The Best Bite: All About Braces

Your smile is a powerful tool. When you communicate and speak with someone they are focusing on your eyes and your mouth. You may not realize it, but you are influencing people everyday with your overall appearance. “A winning smile,” may seem cliché, but there is some truth to it, even if it is subconscious. People who look better feel more confident and are more likely to be successful especially if you live in or around Los Angeles.

Even the ancient Egyptians were concerned with straightening teeth. Mummies have been found to have crude metals wrapped around their teeth with catgut to close spaces. Orthodontics has come a long way from the ancient Egyptians. The techniques in orthodontic treatment and dental braces have made leaps and bounds even in the past decade. It wasn’t long ago that orthodontists were fitting ring like bands around every tooth. Orthodontists would have to use special orthodontic mallets to hammer the bands onto the teeth. This was often a time consuming and painful procedure. Orthodontists would then place heavy arch wires and tie them into the brackets with metal ties. Many adults who have had braces as youngsters remember the pain and discomfort. Orthodontic patients would be too sore to eat for weeks and the bulkiness of the brackets would cause sores in the patients’ mouths. Patients often came in for orthodontic adjustments every month. Their appointments were long and painful.

Today, in Southern California, braces are very different. Low profile brackets that are less bulky and gentler on the inner lining of your mouth are bonded with fluoride releasing glues onto your teeth. Gentle arch wires that are thermally active, which means they react to your body temperature, are tied into the brackets with a rainbow selection of color ties to make braces fun and stylish. The whole procedure takes about an hour from start to finish. Patients don’t need to come in as often for orthodontic adjustments. The wires are longer lasting and make you less sore because the pressure they exert is more evenly distributed throughout the treatment time.

People today are starting to realize that braces do more than just straighten your teeth. Orthodontics not only improves the alignment and aesthetic look of your teeth, it contributes to the healthy function and longevity of your teeth as well. By aligning your teeth in the proper position through orthodontic treatment, you reduce the amount of undue force and wear on your teeth. You can also have better access for cleaning your teeth and therefore reduce the chance of developing gum disease and bone loss. When you improve the overall look and health of your teeth, you have more self-confidence and self esteem. Orthodontics is an investment in the long-term well being of your teeth.

Braces aren't the end of the world; they're the beginning of a whole new smile. You don't have to be anxious about discomfort, self-conscious about huge metal bands in your mouth, or fearful about getting cavities when you seek the orthodontic expertise of Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr serving Granada Hills, Reseda, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Northridge, Mission Hills, Woodland Hills, and Santa Clarita. Call for an appointment at (818) 886-6666 or contact us online today.