But persistent habits such as mouth breathing, sucking on thumbs, fingers or pacifiers and even incorrect swallowing patterns can not only affect a child’s teeth alignment, but also can alter the growth pattern of their jaws, said Los Angeles orthodontics Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen.

That is one reason why the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7. If an orthodontist detects these problems, they can be corrected before they cause extensive damage, said Nikaeen, who owns a Los Angeles orthodontist practice.

Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth may seem innocent enough, but this can be an indicator of airway problems, she said. Prolonged mouth breathing can lead to the upper and lower jaws growing improperly because of improper tongue, cheek and lip forces.

“If the muscles, the teeth and the bone are working against each other, the muscles always will win,” said the Los Angeles braces provider. “Fortunately, there are treatment methods we can apply to get those three working in cooperation with each other.”

When parents notice a child mouth breathing chronically, Nikaeen recommends consulting an ear/nose/throat physician for correction and treatment methods, followed by a consultation with an orthodontist to determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed.

Mouth breathing also can affect the growth of the palate, which can cause it to become narrower over time, according to information posted on Addressing Osteopathy. Mouth breathers can further complicate things when they breathe into a pillow, commonly done to humidify their breath or to breathe more quietly. Doing this puts abnormal pressures on the jaw and face that can lead to uneven jaw and facial growth.

Sucking Habits
It is common for babies to suck on a pacifier or on their thumbs and fingers because it is a natural reflex, according to the American Dental Association .It also serves several purposes, including making them feel happy, secure and relaxed. Most children stop sucking these items by the time they are 4 years old.

It is important that they cease the habit by the time their adult teeth erupt. Depending on how intensely a child sucks, prolonged sucking beyond this point can lead to teeth alignment problems, jaw discrepancies and can alter the roof of the mouth, Nikaeen said.

In children who suck their thumbs intensely, parents should consult an orthodontist if they notice that it has altered their children’s baby teeth.

Persistent suckers may need some help breaking the habit, she said.

“It is best to start by praising children when they don’t suck their thumbs, rather than reprimanding them when they are,” said Nikaeen, who also is a Los Angeles Invisalign provider. “They typically suck their thumbs out of insecurity, so scolding them might only intensify those negative feelings.”

When the habit proves too difficult to break, there are orthodontic treatments, such as installing a mouth appliance that takes away the soothing sensation gained by thumb sucking, she said.

Improper Swallowing Habits
Improper swallowing can create problems with the position of the lower jaw, such as open bites and upper jaw and teeth protrusion, the Addressing Osteopathy site stated. When a child has a problem swallowing properly, it causes the muscles involved in swallowing to tighten, which creates jaw tension and other problems. Over time, this can force the lower jaw backward to compensate.

This can put added pressure on the tempromandibular joint and can lead to popping, clicking and pain in the joint.

“This is another problem that often can be treated with orthodontics,” Nikaeen said. “There are appliances available that can help correct improper swallowing patterns, and we also recommend speech therapy, which can help children learn where to place their tongue while swallowing and talking.”

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about how poor oral habits can affect jaw growth in children or you would like more information on Los Angeles invisible braces provider Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, please visit her Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com or call her office for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113.

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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2010 Sinai SEO Google 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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Nikaeen has used indirect bonding in her Los Angeles and Los Angeles orthodontics practice for some time, but finds herself turning to it more and more as a preferred treatment option, she said.

“There are very few cases in which indirect bonding is not a good choice for a patient, said the Los Angeles braces expert.

Precision

When Nikaeen treats a patient, precision is key to achieving an outcome that she and the patient are happy with. Indirect bonding enables Nikaeen to place the brackets on a model of the patient’s teeth prior to physical placement, which means they can be placed in the exact location on each tooth that will result in optimum movement and final results.

Once the final placement is determined, the brackets are placed into a plastic holder that suspends them in the exact location they will be placed on the teeth. A bonding agent is painted onto the patient’s teeth and the holder is placed over them, which situates the brackets into proper position.

Less Chair Time

This process has been known to take as little as half the time that the direct method of bonding each bracket individually required, according to IndirectBonding.com. Also, fewer follow-up appointments are necessary.

This is a great benefit for patients, said Nikaeen, who also is a Los Angeles Invisalign provider.

“With nearly every patient, they are taking time away from their workday or an otherwise busy schedule to make their orthodontist appointments,” she said. “The less time they must spend at my office for treatment, the happier they tend to be.”

Faster Results

What is truly amazing about indirect bonding is that in addition to less chair time, indirect bonding in orthodontics achieves the desired results quicker.

“This truly is like having the best of both worlds,” Los Angeles invisible braces expert Nikaeen said.

Because of the accuracy involved in initially placing the brackets, indirect bonding helps shift teeth into proper alignment quicker than many other orthodontic methods.

“Getting their braces off is one of the happiest days of a patient’s life, and indirect bonding gets them to that milestone quicker,” she said.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about indirect bonding, Dr. AtoosaNikaeen’s orthodontic practice, or you wish to contact her for a free consultation, please visit her Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office: (310) 444-1113.

About Dr. AtoosaNikaeen

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 Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

© 2010 Sinai SEO Marketing and Dr. AtoosaNikaeen. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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In addition to leaving money under the child’s pillow, the Tooth Fairy would be wise to leave a reminder for parents that now is a great time to reiterate to their children how important proper oral hygiene is. After all, the teeth that take the place of those missing baby teeth must last a lifetime, said Los Angeles and Santa Monica orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen.

Children’s baby teeth fall out in the order in which they came in, beginning with the front two bottom teeth- the lower central incisors- and followed by the front two upper teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site . The bicuspids erupt next, followed by the cuspids and the second molars.

Parents should be careful not to mistake the first permanent molars with baby teeth, since they do not replace any deciduous teeth and they erupt behind the last baby molars, Nikaeen said.

A majority of children begin losing their first teeth by age 6 or 7, and girls generally begin losing their teeth before boys do. By the time a child reaches age 13, the last of his/her baby teeth usually have fallen out.

What to do with a loose tooth
When a child announces that they have a loose tooth, encourage them to gently wiggle it, but not to attempt pulling it out before it’s ready to fall out on its own, said Nikaeen, a Los Angeles and Santa Monica Invisalign provider. Removing a tooth too early can leave the broken root more susceptible to infection.

Losing baby teeth usually is a painless process, but sometimes the eruption of molars can cause some slight pain. In those cases, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or a topical painkiller should alleviate the discomfort.

A New Set of Not-So-Pearly Whites?
Once a child’s adult teeth begin erupting, they will be noticeably larger than the baby teeth they replace. Newly erupted adult teeth also tend to have clearly defined ridges and can be less white than the baby teeth.

All of this is temporary and will change as the teeth are used for chewing and biting, said the Santa Monica braces expert.

Once a child reaches age 7 and has begun losing some baby teeth, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an initial consultation with an orthodontist.

“There are many orthodontic problems that can be corrected in a less invasive manner, provided they are identified early on before a child’s jaw growth has slowed or completed,” said Santa Monica invisible braces Dr. Nikaeen.

During this initial appointment, an orthodontist can determine whether there is enough room for the child’s adult teeth to erupt properly and take measures to correct the issue if necessary.

A variety of bite problems also can be corrected early on if they exist, she said. Those problems include overjet and crossbite. Correcting these problems while children are young often can eliminate the need for surgery at a later date and can lessen the time a child must spend in braces.

An orthodontic visit at this age also can address bad oral habits a child may have developed. Orthodontic treatments are available to correct mouth breathing, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, all of which can lead to future orthodontic problems if left untreated.

Promoting Good Oral Hygiene
Once children begin losing their baby teeth, Nikaeen said it is a good idea to help them prepare for a lifetime of good dental health with the following dental care tips listed on the Mayo Clinic site:

• Maintain a schedule of routine visits to a pediatric or family dentist at least twice annually.
• Consult with a dentist about the benefits of flouride treatments and/or dental sealants, which can help prevent tooth decay.
• Limit drinking sugary drinks and eating between meals and before bedtime.
• Remind children to brush in the morning, after meals and at bedtime.
• Teach children to floss properly and remind them to do so daily.
• Replace their tooth brush every two to three months.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about tooth development in children or you would like more information on the Los Angeles and Santa Monica orthodontics practice of Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, please visit her Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113.

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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2010 Sinai Google SEO 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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Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, who owns a LA orthodontics practice, is using the recommended theme “Nutrition from the Ground Up” for the campaign, which is sponsored each year by the American Dietetic Association.

The campaign was created to raise awareness regarding the important link between making well-informed food choices and overall health, according to the American Dietetic Association’s Web site .

“Oral health is a sort of window into a person’s overall health,” said Nikaeen, a LA braces expert. “Numerous studies have shown that the first symptoms of some incredibly serious health problems can be found in the mouth.”

Because of that, it’s important to take an approach “from the ground up” to maintain not only good oral health, but good overall health, she said.

When educating patients on the important role of nutrition in oral and orthodontic health, the LA invisible braces provider and her staff begin with the basics. They stress the importance of eating a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, poultry and other lean meats. They also remind patients and parents that a healthy diet maintains a low intake of added sugars, cholesterol, salt, trans fats and saturated fats.

Braces wearers must take some special precautions with their diets to prevent appliance breakage, which could lead to longer treatment time. Nikaeen, LA Invisible Braces specialist reminds patients during National Nutrition Month and all year long to avoid chewing gum and biting into hard and/or sticky foods.

Hard foods such as celery, carrots and apples are healthy choices and can be eaten if they are cooked or cut into small pieces, she said. Other hard foods that have the potential to damage braces include nuts, hard candy (if chewed), pizza crust, jerky, popcorn and corn on the cob, to name a few examples.

Sticky foods such as gummy candies, caramel candies, toffee and licorice are not healthy food choices, and they can break or bend appliances.

“Eating a balanced diet gives the body the nutrients and fuel it needs to remain healthy,” Nikaeen, California Orthodontist said. “When we eat foods that lack those important nutrients our bodies need, that can result in a mouth that is less resistant to infection.”

When that occurs, teeth and gums are increasingly likely to be adversely effected by periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Nikaeen will have a variety of brochures available to the public in honor of National Nutrition Month. Those brochures also can be printed directly from the American Dietetic Association’s Web site.

Interactive puzzles and games for children that pertain to nutrition also are available on the association’s Web site

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about National Nutrition Month, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen’s orthodontic practice, or you wish to contact her for a free consultation with LA Retainer Braces expert, please visit her Web site:  http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office: (310) 444-1113.

About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen
Dr. Nikaeen, California Braces expert 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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2010 Sinai Google SEO 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 press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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]]> http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/la-orthodontics-practice-uses-national-nutrition-month-to-show-connection-between-nutrition-and-orthodontic-health.html/feed http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/la-and-santa-monica-orthodontist-discusses-tooth-development-from-birth-to-age-3.html http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/la-and-santa-monica-orthodontist-discusses-tooth-development-from-birth-to-age-3.html#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:07:45 +0000 nikaeen http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/?p=255 LOS ANGELES, BEVERLY HILLS AND SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA– Although they are not permanent, a child’s primary, or baby, teeth play an important role in development.

Healthy baby teeth are necessary for chewing food and holding a space in the jaw until the adult teeth erupt. That means that what goes on in a child’s mouth from birth to age 3 can play a significant role in the child’s adult teeth development, said Los Angeles and Santa Monica orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen.

Baby Teeth At Birth

Except for a few isolated occasions, babies are born with their teeth embedded in the gums and not showing, Nikaeen, Santa Monica Orthodontics Specialist said. The front teeth begin to erupt  by the time the infant is between  four and eight months old. From six months on, children average about four new teeth every four months, and within a year or so, crowns have formed on all of a child’s baby teeth.

Baby teeth first erupt in the front of the mouth, Nikaeen, Santa Monica Braces Expert, said. They erupt in pairs and alternate between the upper and lower jaws.

The four front teeth, also referred to as central incisors, are the first to appear. The lower central incisors erupt first, followed by the upper central incisors. Lateral incisors erupt next, followed by the first molars, cuspids and second molars.

“Sometimes it appears that baby teeth are crooked because as they erupt, they can do so at an angle,” said the Los Angeles orthodontics specialist. “This isn’t anything to worry about because they will straighten out in due time.”

A majority of children have obtained all 20 of their primary teeth by age 3. It is at this point that  a child’s tongue begins to adapt to the shape of the teeth and his/her swallowing pattern will change to an adult pattern.

The enamel on baby teeth is not as strong or as thick as the enamel on permanent teeth, and this makes them more susceptible to tooth decay. It is not entirely unusual for children to develop tooth decay as soon as their teeth erupt, said the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Removable braces expert.

Approximately half of all 2-year-olds have at least one cavity, according to information on the topic posted on Answers.com.

There are some studies that show that a baby’s teeth and jaw develop more completely when they are fed breast milk instead of formula, Nikaeen, Santa Monica Lingual Braces provider said. Because of that, there are some steps pregnant and nursing mothers can take to promote their baby’s long-term dental development.

Mothers should not take over-the-counter or prescribed drugs during the first three months of their pregnancy and they should eat a healthy diet, according to the ADA. They also should not use tobacco products, consume alcohol or eat large quantities of sugar.

Sometimes tooth decay is promoted when children are given sugary drinks in their baby bottles, particularly when they are given a bottle prior to going to sleep. Drinks with high sugar content that are left to sit on the teeth become food for bacteria that exist in the mouth, according to the ADA. The bacteria and sugars combine to create acids that can attack the teeth for 20 minutes or longer after consuming the sugary beverage. This can ultimately lead to decay.

A 1999 article in Pediatric Dentistry quoted a study that had determined that breast milk does not promote tooth decay.

It is important to take steps to prevent tooth decay in babies because decay can lead to tooth loss. If a child loses a baby tooth too early, it may cause the surrounding teeth to shift into the vacant space and create crowding problems when the adult teeth start to erupt, according to information posted on the American Dental Association Web site.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Babies

The ADA lists several tips for preventing tooth decay in babies, which can set them on a good course toward a lifetime of healthy teeth.

The ADA recommends that parents wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding. Once baby teeth begin to erupt, begin brushing the child’s teeth. Once all of the child’s baby teeth have erupted, it is time to begin flossing.

Don’t let children fall asleep with a bottle full of formula, milk, fruit juice or sugary drink, Nikaeen, Santa Monica Invisible Braces expert said. Also, don’t give children pacifiers dipped in sweet liquids.

A child should begin routine dental visits by its first birthday, and if the local water supply does not have fluoride in the water, consult with a dentist on how your child should get fluoride.

Learn More

Next month’s article will cover the topic of tooth development in children during the stage of losing the baby teeth and getting their adult teeth. If you would like to learn more about tooth development in children or you would like more information on Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, please  visit her Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113.

About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen

Dr. Nikaeen, Santa Monica Invisalign Provider 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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2010 Sinai Google SEO 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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]]> http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/la-and-santa-monica-orthodontist-discusses-tooth-development-from-birth-to-age-3.html/feed http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/national-children%e2%80%99s-dental-health-month-is-great-educational-opportunity-says-california-orthodontics-practice.html http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/national-children%e2%80%99s-dental-health-month-is-great-educational-opportunity-says-california-orthodontics-practice.html#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:29:17 +0000 nikaeen http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/?p=252 LOS ANGELES, SANTA MONICA AND BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA —  California Orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen will spend February educating patients and parents and speaking to school children about the importance of proper oral hygiene and diet.

Nikaeen and other employees at her California orthodontics practice do this every February in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

“This is a topic we actually discuss with our patients and parents daily,” Nikaeen, California Orthodontist, said, “but February gives us an opportunity for community outreach, where we educate students in our local school systems on the topic and really drive home the point among our patients.”

Something Nikaeen will teach in schools this year is the important role that proper nutrition plays in relation to good oral health, said the California braces expert. Eating a balanced diet provides the nutrients the body needs to maintain good health, and a diet low in the nutrients the body needs can result in a mouth that is less resistant to infection. That means teeth can become more susceptible to decay and gums can become more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Most children have been exposed to the practice and importance of good oral hygiene, said Nikaeen, a California Invisalign provider. However, it’s always a good idea to give them some refresher information on the topic. She also uses National Children’s Dental Health Month as an opportunity to give students toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss to help reinforce those good habits.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is sponsored annually by the American Dental Association. This year’s educational posters showcase a message for children from the McGrinn Twins, Buck and Flossy: “For a sparkly smile, remember to brush and floss every day!” The opposite side of the poster contains a message geared more toward pre-teens and teens: “Rock your smile.”

The NCDHM message and campaign materials has been disseminated to millions of people throughout the country over the years, according to the ADA.
This monthlong campaign began in February 1941 as a one-day observance in Cleveland, Ohio, followed by a one-week event in Akron that same month, according to the ADA.

The ADA held its first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on Feb. 8, 1949, and it grew into a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, officials extended the program into a monthlong campaign known by its current name.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen’s orthodontic practice, or you wish to contact her for a free consultation, please visit her Web site: http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office: (310) 444-1113.

About Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen
Dr. Nikaeen, California Lingual Braces expert, 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 orthodontic specialty certificate.

In addition to running her practice, Dr. Nikaeen, California Invisible Braces expert, 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.

© 2010 Sinai Google SEO 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 press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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But tooth development- known scientifically as odontogenesis- actually begins in the womb.

Anatomy Of A Tooth
Before discussing how teeth develop, it’s important to understand a bit about tooth anatomy and the four major tissues that comprise a tooth, said Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, who owns a Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, CA orthodontics practice. Those four tissues are - enamel, cementum, dentin and pulp.

The crown of a tooth is covered with enamel- which is the hardest and most concentrated mineralized substance in the body. The cementum is a bony substance that covers a tooth’s root. Dentin is a connective tissue located between the enamel or cementum and the dental pulp chamber that helps support the crown of the tooth.The pulp is located in the center of the tooth and contains soft connective tissue filled with blood vessels and nerves, Nikaeen, beverly hills orthodontist,  said.

How Teeth Develop
Odontogenesis is the process where teeth form from embryonic cells, grow and eventually erupt from the gums. The four stages of tooth development are the bud stage, the cap, the bell and maturation.

Healthy teeth require the proper development of dentin, enamel, periodontium and cementum during the appropriate fetal development stages, said Nikaeen, a Beverly Hills, CA Invisalign provider.

The primary teeth- also commonly called baby teeth- begin to form in the jawbone between six and eight weeks after conception. Permanent teeth start to develop at 20 weeks.

“Teeth must begin to develop at these points of gestation or they will not develop at all,” said the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, CA braces expert.

Teeth are created through a protein matrix mineralization process. Although this process begins in the womb, it actually isn’t completed until late adolescence, when growth of the root structure is completed.

It is interesting to note that a majority of babies are born without their teeth showing, but about one in 2,000 babies has a visible tooth at birth, Nikaeen said.

Requirements for Healthy Tooth Development
The mother plays a significant role in the development of her baby’s teeth. Having a healthy diet and proper nutrition helps ensure that the baby receives the minerals and nutrients it needs to develop healthy teeth.

Women who suffer from severe nutrient deficiencies during their pregnancy increase the likelihood that their baby will be born with dental malformations or that they will be more susceptible to tooth decay as they mature, according to information posted by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Healthy tooth development and maintenance requires a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C is necessary because dentin contains a protein called collagen, and collagen needs  vitamin C for normal synthesis, according to the ADHA article. Vitamin A is needed so that tooth enamel can form. The enamel contains keratin, another type of protein, and vitamin A is necessary for keratin to form.

Vitamin D is essential to the process by which phosphorus and calcium are deposited into crystals of hydroxyapatite, which is the structural matrix of teeth, as well as bones, the article stated.

Fluoride, calcium and phosphorous are incorporated into the tooth’s mineralized structure during development to form fluorapatite. This is a compound that is more resistant to erosion than hydroxyapatite. After tooth eruption occurs, fluoride no longer is involved systemically in forming teeth.

Keeping A Mother’s Teeth And Gums Healthy
A mother’s decay-causing bacteria can be transmitted to her child, so it is important to have maternal teeth free of decay before the birth, Nikaeen, beverly hills invisible braces,  said.
The decay process begins with plaque, an invisible sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar that remains in the mouth to an acid that attacks tooth enamel.

Plaque that is not removed can irritate the gums, making them red, tender and likely to bleed easily. High progesterone levels are known to be responsible for puffy, tender gingival tissue.

The American Dental Association believes that poor periodontal health in the mother may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes including premature delivery and low birth weight of the baby.

Learn More
Next month’s article will discuss tooth development in children between birth and age 3. If you would like to learn more about tooth development in children or you would like more information on Beverly Hills, CA beverly hills lingual braces expert Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, please  visit her Web site:  http://www.invisibraces.com/ or call her office for a free consultation: (310) 444-1113.

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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2009 Sinai Google SEO 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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]]> http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/beverly-hills-ca-orthodontics-specialist-discusses-tooth-development-during-pregnancy.html/feed http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/los-angeles-ca-orthodontist-offers-discount-on-braces-and-invisalign.html http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/los-angeles-ca-orthodontist-offers-discount-on-braces-and-invisalign.html#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:07:31 +0000 nikaeen http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/?p=245 LOS ANGELES, SANTA MONICA AND BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA —  Los Angeles, CA Orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen is offering a holiday special to new patients who get braces through January 30.

Whether patients need traditional braces or Invisalign, Nikaeen offers $500 off the treatment cost. Once treatment is completed, patients will receive a complimentary Nite White take-home teeth whitening system.

Nikaeen makes a custom-fitted teeth whitening tray for all patients at the time that the patient’s retainer is made, said the Los Angeles, CA invisible braces provider.

“The teeth whitening system is a product patients can continue to use periodically, long after completing their orthodontic treatment,” Nikaeen, top orthodontist in los angeles,  said.

Nikaeen’s Los Angeles, CA orthodontics keeps teeth whitening products in stock for patients.

Nite White offers excellent whitening results and reduces sensitivity by 30 percent, according to the manufacturer’s Web site .

“I believe that teeth whitening is the perfect way to cap off your orthodontic treatment,” Nikaeen,  los angeles invisalign provider,  said. “Once patients have properly aligned teeth, this is a great way to really show them off.”

With the holidays fast-approaching, Nikaeen, los angeles lingual braces expert,  said offering the $500 discount should make it easier for parents to give the gift of good oral health to their children, or for people to decide to treat themselves to a beautiful smile.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about these special offers, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen’s orthodontic practice, or you wish to contact her for a free consultation, please visit her Web site:  http://www.invisibraces.com/, or call her office: (310) 444-1113.

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 orthodontic specialty 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.

© 2009 Sinai SEO Services 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 press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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]]> http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/santa-monica-and-los-angeles-ca-orthodontist-treats-cleft-palates-and-lips.html/feed http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/los-angeles-and-santa-monica-ca-orthodontist-begins-using-forsus-fatigue-resistant-device.html http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/los-angeles-and-santa-monica-ca-orthodontist-begins-using-forsus-fatigue-resistant-device.html#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:30:50 +0000 admin http://www.invisibraces.com/blog/?p=236 LOS ANGELES, SANTA MONICA AND BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA —  Los Angeles and Santa Monica CA Orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen has started using the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device on more patients in her practice who need overbite correction and don’t wear their headgear or elastics as they should.
The Forsus, which is manufactured by 3M Unitek, is used with orthodontic braces to move the lower jaw forward and correct overbite, Nikaeen said, adding that the Forsus is proving to be superior to traditional headgear or elastics in patients who aren’t good at wearing the removable devices.
“Headgear can be uncomfortable, and some patients simply won’t wear it as they should,” said the Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA braces expert. “With elastics, their effectiveness is reliant upon the patient wearing them correctly.”
Prior to the Forsus, options for correcting overbite were limited to products that were simple to install, but relied on patient compliance for ultimate success, according to the 3M Unitek site. Products such as headgear and elastics are put in and removed by the patient, but the Forsus device is installed at the orthodontist’s office and cannot be removed by the patient. It provides better strength and reliability.
Basically, the Forsus device takes patient compliance out of the equation, which makes it a “great intra-oral appliace for non-compliant patients,” she said.
Nikaeen said some patients initially are bothered by the appliance being in their mouths, but they seem to get used to it. They also realize that it means less maintenance for them, and there is the possibility that it can be removed sooner because it can generate quicker results in patients who previously didn’t wear their removable appliances as they should.
“The Forsus doesn’t limit jaw movement, so it’s comfortable to wear,” said Nikaeen, who also is a Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA Invisalign provider.
Another benefit of the Forsus device is that it can improve the way the teeth fit and can potentially eliminate the need for jaw surgery in some patients.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the Forsus, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen’s orthodontic practice,  santa monica lingual braces or you wish to contact her for a free consultation, please visit her Web site:  http://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 orthodontic specialty 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.
© 2009 Sinai SEO 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 press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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