After you finish corrective orthodontic therapy, your treatment probably won’t end. Most orthodontists recommend retainers for their patients. Because teeth have a tendency to shift back after treatment, this orthodontic device helps keep your teeth in the right position. Your orthodontist will determine how long you need the retainer for successful results, but patients often wear retainers for 12 to 24 months.
A retainer can be fixed or removable. As well, your retainer may be clear plastic or attached to a light-colored base with metal wires. Often, the top retainers can be taken out, but the ones for bottom teeth are cemented in place for the duration of treatment.
Once your braces come off, your orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth and use these molds to generate your retainer. Initially, you may need to wear your retainer at night and during the day. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and adjust that schedule accordingly.
When you have a retainer, it’s important to take proper care of your appliance. Remember to:
• Keep the appliance in a safe place. You will probably receive a case, so make sure to put the retainer away when you aren’t wearing it.
• Clean your retainer. Part of good oral hygiene is brushing or soaking your appliance to remove germs and bacteria.
• If it breaks, contact your orthodontist right away. Don’t try to fix the retainer yourself because you may do more damage.
• Take your removable appliance out to eat or brush.
If you’re looking for an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
If either you or your child needs braces, you should schedule a visit to an orthodontist. At this appointment, the orthodontist can examine your mouth and make recommendations for treatment. Much of the terminology may seem confusing. The following list of terms should help you understand orthodontic basics.
Arch wire
Attached to your brackets, this metal wire helps shift your teeth into the correct position.
Biomechanics
A term that describes the relationship between the force you apply to your teeth and how they move or change.
Crowding
An orthodontic problem that occurs when you have too many teeth in too small an area and results in overlapping teeth.
Dentition
Often used by dentists and orthodontists, this is a term for teeth, gums, and bone.
Fixed appliance
When orthodontic devices are cemented to your teeth, they are considered fixed appliances.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment
Also called Phase 1 treatment, interceptive orthodontic treatment is often performed on patients 6 to 10 years old. The goal of early treatment is to address issues that respond best to therapy while a child is still growing. A second phase of treatment may be needed later.
Malocclusion
The general term used to describe bite problems.
Palatal expander
Sometimes necessary in orthodontic therapy, a palatal expander will make your upper jaw wider.
Retainer
Either a fixed or removable device, a retainer is an orthodontic appliance that will help keep your teeth in the desired position after you finish corrective orthodontic treatment.
Wax
The clear material placed over braces to keep the metal from irritating your gums and mouth.
Giving our patients something to smile about at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Getting braces can be quite an adjustment. Because treatment typically lasts for 18 to 24 months, you need to plan on having your braces with you for some time. Knowing what to expect, how to care for braces, and other helpful information will ensure that you maximize your orthodontic treatment.
Eating and Braces
In general, you can eat plenty with braces. You do, however, need to avoid sticky foods like caramel, chewy foods like licorice, hard foods like nuts, and foods you have to bite into like corn on the cob. Feel free to much out on yogurt, pasta, diced chicken, green beans, bananas, and other easy-to-chew options.
Dealing with Discomfort
After the initial placement, your teeth and mouth may feel tender, which is perfectly normal. This discomfort will pass in a couple of days, after you get used to the braces. You may also experience some soreness after an adjustment.
Loose Brackets and Wires
Sometimes, wires and brackets become dislodged or break. If this happens, contact your orthodontist right away. You can place wax over the broken area to prevent irritation in your mouth.
Playing Sports
Having braces won’t stop you from going out for basketball, football, or your favorite sport. To protect your mouth, most orthodontists recommend a mouth guard, which covers your teeth and gums.
Caring for Your Teeth
During orthodontic treatment, it is really important that you practice good oral hygiene. Braces can make you more susceptible to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Remember to brush after each meal, floss once a day, and see your dentist for routine exams.
We care about your smile at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
You may not realize it, but certain bad habits can be detrimental to your dental health. While it may not seem like nail biting or chewing ice are big issues, they can have definite consequences on your smile. Breaking these habits now can prevent more damage later, as well as save you time in the orthodontist’s chair and extra expenses.
• Thumb sucking
For infants and toddlers, thumb sucking is a method of self soothing. Problems arise when children continue that habit past kindergarten. At that time, permanent teeth being to erupt and thumb sucking can affect their position, which may create orthodontic issues.
• Brushing too hard
Gum recession and loss of supporting bone can occur when you scrub your teeth in full power mode. If you aren’t sure about proper brushing techniques, ask your dentist or hygienist.
• Clenching and grinding teeth
Also called bruxism, teeth grinding and clenching is usually a subconscious response to stress. Often, people clench and grind their teeth at night time. Prolonged bruxism can result in cracked teeth, headaches, sore muscles, and limited function. Your orthodontist can fit you for a night guard to prevent bruxism.
• Chewing ice
A common habit, chewing ice, or using teeth as scissors, puts tremendous strain on your teeth and may cause fractures, cracks, or complete tooth breakage.
• Nail biting
Not only does nail biting introduce germs into your mouth, but it can also weaken tooth strength and create gaps between teeth, which may increase your odds of needing orthodontic treatment.
Consider our Orthodontic team in Sherman Oaks California – Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
If you think your child needs braces, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Most parents have questions about costs, timing, and other issues with treatment. The following questions and answers will help you gather the information you need to make the best decision for your child. Once you start orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can provide clarity and guidance.
When should I take my child to the orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Certain problems are easier to treat while children are still growing.
Will my child need to have teeth extracted?
New technology and advanced procedures mean that most of the time, teeth are not extracted for orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will know more after a thorough examination.
Can my child still play an instrument or participate in sports?
Definitely. Your child may need a little time to adjust to playing a wind or brass instrument with braces, but the treatment shouldn’t inter with musical participation. For athletes with braces, we recommend a mouth guard for protection.
How long will treatment last?
Every case is different. The time frame for orthodontic treatment depends on many factors including the severity of the issue, patient cooperation, and how quickly teeth move. An average treatment course for braces is about two years.
Will my child’s teeth move after treatment?
Once the braces come off, it is important for your child to wear his or her retainer as instructed by the orthodontist. Though teeth shift some as we age, the retainer should help stabilize the position of the teeth and give your child a gorgeous smile for life.
Dr. Mehdi Fotovat is an Orthodontist located in Sherman Oaks CA. – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
When you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, your teeth need special care. Making sure to follow proper oral hygiene steps will ensure optimal results and prevent any treatment delays. These tips will help you take good care of your teeth and gums during treatment.
• Brush your teeth after eating meals and when you snack so that food doesn’t get trapped between braces.
• If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water.
• Make sure to floss at least once a day.
• Flossing may be more difficult so ask your orthodontist about floss threaders, which will help you get the floss between your braces. Waxed floss may work better because it won’t fray.
• Find out if your orthodontist has any special recommendations about the toothbrush you should use. You can find toothbrushes designed to make brushing more efficient, including V-shaped brushes, brushes that bend at the neck, and round hard brushes.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride, which will give your teeth extra protection against decay.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods like bubble gum, caramel, or nuts while you have braces because these items can damage brackets.
• Limit soft drinks because they are very acidic and may cause decalcification, a precursor to tooth decay, around your brackets.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist at least every six months. Depending on your situation, the dentist or orthodontist may recommend more frequent visits while you have braces.
• Don’t pull or pick at your braces.
Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, California – Dr. Mehdi Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
