When you or your children need orthodontic treatment, you may wonder what that entails. Before treatment begins, your orthodontist will review the plans and explain everything in detail. These questions and answers are designed to provide you with some of the information you may need.
Q: If my six-year-old has permanent teeth that are coming in crooked, do I need to see an orthodontist already?
A: As your child grows older and gets more teeth, crowding and spacing issues will only get worse. Having an examination as early as possible allows the orthodontist to prevent further problems.
Q: Will braces impact my child’s ability to play sports?
A: Whether your child has braces or not, most dentists and orthodontists suggest a mouth guard to protect the face and mouth. The doctor can fit your child for a mouth guard designed to work with the braces.
Q: My husband has taken a new job and we have to move in the middle of my child’s treatment. What should we do?
A: Before you leave, schedule a final appointment to review your child’s progress and discuss any concerns you have. Ask for referrals if your orthodontist knows the area to which you are relocating. Once you get settled, make an appointment to meet the new orthodontist and resume treatment.
Q: I’m over 50. Am I too old for braces?
A: You never outgrow the benefits of a straight, vibrant smile. In fact, straight teeth are easier to keep clean, which minimizes the risks of tooth decay and gum disease. As well, having a picture-perfect set of pearly whites can boost your confidence and contribute to overall success. Many orthodontists treat patients in their 80s, so schedule a consultation appointment with your doctor.
Q: Will my child need to have teeth pulled before getting braces?
A: In the past, doctors recommended removal of permanent teeth as standard protocol with orthodontic treatment. Now, most patients do not have teeth removed to achieve a gorgeous smile.
We care about your smile at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Everyone has heard of braces and retainers. Usually, braces consist of bands, wires, and brackets. A retainer will keep your teeth from shifting back into their natural position. These orthodontic devices are used to straighten teeth and maintain the results after treatment.
Sometimes, the orthodontist will need to use additional devices to complete your treatment. Although not as common as braces, these appliances can be an important component to achieving a straighter smile. After a thorough evaluation, your orthodontist may recommend one of these devices in conjunction with braces:
Fixed Space Maintainers – When a patient loses a baby tooth prematurely, the doctor may place a fixed space maintainer to keep the spot open until the permanent tooth erupts.
Palatal Expander – Positioned over the roof of the mouth, a palatal expander widens the arch of the upper jaw. The palatal expander uses screws to apply outward pressure and stretch the corresponding bones and joints.
Lip and Cheek Bumpers – Your lips and cheek muscles can actually exert pressure on your teeth. These appliances keep the lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
Headgear – Designed to slow the growth of the upper jaw, headgear will hold the back teeth in position while the front teeth are pulled back. Headagear is held in place with a strap across the back of the head and a wire that fits across the front.
Spacers – Rubber bands placed between teeth, orthodontic spacers are used to create enough room so that the doctor can place brackets and metal bands on the back teeth.
Visit our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, California – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
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
