The Orthodontic Studio Answers Your Common Orthodontic Questions
New to braces? Dr. Rozheh Babaan can help.
Get answers to the most common orthodontic questions in Glendale.
If you don't see your question listed, please feel free to call our office and our helpful team members will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Answers to Common Questions About Orthodontics
Orthodontics - also known as dentofacial orthopedics - is a specialized form of dentistry which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental and facial abnormalities. As a specialty, orthodontics serves to straighten teeth, correct bite abnormalities, and improve the overall functionality of the mouth.
An orthodontist is a dentist who undergoes two to three years of additional education and training to correct any number of oral health issues. By using the latest in orthodontic technology and techniques, Dr. Babaan is able to give patients healthy, beautiful smiles.
Selecting an orthodontist in Glendale who can help you achieve your smile dreams is important.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. A trained orthodontist like Dr. Babaan can give you a level of supervision and guidance that isn’t possible with mail-order aligners.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth that have erupted, letting us evaluate their orthodontic needs.
At this age, Dr. Babaan is able to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
That’s important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early. Most orthodontic patients begin active braces treatment between ages 9 and 14.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every five orthodontic patients today is over age 18.
Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible and more comfortable orthodontic appliances (including metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign), adults find treatment more appealing.
Patients who need orthodontic treatment generally have one to three years of active treatment. However, each case is different and every patient responds to treatment in their own unique way.
At your initial consultation with Dr. Babaan at our Glendale office, he’ll be able to accurately determine how long your treatment will take.
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, how complex the problem is, and how long treatment lasts.
Dr. Babaan will be glad to discuss the cost of treatment and your financing options with you before the active phase of your treatment begins.
The good news is that braces are more affordable today than ever before. Our staff will work with your insurance company to help you get the maximum coverage. We also offer payment plans to ensure that your treatment is in your family’s budget.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems.
Other oral problems are caused by extended thumb- or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, the early or late loss of baby teeth, or other causes.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.
A bad bite can wear down teeth, make it hard to chew and talk and create stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.
Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional dental care later in life.
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the doctor and patient.
Dr. Babaan provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions.
Your job is to follow Dr. Babaan’s instructions, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to get the best results.
You will also need to see your general dentist as recommended to continue your general dental care.
If you notice an unwanted change in your smile or bite, contact us for a free consultation.
You might need an orthodontic tune-up to regain proper alignment.
Not necessarily. Research suggests that wisdom teeth don’t always cause teeth to shift.
In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic health.
Your family dentist or Dr. Babaan can help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Dr. Babaan will recommend how long to continue wearing your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth). Wearing your retainers as prescribed is the best way to keep your teeth from moving after your orthodontic treatment.
There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment. Teeth are not set in concrete, they are in bone. Because bone around your teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed.
By wearing your retainers, your teeth are more likely to remain where Dr. Babaan has placed them through braces treatment.
The small changes that happen after braces are removed are due to settling in as you use your teeth for biting and chewing. The more serious and unwanted changes may be traced to genetics or later-than-normal growth, which is unpredictable.
Movement is most common in lower front teeth. This is particularly true if the teeth were extremely crowded before treatment. Changes in tooth position are a lifelong and naturally occurring phenomenon.
The best way to keep your teeth from shifting is to wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Babaan. If you notice movement after your braces are removed, please contact The Orthodontic Studio and we’ll advise you on next steps.
The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even though you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect changes in tooth position.
Many factors at work may cause teeth to shift. Such changes are different for everyone, and most of the time, they are hardly noticeable.
However, on occasion, changes can occur that are disappointing to both the patient and Dr. Babaan. Changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment, but are a natural process. We expect changes in our bodies as we grow older, and teeth are no exception.
To help control and limit these changes, retainers are prescribed after your braces are removed.
Dr. Babaan will recommend how long to continue wearing your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth).
Wearing your retainers as prescribed is the best way to keep your teeth from moving after your orthodontic treatment.
There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment. Teeth are not set in concrete, they’re in bone. Because the bone around your teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed.
By wearing your retainers, your teeth are more likely to remain where Dr. Babaan has placed them through braces treatment.
No. Retainers stabilize and preserve the alignment of teeth and jaws that orthodontic treatment achieved.
Many people wear removable retainers nightly for the rest of their lives. Ask Dr. Babaan for guidance about your long-term retainer use.
*Some Text Courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists