It is not uncommon for teenagers to need orthodontic correction to help achieve a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime. However, many teens are hesitant to have treatment because of the embarrassment and hassles associated with traditional braces. Invisalign Teen offers a way for young people to improve their smiles but maintain their self-confidence during treatment.
Invisalign Teen involves wearing customized aligners made of clear plastic that fit snugly over the teeth. The aligners are removable for eating, cleaning, and even for special occasions. Treatment is most successful and quick if teens wear the aligners most of the time except for eating, hygiene, or playing sports.
This type of orthodontic treatment corrects many common issues, including crooked teeth, spacing problems, overcrowding, and bite issues. Every two weeks or so, the patient will progress to a new aligner in the series of trays custom-made for that particular treatment plan. Visits to the orthodontist are needed less frequently than with traditional braces.
Invisalign Teen offers a variety of benefits for patients. These include:
- The lightweight, clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible so that others often don’t even notice them.
- Dental hygiene tasks are easy since the aligners are removable, allowing normal brushing and flossing techniques.
- Mouth irritation seldom occurs with the comfortable aligners as compared to annoying metal wires and brackets.
- Emergency orthodontic visits are not necessary for broken appliances.
- Average treatment time with Invisalign is usually 18 months or less.
- Invisalign Teen aligners even come with convenient markings to help patients know when it’s time to change to the next set of aligners in the treatment series.
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There are a number of reasons that orthodontic treatment is recommended. It’s not always just about the appearance of your smile, but also may involve the function or comfort of your mouth. Here are some of the most common reasons for wearing braces on your teeth.
Teeth crowding
One of the most obvious reasons for braces is to reposition teeth so they don’t overlap or look too crowded. Sometimes it’s necessary to extract teeth or wear other appliances to expand the mouth to better accommodate your teeth.
Teeth gaps
Along the same lines, gaps in the teeth can be corrected with braces so that your smile looks better. Also, your oral hygiene should improve when your teeth are in better positions.
Overbite
When your upper teeth protrude over your lower teeth, it’s called an overbite. Braces can help the jaw to grow together more properly, and realign your teeth and bite. Even in severe cases, early orthodontic treatment may allow a patient to avoid jaw surgery for an overbite.
Underbite
On the other hand, an underbite is described as the lower teeth protruding out further than the upper ones. This can cause discomfort, uneven teeth wear, and an unattractive appearance. Chewing and smiling will both likely come easier after orthodontic treatment for an underbite.
Openbite
Sometimes the front teeth don’t touch as they should when you close your mouth, which is called an openbite. This is sometimes related to thumb sucking as a child. Orthodontic treatment can alter the bite and teeth to correct an openbite.
Missing teeth
When teeth are missing as a result of things like disease or trauma, the open space in your smile can allow your remaining teeth to shift inappropriately. Braces can move the existing teeth into the correct location so that then an artificial tooth, such as a dental implant, can be placed to fully restore your smile.
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The goal of orthodontics is to improve the appearance of function of your teeth and jaw, and various kinds of appliances help achieve that goal. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, but here are some common appliances that orthodontists use to correct oral problems.
Rubber bands
Elastics, or rubber bands, are sometimes needed to create force that will help correct your bite. They are often stretched between upper and lower braces, kept in place by attaching them to hooks. For the fastest outcome, strictly following your orthodontist’s directions for wearing the elastics is the best approach. You may experience tenderness at first because your teeth are moving, but it will fade after a few days of consistent wear.
Headgear
Malocclusions may require the use of appliances like headgear, which attaches to your braces and pulls on both your teeth and jaw to create movement into better positions. There are different types of headgear for different goals, such as the direction of pull needed on your jaw. Often, orthodontists recommend that headgear be worn at night so that there is less embarrassment or hassle associated with the appliance. If your orthodontist suggests headgear is needed for optimum treatment of your condition, it is likely the best way to achieve your orthodontic goals and the guidelines should be followed for use.
Retainers
Once your braces have done their job and are removed from your teeth, treatment is usually not over. Most of the time, orthodontists provide retainers to help your teeth maintain their new positions. Over time, your teeth will settle into their new spots and your orthodontist may allow you to quit wearing the retainers, but until that time you should follow the directions for consistent use. That is the ideal way to keep your beautiful new smile.
If you need an orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, CA contact our office for an appointment.
Unsightly teeth can be embarrassing, annoying, and unhealthy. Many people seek correction with traditional braces, but the trend is moving toward a less painful and less noticeable approach. Invisalign clear plastic aligners help you achieve a great smile with fewer impacts on your lifestyle during the process.
Fewer hassles
Invisalign provides the same outcome of a beautiful smile as traditional braces, but without the same hassles. The removable aligners are taken out of your mouth while eating, which means there are no diet restrictions. You can also perform your regular oral hygiene tasks without complications of working around appliances cemented in your mouth. There are no painful wire tightenings, and the invisible aligners allow you to smile confidently throughout treatment.
Variety of corrections
Similar to other types of orthodontics, Invisalign treats many types of problems. Some of the problems that can be corrected include teeth overcrowding, spacing, bite issues, and crooked teeth. Only extremely severe orthodontic problems are outside the realm of Invisalign correction.
Good oral health
Because it is easier to clean your teeth and gums during Invisalign treatment than with traditional braces, it is possible to maintain good oral health. Bacteria and food particles can be eliminated with normal brushing and flossing, so with proper hygiene you can achieve healthy teeth and gums.
Easy maintenance
Less visits to your orthodontist are required with Invisalign. You will be provided with about a set of aligners to accomplish treatment, and you change trays every 2 weeks or so at home. You only need to go in for an office visit once every couple of months to monitor treatment and ensure good results.
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You might think that teenagers are the primary age group who are candidates for orthodontic treatment, but it is not unusual for younger children to begin treatment these days. Early intervention, or interceptive orthodontics, may prevent more severe issues later with the mouth, bite, and jaw.
Teens and adults have gotten all of their permanent teeth, which means that any orthodontic treatment will involve correcting existing problems. Some of the most common reasons that people in these ages need braces is teeth crowding, crooked teeth, bite misalignment, protruding teeth, and other problems related to the placement or position of the teeth and jaw. Interceptive orthodontics seeks to avoid such problems in the first place.
Early intervention provides treatment of the mouth, jaw, and palate while the child is still growing. Issues that resulted from thumb sucking or pacifier dependence can be corrected, since these habits can affect the jawbone and cause teeth misalignment. Teeth may become crooked, especially front teeth which can stick out. Tongue and bite problems also can be related to pacifier use or thumb sucking.
Interceptive orthodontics may involve adding spacer appliances to the mouth, which are used to reshape the jaw and palate or improve teeth spacing. Palate issues or uneven jaw growth can also be more easily treated while a child is growing, because the tissues are more pliable and soft. Treatment at younger ages may shorten braces time after permanent teeth erupt, or avoid braces later completely. It can also prevent more intrusive procedures when the child gets older.
To learn about orthodontic option in the Burbank CA area, schedule your appointment today.
Orthodontic emergencies don’t happen very often, but minor problems are not uncommon. Most issues can be temporarily resolved until you are able to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. It is helpful to know the parts of your braces and appliances so that you can tell your orthodontist what is wrong. Here are some of the typical issues that may arise when wearing braces.
Loose bracket
If the bracket remains attached to the wire, leave it alone and just cover it with wax so that it does not irritate your cheek or gums. If the bracket is no longer connected to the wire, place the bracket in a safe place so that you can take it to your orthodontist.
Loose wire
Use tweezers to reposition the wire back into place, or use a nail clipper to cut the wire behind the last tooth where it is securely attached. Put wax over the wire to protect from yourself from irritation.
Loose appliance
Do not try to remove any parts of your appliances yourself. If it is loose or poking you, place wax over the bothersome area until you can see your orthodontist.
Poking wire
Try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire out of the way so it stops poking you. If it is still uncomfortable, place wax on the wire.
Headgear
If your headgear is uncomfortable, first consult the instructions provided by your dentist to ensure you are wearing it correctly. Also, wear your headgear for the recommended amount of time because it becomes more comfortable with wear. If the facebow is bent, call your orthodontist to see if an appointment is needed.
Soreness
General soreness is normal when you initially get braces and after tightening adjustments. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse with warm salt water, or place some oral gel on the affected area. While you’re getting used to the braces, you may experience irritation on your cheeks, tongue, or lips. Place wax on the braces in the irritating areas as needed until you become accustomed to them.
If you live in the Burbank CA area and you are looking for and orthodontist, contact our office today Dr. Fotovat has over 15 years of experience.
