Is Tooth Extraction Necessary for Braces?

Pulling teeth in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is nothing new, but it has gained controversy because some orthodontists advocate extractions and others say it’s unnecessary and overdone. It seems that there is no steadfast answer for every patient. Tooth extraction must be decided on a case-by-case basis, and is determined by a number of circumstances.

The most common reason for tooth extraction is to reduce crowding so that the teeth can be positioned properly. Sometimes crowding is so severe that there are no alternatives to pulling some teeth. There are also situations when it’s possible to move all of the existing teeth into place, but it might negatively impact teeth’s stability, gum tissue, or the appearance of the teeth.

Other common reasons for extraction include bite correction and profile improvement. Your orthodontist must consider many things in making the recommendation about whether or not tooth extraction is needed. The bite, crowding, jaw positions, teeth positions and sizes, profile, and other characteristics are all analyzed to determine the optimum treatment plan.

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the arrangement and appearance of your teeth. Each patient’s dental and facial qualities will require either extraction or non-extraction of teeth. It’s up to you and your orthodontist to decide if it would benefit you and your smile.

Should I Consider Invisalign?

A popular option for older teens and adults, Invisalign clear braces are an alternative to traditional metal orthodontia. The custom, clear aligners exert gentle pressure on teeth, moving them into the right position. With Invisalign, patients can achieve a perfect smile without the hassle and embarrassment of metal brackets.

In just 12 to 18 months, the Invisalign trays will give you a straighter smile. Before beginning treatment, your orthodontist will take pictures, X-rays, and molds of your teeth. Using this information, the doctor will design a detailed course of action for correcting your smile. Based on this individualized plan, an Invisalign lab will generate your complete set of aligners.

Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks and then move on to the next one in the series. Your orthodontist will monitor progress at appointments every four to six weeks. Remove your aligners to brush, floss, eat, and for special occasions.

To decide if Invisalign is right for you, think about these points:

Cost

Compared to other orthodontic choices, Invisalign can be more expensive. Because treatment is imperceptible to most people, many individuals feel the additional money is a worthwhile investment.

Adjustment Time

Some patients develop speech difficulties until they become accustom to the aligners. As well, you may notice excessive saliva with the initial use of the trays. Typically, these symptoms pass after a couple of weeks.

Diligence

For effective treatment, you need to wear the aligners about 22 hours a day. If you feel like remembering to keep the trays in place will be difficult, you might want to choose more traditional treatment options.

Invisalign at Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com

Nickel Sensitivity and Orthodontic Treatment

Although most people don’t love the idea of wearing braces, it doesn’t usually create any major problems. For some individuals, though, orthodontic treatment with braces is a bigger deal. Over time, some people develop sensitivity to nickel, a common metal found in jewelry, watches, and clothing. Unfortunately, nickel is a component in metal braces as well as in the wires and auxiliary pieces used during treatment.

Research indicates that more people have a reaction to nickel than to all other metals combined. This sensitivity occurs when the immune system responds to the foreign substance. More females than males exhibit problems with nickel, which may be attributed to other contact with nickel such as with watches, earrings, metal buttons, and even detergent. Symptoms may include a rash on the skin and lesions in the mouth.

One of the reasons for the increase in nickel sensitivity cases is the popularity of body piercing. The jewelry used for these piercings usually contains nickel. While the initial exposure to the nickel may not cause a reaction, full symptoms may develop with subsequent exposure.

If you or a loved one has sensitivity to nickel, talk with your orthodontist about other options. Often, stainless steel components, which are only about eight percent nickel, will work better than other metal appliances. Ceramic, plastic, gold-plated, and titanium brackets are other alternatives to consider as well as Invisalign. In some cases, a reaction may not develop until after treatment has started. Contact your orthodontist right away if you notice any signs of nickel sensitivity.

We love to see you smile at our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS

Fun Facts about Orthodontics

If you have braces, you visit the orthodontist on a regular basis. Orthodontics is one of several recognized dental specialties. Even though most people have heard of braces, they may know little else about the field of orthodontics. Expand your knowledge and impress your friends with these factoids:

Did you know that…?

• Orthodontists must complete four years of dental school and an additional two years of graduate training before they can practice.

• The first certified orthodontist in the United States was Dr Charles Tweed, who devoted himself to this area of study for 42 years.

• In 1728, Pierre Fauchard designed the first braces, which consisted of a flat strip of metal connected to teeth by pieces of thread.

• Edward Angle invented orthodontic brackets in 1915.

• As early as 400 BC, Hippocrates wrote about issues with “irregularities of teeth.”

• The ancient Greeks combined base metals and *cat gut* to improve smiles around 1000 B.C.

• Although metal brackets and wires were the original form of modern braces, options like clear brackets, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners are now available as well.

• Many teen patients have turned their braces into fashion statements with colored bands and brackets.

• Celebrities, models, and athletes want straighter teeth too. Tom Cruise, Brett Farve, Chelsea Clinton, and Gwen Stefani are a few famous faces that have worn braces.

• You’re never too old to enjoy a healthy smile. In fact, an estimated 1 million Americans over age 18 have decided on orthodontic care to straighten their teeth.

It’s time to schedule your visit to our Sherman Oaks CA orthodontic office. Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com

Test Your Orthodontic Knowledge

Most people know a little bit about the world of orthodontics. Everybody has a friend, relative, or acquaintance with braces, and we all know you have to wear a retainer after you get your braces off so your teeth don’t shift back. Take this fun quiz to learn more about the field of orthodontics.

True or False: Occlusion is a term for damage or wear on the back teeth.

Answer: False. Occlusion refers to the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. If the fit is incorrect, often called a bad bite, you may need orthodontic treatment.

True or False: Braces are for patients of all ages.

Answer: True. You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of a straight smile, including better oral health and renewed confidence.

True or False: Patients must wear their retainers for as long as the orthodontist thinks it’s necessary.

Answer: True. Initially, you will probably have to wear your retainer very night, maybe more often, to keep teeth in the proper position. Your orthodontist will monitor your teeth and let you know how many hours a day to wear the appliance.

True or False: Invisalign describes a new science fiction movie.

Answer: False. A series of clear, custom aligners, Invisalign orthodontic treatment works for older teen and adult patients who want straighter teeth without the hassle of metal braces.

True or False: You can’t play a musical instrument if you wear braces.

Answer: False. Although you may have an initial adjustment period, braces won’t stop you from jamming on your saxophone.

If you’re looking for an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com