If your child needs an orthodontic expander, using one can bring significant benefits down the road. But how do you know if an expander is necessary and what type is best for them?
It all depends on your child’s mouth and treatment plan. For example, some children need expanders to correct a narrow palate or crossbite. Others may require them to create more space for crowded teeth, while some children won’t need one at all.
This article will discuss if a child needs an expander before getting braces and which type of expander might be best for them.
An orthodontic expander is a device used to expand or widen your child’s jaw or palate. This extra space allows their adult teeth to grow normally. There are two types of expanders, including:
Your child may need an expander if:
If your child needs an expander, there are several benefits to using one, including:
It is common for children to feel uncomfortable or have trouble speaking clearly when they first start using an expander. However, these feelings usually go away after a few days.
To help your child acclimate to their new expander:
If you’re unsure if your child needs an expander, talk to their orthodontist. They will be able to assess your child’s mouth and create a treatment plan that is best for them.
Dr. Maria Yazji is an award-winning orthodontist dedicated to helping children achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Contact us today if you have any questions about expanders or want to schedule a consultation for Weston, Brickell, or West Miami. We look forward to hearing from you!
Father’s Day is coming up, and what could be better than giving your dad the gift of a great smile? Many dads put their families first and don’t always care for themselves. This Father’s Day, why not allow him to do something for himself and get braces? Learn more about Dental Braces for Adults in Miami.
It may seem strange, but getting braces is an investment in your dad’s health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means fewer dentist trips for cavities and other problems. And, of course, a straighter smile looks great!
The type of braces your dad chooses will depend on his personal preference and what the orthodontist recommends.
Here are some of the most popular types of braces:
There are many benefits of getting braces, both for adults and children.
Braces can:
If you or your dad are considering braces, be sure to consult with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Yazji. She will help you determine what braces would be best for your lifestyle and treatment.
If your dad is self-conscious about his smile, getting braces can help him feel more confident. A great smile is one of the first things people notice. And, it can make a big difference in how your dad feels about himself.
In addition to improving his appearance, braces can also improve your dad’s oral health. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. By straightening his teeth, you’ll be helping your dad to avoid these problems.
Finally, getting braces can be a great bonding experience for you and your dad. You can share the experience of wearing braces and watching your teeth get straighter. This can be a way to spend more time together and create lasting memories.
Your dad will be sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness of this unique gift. Not only that, but you’ll get to spend some quality time together while he gets his braces! So give the gift of a great smile this Father’s Day.
Dr. Yazji specializes in braces for both children and adults. Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you’re considering orthodontics for your dad or yourself. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. Dr. Yazji has offices in Weston, Brickell, and West Miami. Call today to book a free smile consultation.
Happy Father’s Day!
If you’re wearing braces or an orthodontic appliance, it’s important to know what to do if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation, away from your orthodontist. Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but it’s good to know how to handle them when they happen.
Let’s discuss some common orthodontic emergencies and what you can do to fix them.
If you have food caught between your teeth and braces, try removing it with a water flosser or interdental brush. If that doesn’t work, try using a toothpick or floss.
Be careful not to damage your gums or braces while removing the food. If you can’t get the food out, don’t panic. Your orthodontist will be able to help if you are struggling.
Mouth sores are common when you first get braces. They usually go away on their own within a week or two. To help with the pain and discomfort, you can take ibuprofen for pain relief if needed. Of course, always consult with your doctor.
If the mouth sores don’t go away or become too painful, try using wax on the irritating brackets or wires. If that doesn’t help, contact your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will make you feel comfortable.
Ligatures are the rubber bands that hold the wire to the brackets. If a ligature comes loose, try putting it back in place with tweezers. If you can’t do that, contact your orthodontist for an emergency appointment.
Before starting, sterilize your tweezers to ensure you aren’t introducing new bacteria to your mouth.
If a wire is poking you, try using a cotton swab or eraser to push it back into place. You can cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax until you see your orthodontist.
With particularly bothersome wires, you can use pliers to bend them away from your mouth. But be careful not to cut or damage the wire.
If a bracket or band comes loose, call your orthodontist immediately. In the meantime, you can put wax on the loose bracket or band if it’s causing discomfort.
With brackets, try using tweezers to move the bracket back into place. But be careful not to put any pressure on the wire attached to the bracket.
Your brackets and bands are instrumental in holding your braces in place. If one comes loose, it may mean that there is a problem with your adhesive.
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, it’s essential to know how to handle them. By following the steps above, you will help ensure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly. The less emergencies you have, the quicker you’ll achieve a smile you’ll love. That’s why it’s important to care for your braces as your orthodontist instructed you.
Always remember to follow the instructions your orthodontist provided you when you got your braces on. Orthodontic emergencies can be prevented. They are usually caused by foods you’re not supposed to have. For more orthodontic tips and a list of foods you should avoid while in braces, you can click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They will be happy to help you through any orthodontic emergency.
As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Yazji offers a full range of orthodontic services to patients in the Miami area and Broward County. If you’re considering orthodontics in Miami call us at (954) 217-3737 or request an appointmentonline. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re one of the many people getting orthodontic braces this summer, congratulations! You’re making a great decision that will improve your smile for years to come. While orthodontic braces are generally easy to care for, there are some things to keep in mind this summer.
This article will go over how to take care of your braces during summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling or staying home, we have some tips that will help make wearing braces more comfortable and fun!
One of the best things about getting orthodontic braces in summer is that you have plenty of time to adjust. In addition, since kids are out of school, they can clean and care for their braces at home. This helps them get accustomed to having braces before heading back to the classroom in the fall.
The same goes for adults. You can take your time adjusting to orthodontic braces and not worry about hiding them from colleagues or classmates.
Of course, if you plan on traveling this summer, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you’re planning on traveling with orthodontic braces, the first thing you need to do is make a braces kit. This should include everything you need to take care of your teeth while away from home. Some essential items for your braces kit are:
You may also want to pack some orthodontic elastics to help keep your teeth in alignment. Be sure to ask your orthodontist how to use orthodontic elastics before leaving on your trip.
It’s a good idea to pack some braces-friendly snacks when traveling. Fruits, like grapes and bananas, are a good choice. You can also pack soft foods like yogurt, peanut butter, or cheese.
Here are foods you should avoid if you have braces this summer:
If you’re planning on playing games or sports while wearing orthodontic braces, it’s vital to protect your mouth. Wear a mouthguard and protection when playing contact sports, like football or hockey. You may also want a mouthguard when playing non-contact sports, like basketball or baseball, just in case.
Your orthodontist can make you a custom sport guard that will fit perfectly on top off your braces. Some people choose to order a mouthguard online or a store but this is not recommended. If you can have your orthodontist do a custom piece for your teeth, it’s the safe way to go.
Following these tips will help you have fun and keep your orthodontic braces safe this summer! Remember, orthodontic treatment is a big investment, so it’s important to take care of your braces and teeth.
At Dr. Yazji’s office, we want you to enjoy your orthodontic treatment and have a healthy, beautiful smile. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic braces or preparing for summer. We are always here to assist if you have any questions. Dr. Yazji Contemporary Orthodontics has three convenient locations in South Florida: Weston (in Broward county), West Miami and Brickell (in Miami-Dade county). Your complimentary initial appointment includes a tour of the office, a panoramic x-ray, photographs and the consultation with the Dr. Maria Yazji. Call to book yours at 954.217.3737 or click here to reserve your spot now.
Gabriel was always self-conscious about his smile. But, lately, he felt like his crooked teeth were suddenly front and center during zoom meetings. With cosmetic braces, he was able to fix his smile without traditional braces.
If you’re like Gabriel, you know that first impressions are important. Whether you’re meeting someone or giving a presentation to your boss, you want to put your best foot forward. And, in today’s world, that often means making sure your teeth look their best.
Let’s go over a few cosmetic braces options that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Many adults and even children are self-conscious about their teeth and want to fix them. But, they don’t want to wear traditional braces because they’re afraid of how they’ll look. This is important because they know they’ll have to wear braces for a year or two, or maybe more depending on their specific orthodontic needs. If this is you, cosmetic braces may be the solution.
Cosmetic braces are available in a few different options.
This option is less visible than traditional braces and uses a clear or tooth-colored material. Typically, the wires are also tooth-colored, so people can only notice these braces in person.
With zoom calls, people will only be able to see your clear or ceramic braces if they are up close. And, even then, it’s likely they won’t even notice them.
Lingual braces are another cosmetic option that can be virtually invisible. An orthodontist will place lingual braces on the tongue side of your teeth. This ensures they’re not visible when you smile or talk. They are essentially traditional braces but are in a spot where your teeth hide them from view.
This option is great if you also have more severe orthodontic issues. The durability of lingual braces can handle more complex cases and issues.
Like clear and ceramic braces, people will only be able to see your lingual braces if they are up close. And, even then, they may not notice them unless you open your mouth or show them.
Plastic aligners, like Invisalign®, are also an option. They look similar to retainers and are practically invisible when you wear them. And, the best part is that you can remove them during zoom calls or photographs if you want to be even more discreet.
Invisalign® is great because you can receive treatment from the comfort of your home with Dr. Yazji’s Anywhere Smiles® program. After your initial consultation, you’ll come in to get your custom-made, clear aligners and you’ll receive instructions on how to wear and take care of them. You can then begin treatment and only need to check in virtually with Dr. Yazji every few weeks. Anywhere Smiles® by Dr. Yazji is a great alternative for those of you who work from home and are all day in Zoom meetings. You won’t need to leave the house to get orthodontic checkups.
Do your teeth make you feel self-conscious during Zoom meetings? Do you avoid smiling in photographs because you don’t like how your teeth look? If so, cosmetic braces may be a good option for you. With cosmetic braces, you can receive orthodontic treatment without anyone even knowing!
If you’re interested in cosmetic braces but still have more questions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Yazji today. She’ll answer any questions and help you decide if cosmetic braces are right for you. Book a complimentary consultation today. Offices in Weston, Brickell, and West Miami.
If you’ve just finished orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if you’ll have to wear retainers after braces. Retainers are custom devices that hold your teeth in place and keep your bite in check after treatment. In most cases, retainers are necessary for long-term success after braces. However, the type of retainer and how often you’ll have to wear it will vary depending on your individual situation.
Keep reading to learn more information about retainers and what to expect after orthodontic treatment!
Retainers use plastic or metal wires that fit snugly around your teeth. They come in both removable and fixed varieties. Once you finish wearing braces, your orthodontist will likely prescribe a retainer to hold your newly straightened teeth in place. This is because it takes time for bones and muscles around your teeth to adjust to the new positioning.
Furthermore, wearing a retainer helps to ensure that your teeth don’t shift back into their previous positions.
There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. The type of retainer that you’ll need will depend on the severity of your orthodontic case, as well as your personal preferences.
Removable retainers are easy to take in and out. This makes them a popular choice for patients wanting to remove retainers when eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth. However, because they’re not attached to your teeth, it’s essential to be extra careful not to lose them.
Fixed retainers bond to the back of your teeth, making them more secure. However, they can be more challenging to clean and may require special flossing devices.
The length of time you’ll need to wear retainers will vary depending on the severity of your original tooth misalignment. However, in most cases, retainers need to be worn for a lifetime.
Your orthodontist will provide instructions on how long to wear your retainer and when you can take it out. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to avoid shifting your teeth.
Wearing retainers is important for maintaining your new, straight smile. However, retainers offer other benefits as well. For example, since retainers keep your teeth straight, they can help to:
Overall, retainers are a small price to pay for a lifetime of healthy, straight teeth!
In most cases, retainers are necessary after braces to keep your newly straightened teeth in place. The type of retainer you need will depend on the severity of your orthodontic case and your personal preferences. In general, retainers are for life and you need to replace them every year. Retainers made of plastic will turn yellowish if you don’t clean and sanitize them properly. Retainers are like car tires that need to be replaced when they wear out or change their shape. However, the length of time you’ll need to wear them and how often can vary depending on your individual situation.
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment in general, be sure to ask Dr. Yazji. She will be happy to create an orthodontic treatment plan that’s right for you! Book a complimentary consultation here. Dr. Yazji Contemporary Orthodontics offers three convenient locations in South Florida: Weston, Brickell, and West Miami.
Congratulations! You’re done wearing your Invisalign® aligners. That means you’ve just completed your Invisalign® treatment, and now it’s time to wear retainers! This is an essential part of the process. It keeps your teeth in alignment and prevents them from drifting out of place.
There are different types of retainers available, but Vivera™ retainers are a popular choice after Invisalign® treatment. These clear retainers use the same premium-grade SmartTrack™ material as the aligners themselves. This means they will be comfortable to wear and look great on your smile.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using Invisalign® aligners and Vivera™ retainers to achieve a Hollywood smile. Keep reading to learn more!
Invisalign® aligners are clear, removable devices that are custom-made to fit your teeth. They carefully shift your teeth into the desired position over time.
You will wear each set of Invisalign® aligners for a few weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. As you move through each set, your smile will gradually shift into place.
The entire Invisalign® treatment process usually takes about 12 to 24 months, but this varies depending on the individual case.
Once your Invisalign® treatment finishes, you must wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new, desired position. Vivera™ retainers are clear, custom-made devices made of the same premium-grade SmartTrack material as Invisalign® aligners.
You will need to wear your Vivera™ clear retainers full-time for the first few months to a year after your treatment is complete. After that, you can transition to wearing them at night. It is important to wear your retainers as prescribed by your doctor to maintain the results of your Invisalign® treatment.
Wearing your retainers will keep your smile looking fabulous for years to come!
The first benefit of using Invisalign® aligners and Vivera™ retainers is that they are both comfortable to wear. Both products are designed to be gentle on your teeth and gums so you can wear them without discomfort.
Additionally, the transparent material is practically invisible, so you can wear them confidently, knowing nobody will be able to tell.
Invisalign® aligners and Vivera™ retainers are both effective in achieving your desired smile goals. The Invisalign® system uses custom-made aligners to move your teeth into the desired position gradually.
Once you have completed the Invisalign® treatment, you can choose to wear Vivera™ retainers. This will help to maintain the results of your treatment and keep your teeth in alignment.
If you’re looking to achieve a Hollywood smile, Invisalign® aligners and Vivera™ retainers are the perfect pair for you! Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they are also effective in achieving your desired smile goals.
Are you ready to get started on your Invisalign® journey? Dr. Yazji contemporary orthodontics is ready to help. With decades of experience, Dr. Yazji and her highly qualified team will walk you towards a smile you’ll love.
If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign® or Vivera™ retainers, please contact Dr. Yazji’s office. We offer free consultations and are happy to assist you with any of your orthodontic needs. We have offices in Miami, Weston, and Brickell.
Your Invisalign® Starter Kit comes in a handy travel pouch. When you open it, you’ll see an elegant box; inside the box, you’ll see a sleek case to store your aligners, cleaning crystals to keep your aligners fresh, a welcome brochure, and a use and care instructions manual for your Invisalign® aligners.
When you start orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners, you will soon be on your way to a straighter smile. But before you can start wearing them, you need to get your starter kit! This article will walk you through everything you’ll receive as part of your Invisalign® journey and how to use it.
Your Invisalign® clear aligners will come in a labeled box telling you the number of clear aligners in that box. In addition, each set of aligners is individually packaged and labeled.
As you unwrap your aligners, read the number on the package. This will help you make sure you’re moving from stage to stage in the correct order.
You will also receive a container to put your aligners in, instructions, and cleaning crystals as mentioned above. The container is vital to keep your aligners clean and safe when you’re not wearing them. Keeping your aligners in your storage case is highly recommended to prevent pets from chewing them or losing them.
The first thing you need to do is clean your aligners. Do this by soaking them in the cleaning crystals for 15 minutes. After they’ve soaked, rinse them off and put them back in the container.
It’s important to clean your aligners every day to prevent bacteria from building up.
To put in your aligners, simply place them over your teeth and lightly push until they snap into place. You should always wear them for 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
As you wear your aligners, you will need to move from stage to stage in the correct order. This will ensure that your teeth are moving correctly. Simply read the number on the package and match it to your current set to do this. If you lose your aligners and you don’t have your next set of aligners to move to, you should wear your previous ones to prevent your teeth from shifting and call your orthodontist as soon as you can. Therefore, it’s important to keep all your aligners till your orthodontist tells you it’s ok to dispose of them.
If you have any questions about your Invisalign® starter kit, ask your orthodontist. They will be able to help you through every step of the process!
Now that you know what comes in your Invisalign® Welcome Kit, you’re probably wondering what to expect next. Here are a few things you can expect after getting your kit:
With Invisalign®, you can expect a straighter smile in no time. Once your starter kit comes and you receive the aligners, you will have everything you need to start your treatment.
Dr. Maria Yazji is here to answer any questions you may have and help you begin your journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign® treatment! She is a Diamond Invisalign® Provider and she’s in the top 1% of Invisalign® doctors in North America. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Yazji can treat patients from early ages to adults with this system. However, if you prefer regular braces or lingual braces, you can also discuss with her if it’s recommended for your orthodontic case.
Her practice offers Invisalign® First, Invisalign® Teen, and Invisalign®. With offices in Weston, Brickell, and West Miami, you can choose the most convenient for you. To arrange for a complimentary Invisalign® consultation at one of her locations in South Florida, click here.
With so many advancements in orthodontics, custom braces for teeth now make treatment relatively stress-free. In addition, these innovations now make braces more comfortable and esthetic than ever before.
An orthodontist will personalize your custom braces based on your orthodontic issues and preferences. Therefore, it’s essential to find an orthodontist like Dr. Yazji who will take the time to understand your smile goals. Then, create a custom braces treatment plan that works best for you.
Let’s further discuss the custom braces for teeth options available today and how they can benefit you.
These are the most used type of custom braces. They utilize high-grade stainless steel or titanium alloys and attach to each tooth with a special adhesive. Metal custom braces are strong and durable, making them ideal for treating more complex orthodontic issues.
While metal custom braces are the most visible treatment, they are smaller and less noticeable than ever before. New technology has also led to self-ligating custom braces, meaning that the brackets do not require elastics or rubber bands to hold the wire in place. This can lead to fewer appointments and faster treatment times.
If you are looking for less visible custom braces, clear or ceramic braces may be the right choice. Clear custom braces use a ceramic or plastic material that blends in with your tooth color. This makes them far less noticeable than metal braces.
While clear custom braces are less visible, they are also more fragile and may require more careful cleaning. In addition, clear custom braces may not be suitable for treating more complex orthodontic issues.
Lingual custom braces are on the backside of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and bite and bond to the back of your teeth using adhesive.
Incognito hidden braces are an excellent choice for patients looking for invisible custom braces. However, they may be more challenging to clean and may cause more discomfort than other types of custom braces.
The most trusted teeth aligner system is the world. Invisalign® is a custom-made, transparent aligner system that straightens your teeth without brackets or wires. Invisalign® aligners use a clear, plastic material and are virtually invisible when you wear them. They are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want and brush and floss your teeth easily.
Invisalign® is a favorable orthodontic treatment option for patients looking for custom braces. However, Invisalign® may not be suitable for treating more complex orthodontic issues. This would depend on the orthodontist’s experience and expertise with the system. Dr. Maria Yazji is a top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider nationwide, she has the knowledge and experience to treat all kinds of orthodontic issues with Invisalign, from simple to complex orthodontic cases. She creates hundreds of beautiful smiles every year.
Custom braces for teeth can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. No matter what option, you can be sure that you will receive the highest quality of care at Dr. Maria Yazji Contemporary Orthodontics. Dr. Yazji will create a custom braces treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
To learn more about custom braces for teeth or schedule a consultation to meet up with Dr. Yazji and her highly qualified orthodontic team, contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
For your convenience, Dr. Yazji Orthodontics has three locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in South Florida: Weston, Brickell, and West Miami areas. Book a complimentary, no cost initial consultation here.
Did you know that many orthodontists also offer injections to treat your wrinkles? This treatment can provide relief from facial pain and teeth grinding and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. Know more about orthodontists and botulinum toxin.
Since orthodontists have in-depth knowledge of facial structure and anatomy, they are uniquely qualified to administer botulinum toxin injections safely and effectively. If you are considering getting botulinum toxin treatments, be sure to ask your orthodontist if they offer this service. You may be surprised at how many orthodontic treatments today go beyond straightening teeth!
Orthodontists who offer botulinum toxin injections have received special training to administer this drug. This makes them a suitable choice because they have the background knowledge needed to perform injections safely and accurately.
They may also be able to assess your facial structure and give you suggestions on how to improve your appearance. If you have wrinkles around your mouth, botulinum toxin can help reduce the appearance of those wrinkles. It can also help to alleviate sore, tense muscles from teeth grinding.
Botulinum toxin is helpful for both aesthetic and pain-relief purposes. For example, it can help reduce facial wrinkles such as fine lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Orthodontists can also use it to relieve pain from TMJ/TMD, migraines, and teeth grinding.
It can also help improve the appearance of your smile. For example, if you have wrinkles or lines around your mouth, your orthodontist can soften them with botulinum toxin injections. This can help you feel better about your smile.
Don’t let the cost deter you if you consider getting injections to improve your look. While some places charge a lot for this kind of skin treatments, many affordable options are also available. How much medicine you will need and how often you will need to get treatments depends on your individual needs and goals. Talk to your orthodontist about what you hope to achieve with botulinum toxin. They can help you create a treatment plan that fits your budget.
If you’re considering getting botulinum toxin, you may have a few questions. Here are some questions to ask before your appointment:
After receiving botulinum toxin treatment, avoid lying down for at least four hours to prevent the medicine from spreading to other muscles. Additionally, refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours after treatment. Alcohol can increase bruising and swelling at the injection site.
Treatment typically lasts for about three to four months, and results may vary from person to person. However, you should see results within a week or two after treatment. Below you can learn the Benefits of getting this treatment with your orthodontist.
If you are interested in improving your appearance, ask Dr. Maria Yazji what she recommends for your specific case. You may be surprised at how many orthodontic treatments today go beyond straightening teeth! In addition, orthodontists who provide botulinum toxin injections have received special training to administer the injections safely.
Dr. Yazji Orthodontics offers botulinum toxin treatments! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yazji today to see how we can help you achieve the perfect look to frame your smile and more.
Dr. Maria Yazji offers consultations in three locations in South Florida: Weston, Brickell (right in the heart of downtown Miami), and West Miami. Contact her offices today!