Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment

Braces are not a vanity project. Even ceramic braces or Invisalign products are not just about better smiles. Mouth structures require a delicate balance, and falling out of it can disrupt eating and speaking. Poor habits that begin in childhood, not to mention genetic flaws that are nobody’s fault, can lead to all kinds of bite issues that need addressing. 

The dental term for bad bite is malocclusion. These include the following: 

Crossbite—one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth toward the tongue
Overbite—lower teeth reach the tissue of the upper teeth
Underbite—lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw
Specific to children, other issues can include protrusion of the upper incisors brought about by thumbsucking, and adult teeth erupting out of position. 

The sooner these issues are treated, the more trouble you and your Northridge dentist can dodge. Braces are still a very relevant product, especially since upgrades have improved them visually. Braces pull the teeth into proper alignment using brackets and archwires or, in the case of self-ligating braces, metal clips. Braces handle deeper orthodontic issues as well, and can manipulate a problematic jaw. 

Invisalign straightens teeth with clear plastic aligners that keep your treatment virtually invisible to the public. Invisalign may not get the necessary results for severe cases of malocclusion. That data is still out. However, it remains a recommended treatment for a smile without significant structural defects. 

In any orthodontic scenario, there is a chance of relapse. Teeth can loosen and bone can erode. Teeth can be lost, and the nearby teeth encroach on vacancies. Maybe the last advantage of orthodontics is their continued application throughout life, even for the very old. As lifespans expand, older patients are coming in for orthodontic work. Retreatment may be even more necessary for patients who don’t use their retainer as described, even if it’s thirty years down the line. 

For more, contact our expert in orthodontics in Northridge.

Importance of Invisalign Retainer

Getting braces off or completing Invisalign treatment is exciting. Active orthodontic treatment requires a lot of checkups, scrupulous dental hygiene and occasional discomfort. While you might be ready to show off your new smile free of any appliances, you might be surprised to find out that there is another phase of treatment. Most patients will need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in the new position. 

Our Orange County cosmetic dentist can explain how often and how long you will need to wear your retainer. During orthodontic treatment, your bone tissue remodels to make way for the roots of the teeth as they move. It takes time for new bone tissue to grow around the roots, and the retainer helps keep your teeth where they need to be while this happens. If you fail to wear your Invisalign retainer, your teeth could shift back to their original positions, a problem called orthodontic relapse. The risk of relapse is highest right after treatment but can continue for months until the position of your teeth has stabilized.

Invisalign retainer looks and feels much like your Invisalign aligners, but it will not put pressure on your teeth. It will simply hold them in their proper position. You might need to wear it all the time at first, but most people will be able to decrease their wear time to nighttime only or less frequently as time passes.

How Does Invisalign Teen Work?

There are plenty of stigmas when it comes to teens and their braces. So many fear the discomfort and aesthetically displeasing appearance accompanied with braces. They not only affect what teens can eat, but what they’re daily habits are. That’s why Invisalign Teen has really come to prominence.

The invisible, plastic aligners can transform misshapen or unbecoming teeth to something quite astounding. Thankfully, teens now have easier access to an Invisalign provider in LA. Often, these perform much better when it comes to rudimentary or simpler orthodontic issues. The gradual shift instigated by the aligners can lead to a more confident grin. The practical advantages, including the doing-away with self-conscious feelings, make Invisalign an incredible solution.

Reshaping a teen’s smile can change what they think about themselves and how they see themselves. Invisalign teen is effectively treating crooked teeth, overcrowding, over and under bites, as well as gaps between the teeth. They work by simply popping the plastic aligner into the mouth and ensuring they’re anchored over the teeth. They are replaced frequently to guarantee that the mouth is continually reshaped. This change only comes from determination, however. A teen must wear Invisalign for at least 22-hours a day. Only through personal effort can a person resolve their dental issues.

Less Risk with Lumineers

Getting a brand new Hollywood smile is easier than you may think. However, many patients would rather not risk losing enamel to achieve their dream look. Unlike veneers, which require a dental professional to shave down natural enamel, lumineers are applied without preparation work. 

A lumineer is a thin porcelain shell that is cemented to the front of the tooth to give it a bright, beautiful appearance. Lumineers are much thinner than standard veneers, which is why they require less preparation. When you go in for lumineers, our Los Angeles Lumineers expert will measure for custom lumineers that will fit your smile perfectly. Although lumineers may stick out slightly compared to veneers, your natural teeth will not be altered. Therefore, there will be a quicker turn around to apply your lumineers.
 
To care for your teeth, it is incredibly important to target your gumline. Floss diligently and devote to brushing twice daily. Many patients with lumineers feel it is worth it to have their smiles polished every few months. These actions, along with attending regularly scheduled dental exams, will provide you with long lasting results. Call our office today to find out whether lumineers are a suitable option for you and how to set up a consultation.

Brushing ceramic braces

If your child is considering getting ceramic braces, they may be curious about the daily routine involved. For starters, ceramic braces are very similar to standard metal braces, beyond the fact that they are not nearly as visible. 

Ceramic braces are made up of clear or tooth-colored brackets that keep the archwire in place. Contrary to the belief of some patients, ceramic braces do not stain easily. In fact, the only materials that are particularly prone to staining are the clear rubber ligatures used. For certain self-ligating braces, rubber bands may not be necessary. In order to keep your rubber bands stain-free, you will want to brush after meals and enjoy beverages known to stain through a straw. 

When you care for your ceramic braces, be sure to brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Colorless mouthwash is also a great idea to address hard to reach areas. As always with braces, it is paramount to floss regularly and make sure there are no food particles resting in between brackets. Ceramic brackets are quite durable and will stay in place as long as you avoid certain problem foods, such as hard candy and caramel. If you are diligent about taking care of your ceramic braces, you will achieve beautiful results.

Contact our orthodontist in Los Angeles to set up your consultation.

Relief For TMJ Pain

It can be incredibly bothersome dealing with the ratcheting, clacking, and popping of one’s jaw. Even worse is when pain or discomfort accompanies it. If any individual experiences clicking or aches in the jaw or mouth area, then more often than not they have TMJ. A temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, can arise when the joint, which acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, is injured or damaged. The causes can vary, from misalignment of the teeth, injury, arthritis, stress, and the grinding of teeth. What can’t be overlooked are the health risks that this disorder imposes. 

Finding relief is of the utmost importance. Any good TMJ dentist will verify that. Older age groups are usually far more affected by this disorder, but it can occur in anyone, at any time. Finding relief for TMJ comes in several different forms. Visiting a dentist may be the most immediate and effective way. Prosthodontics, mouth guards, and splints can also help in relieving that pain. Physical therapy can bring a lot of relief, as it will strengthen and give more pliability to the mouth. Even something as simple as relaxation exercises can change how people deal with stress, and thus reduce the tension they carry in their jaw.

Explaining Invisalign Express

Invisalign uses thermoplastic technology to straighten teeth in near-invisibility. The program contrasts with traditional braces both in visuals and in patient comfort. Invisalign requires no brackets or archwires, and doesn’t interfere with your diet. 

Invisalign and braces often line up in terms of treatment length. However, a spinoff product called Invisalign Express can treat patients faster. While basic Invisalign requires 20 to 30 aligners, Invisalign Express requires 10 or fewer. The only requirement is a less severe case.  

Here are some numbers that explain Invisalign Express qualifications:  

Patient must have no more than 2mm of spacing or crowding per arch 

Patient must need no more than 1.5mm of dental expansion per arch 

Patient must need no more than 2mm of midline correction 

These technical terms are best visualized by taking any number of online smile assessment tests. If you questions about your Invisalign Express candidacy, just ask your Beverly Hills Invisalign doctor. 

Invisalign Express is extremely effective for adult patients who may have had orthodontic work as teens, but have experienced dental relapse. It’s very common for teeth to lag toward their old positions, especially if you don’t wear your retainer as directed. 

Call our office today.