FAQ > About Treatment
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General Questions
- What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?
- What is the difference between extraction and non-extraction therapies?
- How long will treatment take?
- What are the different types of braces?
- What are lingual braces?
- Are there less noticeable braces?
- What is a retainer?
- What is a headgear?
- What is full or comprehensive orthodontic treatment?
- What are Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
- Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
Q: What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?
A: Treatment may last anywhere between 6 months to 30 months, or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement required.
Q: What is the difference between extraction and non-extraction therapies?
A: Extraction removes some teeth to make room for the other teeth. Non-extraction therapy expands a patient’s jaw and/or adjusts the size of some teeth to make them fit within the jaw. While we make every effort to avoid extractions, they often are required for cases where there is severe crowding.
Q: How long will treatment take?
A: Although average treatment time is about 24 months, the length varies with each patient and their age. Other factors to keep in mind are the severity of the problem; the health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely your follow instructions. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment on the part of the patient, most people feel the benefits are well worth the time invested.
Q: What are the different types of braces?
A: Metal braces, made from stainless steel, are most popular with kids and teenagers as they love the different colors available for ligature ties. Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
Translucent or clear ceramic braces are very popular with adults. They’re much less noticeable than conventional metal braces. However, because the ceramic material can be abrasive to enamel, they usually can be placed only on the upper teeth. They're also more expensive.
Invisalign is a new treatment option that utilizes clear, plastic "aligners" to move the teeth. This is a brand new treatment option that is limited only to adult patients with fairly simple orthodontic problems. Dr. Nikaeen can tell you if you’re a candidate for Invisalign braces.
Lingual braces are mounted behind a patient's teeth and are barely visible. They were used many years ago, before the advent of more cosmetic-style braces. Generally, lingual braces are more uncomfortable than standard braces.
You may have heard of "speed braces." Self-ligating braces, also known as “speed braces,” don’t need the elastics or metal-tie wires required for traditional braces to hold the arch wires in place. This method places less strain on the patient’s teeth and gums. Several self-ligating braces use different methods. Dr. Nikaeen offers the popular Damon Braces Therapy.
A:Lingual braces are mounted behind a patient's teeth. They were used many years ago, before the advent of more cosmetic types of braces. Lingual braces are rarely used anymore. Generally, lingual braces are more uncomfortable than standard braces.
Q: Are there less noticeable braces?
A:Yes! If Dr. Nikaeen finds you are a candidate, she can use Invisalign, a state-of-the-art alternative to braces that is virtually undetectable to other people. Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners.
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets are usually metal. However, you also can request clear and less-noticeable ceramic brackets.
A: After your braces are removed, you’ll wear a retaining appliance to hold your teeth in position. Retainers are just as important as braces in the treatment plan. Dr. Nikaeen will choose the right type of retainer for your situation.
You’ll need to wear your retainer until your teeth settle into a better bite and your bones and muscles adapt to their new dental arrangement.
A: Headgear is an appliance worn mostly at night and used to reduce overbites or to correct teeth-crowding problems, primarily in growing children. Headgear occasionally is used for adults.
Q: What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
A: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment refers to therapies that involve the alignment of your teeth, how your jaw operates and how your bottom and top teeth meet.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is used to correct any of these problems and restore your bite to its optimum position. Treatment can begin at nearly any age and may consist of several different phases, depending on the problem being corrected and the goal of treatment. Other therapies used may include periodontal (gum) care; oral surgery (including jaw surgery or tooth extractions); and restorative treatment (crowns, bridges, fillings, implants, etc.)
Q: What are Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
A: Phase I, or Interceptive Treatment, usually begins while children have most of their baby teeth and a few of their permanent front incisors. This often occurs around age seven. The goal of Phase I therapy is to treat a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in life, so as to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal discrepancies, crossbites and crowding.
Phase I treatment takes advantage of a child’s early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This often helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better, long-term results and treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a second phase of treatment to achieve an ideal bite.
Phase II treatment usually occurs at a later age. Usually, it’s important to wait for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at age 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal bite with all of the permanent teeth.
Q: Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
A: Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most, if not all of all child’s permanent teeth erupt. However, it is important that every child be evaluated by age seven.
Please call us at (310) 444-1113 or send an email to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve Southern California including Los Angeles (LA), Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
We look forward to hearing from you!
