Articles> Orthodontics

Los Angeles Orthodontist Uses Self-Ligating Brackets in Orthodontic Treatment

October 10, 2007 –LOS ANGELES, BEVERLY HILLS AND SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – Technology continues to improve orthodontics and develop new ways of curing the age-old problem of misaligned teeth.

One new option that Orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen uses in her practice is the new innovative braces called self-ligating brackets.

Nikaeen, a Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Invisalign expertwho also offers a wide range of braces types including traditional and lingual braces, delved into the use of self-ligating brackets for patient comfort, less treatment time and less force implemented on teeth.

Self-ligating brackets do not need the little o-shaped rubber bands- called ligatures- or metal tie wires to hold the arch wire onto the bracket. Several companies have come up with various ways of holding the arch wire in place without ligatures, but Nikaeen favors the Damon brackets, she said.

Damon brackets were created by Orthodontist Dr. Dwight Damon. They use a “sliding door” technique in conjunction with the Damon bracket low force wires. These self-ligating brackets allow the wire to slide back and forth. For orthodontic patients, this means fewer adjustments and appointments.

“In some cases, patients are able to go up to 10 weeks between appointments,” Nikaeen said.

The Self ligating brackets allow freedom of movement, which results in faster results with gentler force. Many patients are concerned about the length of time they are required to undergo orthodontic treatment, Nikaeen said. Damon brackets can reduce treatment time by six months in many cases.

Self ligating brackets also assist in improved dental hygiene by eliminating the need for ligatures. Ligatures can promote plaque build-up. Damon brackets also provide for a more even bite and they are great for patients with periodontal problems, due to the light forces they deliver, Nikaeen said.

Learn More
Although self-ligating brackets are becoming increasingly popular, they are used only in certain circumstances. If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for using self-ligating brackets in your treatment, call Dr. Nikaeen for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113; or visit her Web site: www.invisibraces.com.

About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen
Dr. Nikaeen graduated with honors from dental school in 1993 and received a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS). She gained experience practicing general dentistry for several years before attending Columbia University School of Dentistry and Oral Surgeons in New York, where she earned her post-doctoral education in orthodontics and received an orthodonticspecialty certificate.

In addition to running her practice, Dr. Nikaeen is a faculty member at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Orthodontic Department and teaches orthodontic residents.

Dr. Nikaeen’s Los Angeles practice serves patients throughout Southern California, including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

© 2007 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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