Does My Child Need Braces?

Nearly 4 million children under the age of 18 in the United States and Canada are currently wearing braces. How do you know if your child should be one of them? Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

Purpose
Braces are used to move teeth into the best position, but remember that braces are not only about appearance. They fix minor problems from slightly crooked teeth to serious issues like jaw disorders. With treatment, your orthodontist can repair overbites, underbites, and reposition teeth. Orthodontics may also correct problems like speech impediments, TMJ pain, and teeth grinding.

Age
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that kids have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7 so that your orthodontist can take preventative actions and possibly avoid the need for braces in the future. Usually, children get braces between the ages of 10 and 14 because kids in this range have some permanent teeth and are still growing. Your dentist is a great resource for telling you if your child, regardless of age, should see an orthodontist. Because 25 percent of today’s orthodontic patients are adults, any individuals with concerns should schedule an orthodontic consultation.

Warning Signs
You may observe some obvious signs that braces are in your child’s future, such as very overcrowded or crooked teeth. Some kids may have trouble chewing or closing their lips over their teeth. If children grind their teeth or have a history of thumb-sucking, orthodontic problems may arise. Early or late tooth loss is another sign that braces may be necessary as your child grows.

Recommendation
Keep in mind that a dentist’s or orthodontist’s recommendation does not mean that you have no choice about your child’s treatment plan. Make sure you understand the reasons for the suggested treatment, and ask any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion so that you are completely confident in the decision you are making about your child’s smile.

Retainers after braces

Your braces have been removed and your teeth are perfectly straight! It’s time to just enjoy your new smile since treatment is complete, right? Wrong! It’s time to wear your retainer so that your teeth stay in their new positions. A retainer is a custom-made appliance that continues to train your teeth to remain in place after your braces have been removed.

There are three types of retainers that orthodontists use to secure your new smile:

• Hawley: The most popular style, this is the traditional metal wire attached to an acrylic piece that fits in the roof of your mouth. You can take it in and out as desired.

• Essix: This type of retainer looks similar to Invisalign braces or to whitening trays. These are less noticeable than the traditional type, but are also flimsier and more breakable.

• Bonded: This permanent retainer consists of a wire being glued to the back of your teeth, and it cannot be removed by the patient. Your orthodontist will decide how long it remains in place; some remove the retainer dependent upon wisdom teeth removal, and others keep the retainer in place forever. One downside to this retainer is that tartar is difficult for dentists to remove with the retainer in place, so it’s very important to brush and floss properly and to see your dentist regularly.

Your orthodontist will help you decide which retainer is best for you. No matter what kind it is, the key is to wear it regularly for the recommended timeframe. Initially, that will be all day long for a number of months. Later, you’ll be able to only wear it at night. Remember, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will shift. It may be the last step of your orthodontic treatment, but it’s also one of the most important.

The Benefits of Removable Orthodontic Aligners

For a long time the only option to straighten teeth were metal braces and wires. Although this orthodontia serves a purpose, it creates a less-than-appealing image, especially for adults seeking treatment. Now, older teen and adult patients can enjoy gorgeous smiles without the hassle and embarrassment of traditional orthodontia.

Systems like Invisalign and ClearCorrect utilize custom, acrylic aligners to gently shift teeth into the desired position. Adult patients often choose this type of orthodontia because it offers advantages to metal braces, including:

Convenience
With the clear aligner systems, your orthodontist will take images and gather data so that a dental lab can fabricate your complete set of aligners. You wear each set for about two weeks and then move on to the next ones. Usually, the orthodontist will check your progress every six weeks.

Appearance
Constructed from clear plastic, Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners are barely discernible to friends and family, allowing you to look great while you straighten your teeth. Only you and your orthodontist will know that you are undergoing treatment.

Flexibility
Because you can remove the aligners, patients are able to take them out for special events or important meetings. For optimal results, you need to wear the aligners about 22 hours a day.

Health
Often, traditional braces make brushing and flossing more difficult, which can contribute to dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay. With the Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners, you remove the trays to brush and floss as you would normally.

Removable Orthodontic Aligners at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist

Questions to Ask about Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one is a big decision. Before taking this step, you need to gather detailed information about what this process entails. Getting answers to your questions will help you determine the best treatment and find an orthodontist you can trust to create a flawless smile.

Consider talking about these questions with your orthodontist:

Does having braces hurt?
Many kids, and adults, worry that traditional braces cause pain. While, you may experience some initial discomfort, your mouth will get used to the brackets. Your orthodontist can make recommendations to help during the adjustment period.

How long will treatment last?
Though the answer is often dependent on the severity of the problem and the compliance of the patient, your orthodontist should be able to provide an estimated time frame.

Are there different types of orthodontic treatment?
After evaluating your mouth, your orthodontist will explain the available options. Depending on your age and the issue you want to correct, your doctor may suggest traditional braces, ceramic brackets, or clear aligners for older teen and adults patients.

Do I have to change my diet?
During orthodontic treatment, you need to protect your braces from damage, so stay away from sticky or hard substances. Ask your orthodontist for a list of foods and snacks to avoid.

Will my teeth shift after the braces come off?
Once you complete the active stage of treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain those results. To protect your new smile, the orthodontist will create custom appliances and then review the amount of time you need to wear the retainers.

Orthodontic Treatment at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist

If You are Considering Adult Orthodontics

Many people think that braces are just for children and teenagers. Approximately one in five orthodontic patients, however, is over 18 years of age. Having a healthy, straight smile is a feature you never outgrow. Understanding your options can help you decide if adult treatment might be right for you.

How do I know if I need treatment?

Crooked teeth or a bad bite may indicate that you should think about orthodontic treatment, but the best way to know for sure is to make a consultation appointment. At this visit, your orthodontist can perform a complete evaluation and determine if you need orthodontia.

Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?

As long as the tissue around teeth is healthy, you can undergo orthodontic therapy at any age. Straightening your smile can contribute to overall health and wellbeing, so schedule a screening appointment to find out if you could benefit from treatment.

What are my options?

While metal braces are still available, most adults would like a less conspicuous form of treatment. Clear aligners such as Invisalign, as well as In-Ovation C braces, allow you to improve your smile without the look of metal appliances.

Will orthodontic treatment impact my routine?

In general, you can still lead a busy, active life. During traditional treatment, you need to stay away from sticky foods, visit the orthodontist regularly, and take extra time for cleanings. If you have clear aligners, you need to wear the appliances consistently, but take them out for brushing, flossing, and meals.

How long will treatment last?

Every case is unique, so there isn’t a set answer. Traditional braces usually stay on for 18 to 24 months. Therapy with clear aligners typically lasts 12 to 18 months.

Adult Orthodontics at our orthodontic dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS