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.
Many parents know about Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. But I’m often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen.
In short, rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—most often every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.
Here are the answers to the top five questions I’m asked about Invisalign Teen. I hope you find it helpful!
- INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.
When worn according to the customized plan I set in place, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Call us at (718) 848-6900 to set up an appointment to find out for sure.
- THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.
With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.
- AN INVISIBLE SOLUTION CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE.
Research shows that parents underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about their smile—and their appearance in general. Wearing braces can often make this lack of confidence even worse. Invisalign Teen removes a potential source of anxiety, giving them more confidence during what can be a challenging time in their lives.
- YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.
Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every two weeks. In fact, Invisalign Teen aligners have blue indicators that fade over time when used as directed so I can track compliance.
- YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.
Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. There are no adjustments to make, no brackets to re-glue and no broken wires to fix. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks.
Dr. Fotovat offers complimentary new patient exams. You can reach us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.
Providing teens with a unique and positive experience that they can’t find elsewhere is a primary goal for my practice. In short, I strive to make a good impression by providing treatment that’s effective yet also comfortable. I accomplish this by incorporating the latest technology into the practice of orthodontics.
Of particular relevance to your teenagers, who may be interested in pursuing treatment using Invisalign®, is our iTero® Element™digital scanner. It’s used to take 3D “impressions” (models) on each patient, allows us to avoid using that uncomfortable, gooey, impressions material that is typically used. At the same time, it provides more precise information for better fitting Invisalign aligners (and can even allow for shorter appointment times!)
Here’s how it works: With a scanning wand, we’re able to take hundreds of photos of a patient’s teeth in just minutes. These digital pictures are displayed on our computer, providing 3D imaging of your teen’s mouth from any angle. And, after I decide on the treatment plan, your teen can even see the outcome of their smile ahead of time!
And the final result of using our iTero scanner? Faster turnaround time, and perfectly fitted aligners. So the next time you hear the word “impressions,”– don’t worry! We’re sure to make a good impression with your teen.
Dr. Fotovat offers complimentary new patient exams. You can visit our website at: call us at: 818-980-5300 or request an appointment here.
