Heavy Metal No More – Patients Now Have Options for Braces

In the past, people who wanted to straighten their teeth had to endure metal braces. The discomfort and embarrassment that accompany traditional orthodontia often kept potential patients, especially adults, from making the choice to straighten their smiles. Luckily, times have changed, and other options are available to give you the perfect smile you want.

Modern options for braces include:

Self-ligating bracket braces – Dr. Fotovat and Dr. Sands offer GAC in-ovation braces self ligating brackets.  These brackets are designed with a self closing “door” built into the bracket that eliminates the need for elastics or wire ties. In-ovation brackets are smaller and less noticeable than other self ligating brackets, accumulate less plaque build-up, and are more efficient in shifting the teeth.  This means less trips to the orthodontist and faster results.

Ceramic braces – Less visible than metal braces, ceramic brackets blend in with your natural teeth coloring. Ceramic braces are as strong as their metal counterparts, and they resist staining.

Clear braces – Dr. Fotovat and Dr. Sands offer in-ovation clear brackets, which are translucent and use self-ligating rhodium-coated clips instead of elastics or wire ties. In-ovation self-ligating brackets are designed to accumulate less plaque build-up, and are more efficient in shifting the teeth.

Lingual braces – Placed on the back side of your teeth, lingual braces are imperceptible to other people.

Invisalign clear braces – Designed for adult and older teen patients who have all of their permanent teeth, Invisalign clear braces provide a comfortable, effective way to move teeth. Using a series of custom aligners, the Invisalign system exerts gentle pressure on your teeth, moving them into proper position. Wear the aligners about 22 hours a day for optimal results, but feel free to take them out when you eat, brush, or have an important event.

Enhancing one smile at a time at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS

Dispelling Common Myths about Orthodontic Treatment

Many people think they know a lot about braces and orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, that’s true; but often, patients and potential patients have gathered information from well-meaning friends or the Internet super highway. Look over the following misconceptions to get the straight truth about modern orthodontics:

Myth: No pain, no gain…
Truth: Years ago, orthodontists had to use stiff wire when placing braces, which created significant discomfort for patients. Flexible wires and other developments have made treatment much less unpleasant. Now, you don’t have to suffer to achieve the desired results.

Myth: Tighter braces = Faster treatment
Truth: Many patients mistakenly believe that tighter adjustments will speed up treatment time. Orthodontic treatment uses the right amount of force to move teeth without causing damage to bone or surrounding tissues.

Myth: To straighten my teeth, I have to wear metal braces
Truth: In the past, metal braces were the only option to get a perfect image. Advances in orthodontic have made it possible for patients to achieve gorgeous smiles with choices such as clear brackets, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear braces.

Myth: My regular dentist can handle my orthodontic treatment
Truth: If you had a problem with your heart, you would see a cardiologist. Likewise, you should visit an orthodontist if you have bite issues, crowding, or crooked teeth. Orthodontics is one of the recognized dental specialties, which means these doctors have had extra training after dental school.

Myth: Wisdom teeth are crowding my other teeth
Truth: Actually, no evidence exists to support this idea. If it were true, people who never develop wisdom teeth or those who had their wisdom teeth removed would never have crowding problems. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Schedule a consult at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.