The Connection Between a Beautiful Smile and Teen Self Esteem

Does your teen avoid smiling because they don’t like their teeth? An adolescent’s smile can actually have a profound effect on their self esteem and even impact their social skills. Further, according to a research study out of Webster University, a confident smile can be even more attractive than traditional good looks.

Through orthodontic treatment (either with traditional braces or Invisalign Teen) I can correct genetic issues from crowding and spaced teeth to protruding upper teeth. Or, I can address improper bites due to thumb-sucking as a child, periodontal disease, poor dental hygiene, early or late loss of primary teeth or trauma to the teeth from a sporting injury, for example.

The good news is that adolescence is the optimal time to rectify orthodontic problems as teens haven’t yet finished growing. Early correction of orthodontic problems frequently takes less time in treatment and is less costly when compared to correction of dental problems that have been allowed to progress into adulthood.

We offer comprehensive orthodontics for teens to help them have a healthy, attractive, confident smile!

At our practice we strive to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment but also ensure Incredible customer service and make you feel like you’re at home while you’re visiting us. We’re the friendliest, most fun orthodontic office around. Come by and meet Dr. Azar-Mehr and the entire staff to see what we mean, call us at (818) 886-6666 to make an appointment or learn more on our website at www.losangelesorthodontist.com.

3 WAYS TO KNOW IF INVISALIGN® IS RIGHT FOR YOUR TEEN

By Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr

At my orthodontic practice, offering clear aligners is an important treatment option for patients, especially teenagers. When indicated by a trained orthodontist, Invisalign®, the leading clear aligner brand, can provide teens with the beautiful straight teeth they’ve always wanted as alternative to braces.

A consultation with an orthodontist is the only way to know for sure whether it’s the appropriate treatment option, but understanding the benefits of Invisalign can help you make a decision as to whether it could be the right fit for your teen:

1. They’re Completely Clear: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No closed-lipped selfies here! If your teen is self-conscious about his or her appearance in photos, Invisalign could be the right choice.

2. They’re a Confidence Booster: A recent study found that teens wearing Invisalign are twice as likely to experience a boost in self-esteem while in treatment than teens treated with metal braces.
   
3. They’re Removable: Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing your teen to eat and drink whatever they'd like while in treatment- and play certain sports more easily.

And here’s a benefit for parents: With Invisalign there won’t be any brackets to become loose or broken, so there are potentially fewer emergency visits to the orthodontist, and therefore fewer interruptions to your busy schedule!

At our practice we strive to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment but also ensure Incredible customer service and make you feel like you’re at home while you’re visiting us. We’re the friendliest, most fun orthodontic office around. Come by and meet Dr. Azar-Mehr and the entire staff to see what we mean or call us at (818) 886-6666 to make an appointment.

Maintaining your Smile!!

Maintaining Your Smile

There are several things to remember when caring for your new smile.

1. Regular visits to your Dentist and Dental Hygienist are crucial for maintaining the health of the cosmetic restorations. If the gum tissue is healthy with regular periodontal (gum disease) screenings, the life of the restoration will increase and the beauty will be maintained as well. Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis helps to promote gum tissue health. Proper techniques for home care will be given by a licensed dental hygienist. Any concerns or questions that you may have can be addressed at this visit. If any problems occur, they will usually be very small if found early.

* IT IS VITAL THAT CARING FOR YOUR COSMETIC RESTORATIONS BE DONE BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL SPECIALIZING IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY. IF PROPER POLISHES, INSTRUMENTS, AND PRODUCTS ARE NOT USED, IT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR INVESTMENT IN YOUR NEW SMILE.

2. Flossing is a key adjunct to massage the gum tissue and again reduce food, debris and formation of plaque in between the teeth. This is a crucial part of ensuring a lifelong beautiful smile. It will also increase the life of the restoration.

3. Brushing 2-3x daily helps to keep the gum tissue healthy. It also removes surface plaque and stain to help maintain a beautiful smile.

4. NEVER use your teeth as a tool! Biting or chewing on things such as pens, ice or holding things between your teeth may cause damage to your cosmetic restorations.

5. Toothpicks should be avoided unless they are used very gently and with caution, as gum tissue damage can sometimes occur.

6. Choose a toothpaste that is non-abrasive. If problems with staining occur, brushing after drinking coffee, teas, or colas may be necessary. Quitting smoking is also encouraged to help eliminate staining and overall oral health.

Content provided courtesy of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, www.AACD.com.