What does an Orthodontist do?
An orthodontist focuses on treating dental and facial irregularities. Teeth that are crowded, have gaps, or
otherwise abnormal can be distracting or embarrassing, but they can also cause dental and oral problems. Teeth
that are grouped together or overlapping are harder to clean and prone to developing cavities.
Orthodontists employ a variety of techniques and devices to prevent or correct imperfections in the
arrangement of your teeth and the positioning of your jaws. The most common corrective measure is braces, but
braces can be combined with other treatments as needed.
Orthodontics and Dentistry – How They Differ.
While orthodontists and dentists both deal with oral health, that’s almost the extent of their similarities.
Orthodontists are considered dentists, but require added education to specialize in orthodontia.
Dentists typically handle problems dealing with oral hygiene and treatments usually include fillings, root
canals, crowns, veneers, and bridges. Meanwhile, orthodontists align teeth and correct your bite to fix
cosmetic or medical problems. The most common form of correction by an orthodontist is braces, although many
other devices may be appropriate, based upon need. Dentists and orthodontists often work closely together, and
one may refer you to the other under certain circumstances.
Signs You May Need to See an Orthodontist.
When you have a toothache, you know it’s time to go see the dentist – but how do you know when to go see an
orthodontist? There are an array of symptoms and conditions to look out for, including:
- Visibly crowded, missing, or blocked teeth
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the jaws
- Jawbones that are visibly misshapen or disproportional
- Teeth grinding, especially while asleep
- Problems with biting or chewing because of misalignment
- Excessive mouth breathing
Some people recommend taking your child to an orthodontist by the time they are seven. Some problems can be
treated more easily when the patient is young, and the jaw is still malleable. By bringing your child in
early, our orthodontist can use preventative measures to help your child’s teeth grow in straight and shape
their jaw.
Procedures Performed by our Orthodontist
Braces are what orthodontists are most known for, but they use other devices either separately or in
conjunction with braces to achieve beautiful teeth.
Most other devices used by orthodontists are used to modify the shape of the jaw, including headgear,
maxillary expansion devices, bionator, or Herbst.
A maxillary, or upper jaw expansion device sits in the roof of your mouth and gradually makes the upper jaw
wider or narrower over the course of a few months. Meanwhile, headgear or Herbst appliances can reduce
retrusion of the lower jaw, which is when the bottom jaw sits too far behind the top jaw. Aligning the jaws
can fix problems with chewing or biting and reduce pain when opening your jaws.
At Soft Touch Dental in San Diego, we do everything we can to make your orthodontic experience a pleasant and
pain-free. Modern advancements have led to devices that are less visible such as clear braces or Invisalign,
and we will only advise you to undergo treatments that are vital to your overall oral hygiene and produce a
more attractive smile.
Our Orthodontist
Dr. Fakhimi and the entire staff at Soft Touch Dental is passionate about helping you to look
and feel your very best. When your teeth require correction with braces, Dr. Fakhimi can offer a myriad of
options that will achieve your cosmetic and lifestyle goals with ease. There are a variety of materials to
choose from for your braces, from traditional metal to clear plastic. Braces can help restore your smile and
create a foundation for dental health for years to come.
In addition to his expertise and skill, Dr. Fakhimi possesses a warm, friendly demeanor that
sets anxious patients at ease. He is especially liked by teenagers who may be apprehensive about getting
braces for the first time. He often spends extra time in consultation, offering families the chance to ask as
many questions as they like before deciding to embark on a treatment plan. Dr. Fakhimi is also adamant about
providing adequate aftercare for every client. These are some of the reasons he is one of the most desired Orthodontists in San Diego.
Many orthodontic devices or treatments require some attention after they are installed. Some,
like the maxillary expansion device, require some at-home care to continue toward your goals. Braces, for
example, require follow-up appointments at our facility to adjust the wire and monitor your progress.
Most pain felt after receiving braces or another device can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Our orthodontists will walk you through each step of your treatment and ensure that you are comfortable.
If you would like to learn more about how braces can improve both the appearance and the
structural integrity of your smile, please contact our San Diego offices today to schedule your free
confidential consultation with Dr. Fakhimi.
Braces
Crooked teeth can cause problems for the patient, not only cosmetically, but functionally, in terms of
throwing off the bite. Bite problems can result in sleep disorders, headaches, pain, and general discomfort,
and should be corrected as early in life as possible. Braces can help correct teeth that are spaced too far
apart, or too close together, and can augment the attractiveness of the smile.
The conventional braces are made of metal, either stainless steel or titanium, but can also be created from
transparent plastic. Plastic braces are less noticeable, but may require longer treatment times than their
metal counterparts. Braces consist of brackets, which are bonded to the tooth’s surface, the archwires that
connect the brackets, and the elastic bands dentists use to stretch the brackets.
Children as young as 7 years of age may be eligible for braces. Early diagnosed dental issues can save a
child from having to undergo more serious dental treatments later in life, such as extraction or surgery.
Issues such as overcrowding, thumb sucking, speech problems and more can be treated and healed with proper
care from an orthodontist.
Braces
Invisalign
Our Invisalign offers a convenient, attractive alternative to conventional metal braces. Each bracket is made of
solid, transparent plastic that is gentle on the gums and cheeks. The braces are removable, making it easier
to keep your teeth clean, enjoy all your favorite foods, and allowing you to attend important social events
without wearing braces when necessary.
The Invisalign system is ideal for anyone suffering from gapped teeth, crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth,
crossbite, overbite, or underbite. Teenagers and others who are keenly aware of the image they present to the
public will be thrilled with Invisalign’s undetectable design. Invisalign has all the same benefits as normal
braces, but without the cumbersome, unappealing features that can cause self-consciousness. Dr. Fakhimi's vast
experience and results with Invisalign are why he is the San Diego Orthodontist you will want to
choose.
Invisalign
