Did you know that 25 percent of patients seeking orthodontic treatment are adults? You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. Not only will straightening your teeth boost confidence, but it will also improve your oral health because crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss properly.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, these basics points will help you make an informed decision about your options.
How is adult treatment different than orthodontics for kids?
Because older patients are no longer growing, orthodontic treatment at this point is designed help adults attain a vibrant, healthy smile.
Do I have to wear metal braces?
Thanks to advances in orthodontics, adults have more discreet choices for straightening their teeth. Ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners allow you to achieve an attractive smile without compromising your mature image.
My teeth have been crooked for years. Why should I consider treatment now?
Your smile will not only look better, but your teeth and jaws will function better if they are in proper alignment.
How long will treatment take?
Though it is difficult to predict the exact time frame, your orthodontist will give you an estimated time table based on your case and expected progress. The average time for treatment is 18 to 24 months.
Can orthodontic treatment help with jaw pain?
If misalignment is the cause, correcting your bite should help with the discomfort. If your pain is caused by clenching and grinding at night, your orthodontist can fit you for a night guard.
It’s time to schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
In recent years, more kids and adults are wearing braces. Research indicates that 70 percent of the population could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Based on fossil findings, our ancestors had little trouble with alignment of their teeth, so what happened to us? As different ethnic and genetic populations began to merge, human growth pattern in the mouth didn’t accommodate teeth and jaw development.
Often, children inherit the need for orthodontic from one or both parents whose teeth didn’t align correctly, just as you inherit eye color or seasonal allergies. These tendencies can be passed down from generation to generation. Consequently, your child’s teeth may be too large or too small for the jaw area, resulting in crowding or extra spaces.
With modern orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can correct alignment and spacing problems. Generally, it’s a good idea to bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this time, the orthodontist can assess your child’s current and future development to determine if any intervention is necessary. Some children require Phase I, or early orthodontic treatment, to prepare their mouths for Phase 2, the straight-forward phase of treatment that usually involves traditional braces.
If you would like a straighter smile, but never made steps to change it, there’s still time. Even adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment. With modern alternatives like Invisalign clear aligners or ceramic braces, you can achieve a picture-perfect smile without the hassle and embarrassment of metal braces.
We’ll give you something to smile about at our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – 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
