Whether your child needs an evaluation for potential treatment or you have decided to consider adult orthodontics to straighten your teeth, finding the right orthodontist will help ensure a good experience. Ask friends, coworkers, and your general dentist for names to begin the process. When you start looking for potential candidates, you may want to consider the following points as you make your decision.
• Convenience
As with many things, location matters. You may want to find an orthodontist close to your child’s school or near your office to minimize drive time and disruption to your daily routine.
• Availability
In this day and age, people have a myriad of commitments, so they need medical providers with flexible hours. Make sure the orthodontist you are considering has appointment times that work with your schedule.
• Experience
Find out how long the orthodontist has been in practice and what technologies the practice utilizes for treatment. For instance, make sure the orthodontist is up-to-date on the latest options for adult therapy.
• Recommendations
As you narrow down your choices, talk with people you know or ask for referrals from current patients so that you can gather specific feedback about the candidates you are considering.
• Personality
Before making your final selection, schedule consultation appointments with the top candidates. When you arrive, talk with the office team to get a feel for the practice environment. These meetings will also give you a chance to meet with each orthodontist one-on-one to determine who you would feel comfortable with as a provider.
Give us a call at our Sherman Oaks California orthodontic office – Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
At one time, the only option for orthodontic treatment was bulky, metal braces. Many adults shied away from straightening their teeth because they didn’t want the hassle or discomfort of traditional orthodontics. With Invisalign clear aligners, adult and older teen patients can transform their smiles but keep their dignity intact.
Before starting treatment, your orthodontist will take x-rays and perform an exam to see if Invisalign is a good option. Invisalign can correct many common orthodontic problems. Using a series of clear, custom aligners, Invisalign will gently move teeth into the proper position.
At the first visit, your orthodontist will take 3-D images and impressions of your teeth, which an Invisalign lab will utilize to produce your entire set of aligners. Wear each aligner for about two weeks and move on to the next one. Ideally, you should keep the aligners in for about 22 hours a day. In 12 to 18 months, patients can achieve perfect smiles.
To monitor your progress, the orthodontist will schedule appointments every four to six weeks. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat, brush, or attend a special event. Even when you are wearing the aligners, the clear plastic material makes them virtually invisible to the people you see.
Invisalign aligners offer several advantages to traditional orthodontics including:
• No adjustments or pain
• Reduced treatment time
• Removable aligners
• Imperceptible to others
Schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks orthodontic practice and see how we can enhance your smile. Mehdi Fotovat
Having braces isn’t always fun, especially when it comes to food intake. Most orthodontists tell their patients to avoid sticky snacks or hard candy because these food items can damage brackets and wires. Although there are some limitations on your diet, you still have lots of choices for healthy eating during orthodontic treatment.
Fruits and vegetables are alright. An important part of eating right, most people several servings of both categories each day. Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, can be tough to bite into, so cutting these foods into bite-size pieces so that back teeth can chew them will prevent any issues. Choosing soft options, like bananas or cooked squash, is another good option.
Go with whole grains. Since most grain products are soft, having braces shouldn’t impact your ability to eat regular breads or cereals. You may want to avoid unground whole grains because the seeds can get stuck in between your brackets.
Get your dairy on. Calcium helps keep your teeth strong, and dairy products are a great source of this mineral. Low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are soft on your braces too.
Eat more chicken (or beef too). Certain cuts of meat can be tough and difficult to chew when you wear braces. Don’t eat meat straight off the bone, and select lean cuts of fish, beef, and chicken for easier chewing.
Sweet treats you can still enjoy. Although taffy, lifesavers, and gummy bears are temporarily off the menu, feel free to indulge in chocolate or a bowl of ice cream every once in a while.
It’s time to schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Most people desire a perfect smile because it makes them look and feel better about themselves. Certainly, boosting your confidence and outward appearance are perks of having straight teeth, but there are other reasons to consider orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth can positively impact your oral health as well as create whole-mouth harmony.
Although straight teeth do look fantastic, they also promote optimal oral health. Crooked teeth are actually harder to keep clean, which can lead to problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. Less plaque and tartar build up when you have straight teeth, so patients can actually get between the teeth to take care of them. Correcting issues of crowding makes brushing and flossing easier, so you can enjoy a truly healthy smile.
Other side effects of untreated orthodontic issues can include abnormal wear of teeth surfaces, inefficient chewing, and excessive strain on supporting tissues. Misalignment of the jaw joints can also occur, which can result in headaches, neck pain, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder. Treating the orthodontic problem can cost less money, time, and discomfort than having to repair long-term damage to your mouth.
If you think you or a loved one might need orthodontic treatment, contact your orthodontist for a consultation appointment. At this time, the doctor can take X-rays, examine your whole mouth, and review the treatment options. Because of advances in orthodontics, patient have a variety of choices to straighten their teeth, including clear brackets, self-ligating brackets, and Invisalign clear aligners for adults or older teen patients.
We love creating beautiful, healthy smiles at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
When it comes to achieving the smile you always wanted by straightening your teeth, you have a number of options these days. Patients have varying opinions about what they are willing to wear on their teeth during orthodontic work, so advancements in technology allow for other alternatives to the traditional metal braces. Here are some common choices for teeth straightening.
Permanent braces
Made of metal or ceramics, these are the braces that probably come to mind first. Each bracket is permanently attached to the tooth for a secure fit. Permanent braces are highly successful for major realignments and restorative changes. Metal braces are durable but very noticeable in your mouth, while ceramic braces are somewhat less sturdy but can be colored to match your teeth.
Clear braces
Invisalign is a newer alternative to traditional braces, popular because they are made of clear plastic that makes them practically invisible. The trays gradually align your teeth as you’re wearing them, and are removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign may not be the best choice for severe orthodontic issues, however, as they are most effective for minor to moderate treatment.
Lingual braces
Placed on the inside of your teeth, lingual braces are hidden from view. This type of treatment requires a very skilled orthodontist to properly install and adjust the braces, and not all patients are candidates. Lingual braces sometimes irritate your tongue and gums, so make sure you discuss this type of treatment thoroughly with your orthodontist to make sure you understand all the pros and cons.
Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks specializing in Invisalign.
