dentist about cosmetic dentistry

Simple procedures like teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding can dramatically impact your smile. During a consultation, your dentist can review the options and help you determine the best choice for enhancing your appearance.

Our dental office is located in Burbank

Finding the Bright Side of Wearing Braces

One of the best ways to achieve a perfect smile is by wearing braces, but it doesn’t come without a few hassles. Once you see your issues like overcrowded teeth, gaps, bite misalignment, and more are gone, the end result is worth it. In the meantime, look for the bright side of wearing braces! Follow these guidelines for making your time in braces as successful as possible.

Don’t stress out about the initial part of the process when the orthodontist makes molds of your teeth. Some patients hate this part and worry about gagging. Most people have the same reaction, so don’t feel self-conscious about it. Avoid eating right before your appointment so that food will be less likely to come up. Brush your teeth well before and after the appointment.

Your orthodontist will provide a list of foods that you shouldn’t eat while you’re in braces. Remember that you won’t be without your popcorn or favorite candy forever; it’ll be worth the wait when you get to eat those treats again using your perfectly straight teeth! Look at the restrictions as a chance to try different foods and maybe even eat a little healthier.

Speaking of foods, indulge in your favorite cold treats after your appointments to get your braces adjusted or tightened. Sure, it’s uncomfortable, but having a yummy milkshake or ice cream cone will help ease the pain. Braces provide a great excuse for a trip to the ice cream shop.

If fashion is your thing, have fun with the elastics that go with your braces if your treatment involves them. Orthodontists offer a variety of color choices, so express your style when selecting your elastics. Every month can be a new adventure for your smile.

It may be a bummer to wear braces for a couple of years, but you can improve the experience by making the most of it. Keep your mind focused on how happy you’ll be in the end.

If you live in the Burbank, contact us today

Invisalign Teen: An Invisible Solution

The latest innovation in orthodontics may give your teenager a reason to smile. The Invisalign method has added Invisalign Teen to their group of products, which uses the system of a series of clear plastic aligners to adjust teeth but adds a few features that appeal especially to teens.

Invisalign treats the same problems that traditional braces address, such as teeth crowding, gaps and bite issues. Instead of using the well-known metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses customized aligner trays. An orthodontist who is trained and certified in the Invisalign method takes pictures and impressions of the teeth. 3D technology simulates tooth movements from the start to end of treatment. This creates the basis for aligners to be developed unique to each patient.

The average treatment duration lasts about one year. During that time, your teen will need to wear the aligners daily for 20-22 hours. The trays are removed for eating and cleaning, which means there are no diet limitations and no difficulties performing oral hygiene tasks. They can also be removed when playing sports or musical instruments, or even for special occasions like prom or school photos.

Every two weeks or so, the aligners need to be exchanged for a new set in the series. Here’s one area where Invisalign Teen comes in handy. There is a Blue Dot Wear Indicator which fades when the aligner needs to be changed. Your teen can easily see when it’s time for a new tray. This also allows the orthodontist to tell if your teen isn’t complying to the wear guidelines. If your teen loses an aligner, six free replacements are included in the process.

Another feature of Invisalign Teen is that the aligners have Eruption Tabs to accommodate the second molars. It doesn’t matter whether or not your teen’s molars have erupted yet, because Invisalign Teen takes that into account.

Invisalign Teen works continuously to straighten your teenager’s teeth and move them into better positions for a beautiful smile. The invisible design removes the stigma of traditional metal braces, and allows teens to maintain their active lifestyles without hindering their eating or hygiene routines. Invisalign Teen provides the ideal way for your teen to keep smiling throughout orthodontic treatment.

Schedule your appointment at our Sherman Oaks dental office