Although many adults may feel embarrassed by their crooked teeth, the idea of metal braces may seem even worse. Advances in technology have made it possible for orthodontists to offer treatments that will produce gorgeous results without drawing attention to your orthodontic therapy.
Orthodontics is often seen as treatment for kids and teenagers, but it can actually correct bite issues, address crowding, and straighten teeth for patients of any age. You are never too old to reap the benefits of a fabulous smile. Not only will a straight smile look better, but it can also improve your dental health. Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can make routine care more difficult, which can increase the chances of developing issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Before recommending treatment, your orthodontist will likely take X-rays and perform a complete examination. Once the doctor has gathered all the information, he or she will explain your options for treatment. Many adults prefer the following orthodontic therapies:
Ceramic brackets
Similar to traditional wire-and-bracket braces, ceramic brackets are constructed from tooth-colored materials. With ceramic brackets, only the connecting wires are visible, which makes these braces much less noticeable than with metal orthodontia.
Lingual braces
Applied to the back side of teeth, lingual braces aren’t apparent when you smile. These braces take some getting used to and they may cost more than other options, but they provide adults with inconspicuous orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners
With options such as ClearCorrect or Invisalign, patients can achieve flawless smiles without the hassle and discomfort of traditional metal braces. These systems use clear, custom aligners to gently move teeth into the desired position. Because the aligners are removable, patients can take them out to eat, brush, or for special occasions.
Adult Braces at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Whether participating or cheering from the sidelines, Americans love sports. From baseball to football to basketball, we enjoy the thrill of competition. Participating in sports for recreation is great for your health, but it can be hazardous to your mouth. In fact, 40 percent of all sports injuries involve the face.
To keep your smile in tact, most dentists and orthodontists recommend wearing a mouth guard in contact sports like hockey, football, or soccer. As well, they also suggest using this type of dental appliance in non-contact activities such as skateboarding and bicycling. Mouth guards help cushion your teeth, gums, and jaws from common injuries sustained during sports activities.
Designed to cover your teeth, mouth guards come in different varieties, including:
• Ready-made
The least expensive option, ready-made mouth guards are also less comfortable and less effective than the other types of protection. You can find ready-made mouth guards at most sporting goods stores.
• Mouth-formed
Generally created from acrylic or thermoplastic materials, mouth-formed guards will shape to fit your mouth are being placed in boiling water. These mouth guards don’t offer the same level of support as custom-made appliances.
• Custom
This is the best option, as custom mouth guards are constructed to precisely fit your mouth. Your orthodontist will take a mold of your teeth that a dental lab will use to produce your custom mouth guard.
Once you purchase a mouth guard, make sure to take good care of your oral appliance. Clean and rinse the guard after each use; then, allow it to air dry. Remember to check the appliance before you play to ensure it is still in good condition.
Mouthguards at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks, CA Orthodontist
Do you cringe at the thought of metal braces, but still want to obtain a fantastic smile? You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your mature image to straighten your teeth. With Invisalign clear braces, you don’t have to endure the discomfort or embarrassment of traditional orthodontia.
Adult and older teen patients often love the option of Invisalign clear braces. Through a series of clear, custom aligners, this advanced system gently shifts crooked teeth into the desired position. With these virtually undetectable aligners, only you and your orthodontist will realize that you are undergoing treatment to improve your smile.
Before beginning treatment, your orthodontist will first complete a full analysis to make sure Invisalign is the right solution for your case. Your doctor will then take photos and collect data to create an exact treatment plan. Using advanced 3-D technology, the Invisalign lab will translate the orthodontist’s instructions into a complete series of aligners.
During treatment, you will wear each aligner for around two weeks; then, switch to the next aligner. You will visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks so that the doctor can monitor your progress. Remove the aligners when you eat, brush, and floss, or for special occasions. In about 12 months, you can reveal a flawless smile to family and friends.
Benefits of Invisalign:
• Makes cleaning and home care easier
• No bulky metal brackets
• No painful adjustments
• Usually requires less treatment than traditional therapy
Invisalign at Sherman Oaks Orthodontist Mehdi Fotovat Valley Village, CA
Though babies and toddlers use thumb-sucking to self-sooth, this habit can cause dental problems if your child continues as he or she grows up. By age six, you should work on curbing this habit so that you don’t end up with correct teeth, bite concerns, or additional treatment costs. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist for specific recommendations about handling the issue.
The following suggestions may help you work with your child to stop the thumb-sucking:
• Use positive affirmations. Instead of scolding your child for thumb-sucking, offer praise when he or she isn’t engaged in the behavior.
• Dig deeper. Often, children suck their thumbs because of fear or anxiety.
• Identifying the cause of the concerns may reduce your child’s need for this type of comfort.
• Create a plan. Talk with your child and get his or her input for the best way to stop the thumb-sucking. When you involve your child in the process, you may see more willing participation.
• Call in reinforcements. Ask your dentist and/or orthodontist to speak with your child and explain the oral health consequences for thumb-sucking.
• Add a deterrent. Sometimes, placing a sock over the thumb, wrapping a bandage around the digit, or using a thumb guard will make it difficult for your child to keep up the habit.
• Offer incentives. Let your child come up with a special reward for kicking the thumb-sucking habit. A new video game, coveted toy, or special dinner may provide the necessary push your child needs.
Straight teeth at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
While having to wear braces or other orthodontia may not be a lot of fun, most people enjoy straighter, gorgeous smiles because of this treatment time. The short-term hassles will produce lasting results. To get the maximum benefit from your orthodontic treatment, you need to follow these simple steps:
Be careful
Having braces shouldn’t impact your life in most cases, but you do need to make some adjustments. Stay away from hard foods and candies because they can damage brackets and wires. If you play sports, talk with your orthodontist about the type of mouth guard you need to wear with braces.
Follow instructions
Make sure to wear rubber bands, head gear, or other additional appliances as directed. Not wearing these devices can lengthen treatment time.
Don’t neglect your teeth
Though brushing and flossing are always important, they are particularly critical if you have braces. Food can easily get trapped between brackets and wires, creating a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and making your mouth susceptible to issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Keep your appointments
Your orthodontist plans the visits at regular intervals to monitor the movement of your teeth and make necessary adjustments. Missing your scheduled appointment at the orthodontist can slow down your progress.
Continue regular dental visits
Because braces make routine oral care more difficult, you need to keep your appointments for semi-annual checkups. Your dentist and hygienist will examine your mouth and clean your teeth to promote good oral health.
Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Although most people want a straight smile because it looks good, you receive other benefits of orthodontic treatment. Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to maintain, which can result in increased problems with tooth decay or gum disease. As well, a bad bite, or malocclusion, can make chewing difficult and cause uneven tooth wear.
Common orthodontic issues include:
Crossbite
This type of problem occurs when the upper teeth rest significantly inside or outside the lower teeth. Crossbites make chewing tough and can cause issues with proper jaw growth.
Crowding
A small mouth, larger teeth, or a narrow jaw can make it difficult for permanent teeth to move into the correct spot.
Deep overbite
If the incisors, the upper front teeth, overlap too far over the lower teeth, a deep overbite results.
Under bite
The lower teeth can be positioned ahead of the upper teeth and create an under bite, which may suggest that the jaws are not in the right position.
Open bite
When your upper and lower teeth don’t meet as you bite down, this condition is called an open bite. Having an open bite can make biting difficult, impact speech, and produce uneven wear on teeth.
Spacing problems
If an individual has particularly small teeth or has lost teeth, this situation can produce larger spaces between teeth.
Because each person’s bite is different, the orthodontic treatment course will vary slightly from individual to individual. Braces are a common choice to correct bite issues. Your orthodontist will evaluate your mouth and then create a detailed plan for improving your smile and oral health.
We create beautiful smiles at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
