Modern orthodontic treatment can address a variety of issues, including overbites and underbites. When the front teeth cover the lower teeth in a distinct manner, it is called an overbite. Many people have some degree of overbite, but in lots of cases, no treatment is required.
With an underbite, the lower front teeth protrude out in front of the top teeth, and the lower jaw may be much more prominent. In some cases, an underbite will resolve itself. If the underbite is severe and it is not treated, temperomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, poor bite, an uneven tooth wear can occur.
Usually, you inherit the tendency toward an overbite or underbite, just like eye color or height. Sometimes, a bite becomes misaligned because of other factors such as early tooth loss, improper restorations, habits such as thumb sucking, or facial trauma. Misalignments can create additional oral health problems such as pain, increased risk of cavities, and strain on the whole chewing system.
To determine the best treatment, your orthodontist will first take X-rays and perform a complete examination. Then, the doctor will make recommendations to correct the overbite or underbite. Depending on the situation, a removable retainer may address the problem. Most of the time, braces will be needed to move the teeth into the proper position. Rarely, with an extreme overbite or underbites, surgery may be the suggested treatment course.
Our patients are number one at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children should have an initial evaluation with an orthodontist by age seven. Seeing an orthodontist at an early age helps identify and correct problems before they create more issues in your mouth. If you aren’t sure whether or not to schedule an appointment for your child, think about these points:
It is easier to treat certain problems as early as possible. Most people want their kids to avoid surgery or extraction of permanent teeth. An orthodontist can look at the way your child’s teeth are developing and suggest treatment to address crowding, such as expanders or early removal of baby teeth.
Early orthodontic treatment can help stop harmful habits. Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and use of a pacifier beyond age three can cause future orthodontic issues. If your child has one of these attachments, an orthodontist can work with you to curb the habit before it does lasting damage to your child’s teeth.
You can prevent trauma to front teeth with early orthodontic treatment. Did you know that children with protruding front teeth, also called buck teeth, have an increased chance of fracturing those teeth? As well, buck teeth can create issues with chewing ability and speech. Early orthodontic treatment can boost your child’s self-esteem and improve functionality.
Your orthodontist can keep an eye on your child’s dental development. Just because you see an orthodontist for an evaluation doesn’t mean treatment is always necessary. Having an early assessment allows the orthodontist to watch your child’s progress in case any issues arise.
Isn’t it time you had the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted? Schedule a visit with our orthodontic dental team in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Although wearing braces will give you a gorgeous smile, most people don’t relish the idea of orthodontic treatment. Most of the time, the goal is to finish the process as quickly as possible. When you have braces, you can’t do much to shorten the time frame, but by following these tips, you can keep your progress on target to finish treatment in a timely manner.
Keep your teeth clean – Having braces makes your teeth and gums more susceptible to plaque and tartar build up. Electronic toothbrushes remove the food and bacteria more efficiently than manual toothbrushes. Healthier gums may promote faster movement of your teeth, so visit your family dentist for checkups and cleanings as well.
Stay away from food that will damage braces – Hard foods like nuts and popcorn or soft candy like taffy can cause brackets and wires to break, which may stop desired movement or result in a relapse. To avoid prolonging your treatment, avoid these foods all together.
Wear rubber bands as directed – If your orthodontist adds rubber bands or head gear to your treatment plan, do yourself a favor and actually wear them. Although these devices aren’t fun, treatment will last longer if you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Have a supply of rubbers close by, in a purse or car, so you can put them in wherever you are.
Don’t miss your appointments with the orthodontist – Your orthodontist schedules adjustments at regular intervals to check your progress and keep teeth movement on track. When you miss appointments, alignment may stall until you go back in for the planned adjustments.
It’s time for a beautiful smile – visit our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
Whether your child has a gap between his front teeth or you’ve finally decided to get rid of your crooked smile, the first step toward getting the results you want is selecting the perfect orthodontist. You need to find an orthodontist who meets your needs and with whom you can develop a rapport as well.
When looking at potential candidates, keep these things in mind:
Experience – As you weed through the myriads of orthodontists in your area, evaluate the training skills of anyone you put on your short list. For example, look for someone certified in Invisalign or who offers In-Ovation C braces, if clear braces are the option you most want to pursue.
Personality – Orthodontic treatment lasts, on average, from six to 18 months. If you are going to invest that much time, and a great deal of money, you want to find someone who gels well with you or your child, depending on who is the patient.
References – A great place to find an orthodontist is by asking family or friends who they recommend. Before making a decision, you can also ask for the names of one or two satisfied patients. Meeting people who had a positive experience with the orthodontist you have selected can help solidify your decision.
Environment – Another factor to consider is the atmosphere. Does the practice offering leading edge technology? Did you feel comfortable with the staff? Was the office clean and well kept?
Location – Don’t knock the importance of convenience in making your choice. If you have to schedule visits on your lunch hour or shuttle your child back and forth from school, picking an orthodontist close to these spots will save you time and frustration.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year from our orthodontic dental team in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
At one time, braces were primarily seen as a treatment option for kids and teenagers. Modern advances and the desire for an attractive smile have changed that idea. Now, many adults are seeking orthodontic care. In fact, estimates suggest that over 1 million Americans 18 years and older are wearing braces.
One reason for this shift is the benefits that come from having a perfect smile. Most adults want to project a confident, positive image to the people they meet. A stunning smile helps convey this message. Your oral health also improves when you have straight teeth. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, which can lead to a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
As orthodontics has evolved, the choices for adults who want to correct their teeth have improved. The embarrassment and discomfort of traditional metal orthodontia probably deterred many adults from considering treatment. Luckily, options like clear brackets, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear braces make it possible for image-conscious adults to achieve the smiles of their dreams.
Barely noticeable, clear or ceramic braces work like their metal counterparts in that they are bonded to the teeth for the duration of treatment, but most people won’t notice you are wearing them. With lingual braces, the brackets actually attach to the back of your teeth. The Invisalign system uses a series of custom, removable aligners to shift teeth into the proper position. During a consultation appointment, your orthodontist can explain your choices, answer any questions, and make recommendations for your specific situation.
Happy Holidays from our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
