
Apr
When it comes to teeth and braces, many people tend to have a lot of outdated ideas about how the orthodontic process works. For example, over the last couple of decades, there have been many leaps in orthodontic technology that allow patients to enjoy more freedom and comfort than ever before.
Today’s braces use safer, more durable materials such as stainless steel. Brackets are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be customized to fit your mouth better. The brackets are held together by rubber bands, which have also improved with a more flexible material that provides more comfort to your teeth and gums.
At Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental, Dr. Payam Bostani and his team can fit you with modern, state-of-the-art orthodontics guaranteed to straighten your smile faster and more comfortably than the traditional braces you probably grew up seeing.
This patient presented with a prominent overbite and a retruded bite (Class II) of approximately 4mm. Instead of multiple months of wearing rubber bands and trying to correct the overbite and retruded bite, I opted for Motion 3D appliances , also known as Carriere Class II Appliances (see progress pic), which took only 3 months to correct the bite. Motion 3D appliances also allow us to move forward without having to consider extractions to correct the bite. This patient achieved a Class I bite and an ideal overbite in approximately 11 months.
This common occurrence of a canine that did not fully erupt, what some mistakenly call an ‘Impacted canine” is easily treated with Orthodontics. Sometimes, the canine does not erupt out of the gums, and Orthodontics deals with that as well.
This patient case was a combination of Orthodontics, Implants, and finally Veneers and Implant crowns. Orthodontics was used to create the natural space of two missing front teeth. Two implants were placed at the time orthodontics finished. And finally, porcelain restorations (veneers and crowns) were done to complete the smile. The patient said “This was the smile he always dreamed of”
Case 1: Class II Div 2
This patient was a classic Class II Div 2 case that was treated non-extraction. The case was concluded with elastics, and resulted in a beautiful smile.
Braces not only improve your smile’s appearance but also improve your overall oral health and the function of your bite. By repositioning your teeth for optimum performance, you can also significantly reduce your chances of developing serious dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even bone loss. Plus, conditions like bruxism and TMD/TMJ are also greatly influenced by the alignment of your smile.
Another issue many have with braces is retainers, which in the past were very uncomfortable and unappealing. Retainers play an important role in post-orthodontic treatment, allowing you to maintain the new alignment of your smile.
You see, teeth can slowly shift over time. Wearing a nightly retainer can help maintain your smile in its new and improved position without additional orthodontic treatments. The three main types of retainers include:
Fixed or “bonded” retainers consist of a thin stainless steel wire glued to the back or “lingual” side of your front teeth. They are also known as permanent retainers. The wire is hidden behind your teeth and not visible when you speak or smile. It’s usually worn behind the first four to six teeth as those teeth are more likely to shift back to their original positions following orthodontic treatment. Fixed retainers are designed to be worn indefinitely and are the most effective.
Clear retainers are made using a flexible, smooth, transparent plastic custom-fitted for your new smile. These retainers are typically more comfortable than fixed metal retainers, providing greater comfort. Since these retainers are also removable, you can take them off to floss and brush more easily. Clear retainers also offer shorter treatment periods but may not provide the same retention level as fixed retainers.
Hawley retainers use a combination of an acrylic plate or colorful plastic and a metal wire to help teeth retain their new position following orthodontic treatment. These retainers are also removable and durable, lasting between three to 10 years. They should not be worn while brushing or eating and are considered just as effective as clear retainers.
Achieving the perfect smile of your dreams has never been easier or more affordable. To learn more about adult braces, call Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental team at (818) 918-5533 to schedule a visit with Dr Bostani.
Dr. Payam P. Bostani, DDS, is a highly experienced and compassionate dentist serving the Burbank, Glendale, and San Fernando Valley communities. A graduate of UCLA School of Dentistry, he has advanced training in esthetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental implants, including a fellowship with the International Academy of Dental Implantology. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Bostani is a member of prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontics. He is renowned for his gentle approach and commitment to providing cutting-edge care in a welcoming, family-friendly environment, making patients feel comfortable and well-informed.