Defined as the practice of preventing or correcting irregularities relating to the teeth or mouth, orthodontics allows people to enjoy straighter, healthier smiles. Though you may know the basics about braces, some of these interesting tidbits might surprise you.
• Activated by body heat, the wires used in today’s braces were created by NASA for use in the space program.
• An estimated 4 million people in this country are enhancing their smiles with orthodontic treatment. Approximately 20 percent of those patients are over age 18.
• Braces are attached to your teeth with cement, which is now made with a special fluoride-releasing component, to help protect teeth from decay.
• Charles Tweed has the honor of being recognized as the first orthodontist in this country.
• Dating back from the eight to fourth century B.C., the idea of orthodontic treatment was practiced by the Etruscans, who utilized wires to close the space left by lost teeth.
• Famous people like Whoopi Goldberg, Chelsea Clinton, Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani have worn braces.
• In the United States and Canada, only 8,000 of the 160,000 dentists are practicing orthodontists.
• Metal braces used to be the only choice for straighter teeth, but modern advancements have resulted in options like ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and clear aligners for adult patients.
• Not wearing their retainers after treatment causes up to 25 percent of patients to need braces again.
• Orthodontics became a dental specialty in the 1900s.
• To become an orthodontist, you must complete an additional two to three years of training after dental school.
• Wearing braces does not increase your chances of getting struck by lightening. With or without a metal mouth, the odds are about one in 700,000 each year.
It’s time to schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
If you are wearing braces to straighten teeth or correct other alignment issues, you need to take good care of teeth and gums. With the right steps, you can prevent issues with your braces or your mouth. During orthodontic treatment, you will visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments and to monitor your progress. It’s also important to schedule routine checkups, which will help your dentist look for signs of tooth decay and ensure that your hygiene is adequate.
The following tips will help you preserve your smile while you have braces:
Take time to prepare
Before you brush, take off rubber bands and any other removable appliances. If you don’t make that effort, you risk damage to these devices.
Focus on the brackets
Unfortunately, braces and wires can easily trap food and debris, which may increase your chances of getting cavities. Tilt your brush at a 45 degree angle and work from the top down to ensure that you hit all the important spots.
Clean your teeth
Once you go over the brackets, turn your efforts to your teeth. Spend time cleaning each individual tooth. Some patients buy specially designed brushes that are supposed to maximize brushing efforts when you have braces.
Don’t forget to floss
Though the task is more difficult, flossing is critical when you have braces because it helps keep gum tissue healthy. Ask your orthodontist for any tips, and look into products like flossers, which can help make your job easier.
The final steps
After you have finished your routine, complete the process by rinsing with mouthwash or water. Then, look at your braces and teeth in the mirror to double-check that everything is alright.
We love to see you smile at our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
Some people are born with stunning smiles, but others need to give nature a hand. To achieve a flawless image, you may need to consider orthodontic treatment. The most common recommendation is often braces. At one time, metal braces were the only option for improving smiles. Modern advances give patients other choices for updating their images. Patient preferences, severity of the problem, cost, and treatment length can all influence the decision about the type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth.
Traditional metal braces
Even though other options exist, metal braces remain a popular choice for patients. Metal braces work well and cost less money than options like clear aligners or ceramic brackets. At Mehdi Fotovat, DDS, we offer GAC in-ovation-braces self-ligating braces. These braces have smaller brackets than traditional metal braces, and require less trips to the orthodontist with faster results.
Clear Brackets
If you don’t want other people to notice your braces, clear brackets are a good option.
We offer in-ovation-braces C (clear) brackets, which are translucent and blend in with your teeth coloring so that they are less noticeable. Just as with metal brackets, ceramic braces will straighten teeth over the treatment course.
Clear aligners
For adult and older teen patients, clear aligners such as Invisalign offer an inconspicuous way to create gorgeous smiles. These systems utilize custom, clear aligners to gently shift teeth into the desired position. Usually, treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
Schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks orthodontic practice and see how we can enhance your smile. Mehdi Fotovat
If you are thinking about bringing your child in for an evaluation or you are considering adult treatment, you will want to have at least a cursory knowledge of orthodontics. These questions and answers will get you started. After a complete evaluation, your orthodontist will explain the findings, review the treatment plan, and answer any questions.
Is there a difference between a dentist and orthodontist?
Yes. An orthodontist is a dentist that has completed an additional two to three years of advanced education in orthodontics, the branch of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What causes orthodontic issues?
Malocclusions, or bad bites, can be genetic or acquired. Often, people inherit problems such as crowding, extra space, or additional teeth. Trauma, thumb sucking, dental disease, and other factors can contribute to acquired malocclusions.
Why does it matter if I have orthodontic treatment?
Not only will straighter teeth look better, but they will also improve your oral health. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, which increases the chances of developing tooth decay.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Although most people usually wear braces for 12 to 24 months, the definitive answer depends on the individual case. Another factor that influences treatment time is cooperation. If you don’t listen to your orthodontist, the braces will stay on longer.
I am an adult. Are there other options besides metal braces?
In the past, metal braces were the only choice for orthodontic treatment. Now, adult patients can consider clear braces and Invisalign aligners to achieve flawless smiles and still maintain their polished appearances.
Consider our Orthodontic team in Sherman Oaks California – Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
While having braces may not seem like a ball of fun, it doesn’t have to create a negative affect on your life. Most people visit their orthodontist every six to eight weeks, finish treatment, and enjoy gorgeous smiles. Sometimes, orthodontic care doesn’t go as planned and you made need to contact the orthodontist for special circumstances. These tips can help you stay calm and handle the situation like a pro.
Know Your Appliance
Understanding the limitations of your braces or retainer can stop you from damaging these devices. With braces, staying away from crunchy or sticky foods can prevent breakage. When you have a retainer, wear the appliance as directed and leave it in the case when not in use.
Assess the need
If you run into a problem, determine how serious the issue is before you act. Call your orthodontist during business hours if something breaks, comes loose, or gets lost. Immediately contact the office when a broken appliance prevents you from opening or closing your mouth, or if you have pain even after taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Be prepared
Because brackets or wires can break, keep orthodontic wax on hand to protect the area until you can get in to see your orthodontist.
Take precautions
During your time in braces, ask your orthodontist about a mouth guard if you play sports. Also, don’t mess with your brackets or wires because you can accidentally cause problems with the dental appliance.
We care about your smile at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
