VANCOUVER - There could be many benefits to having healthy teeth and correct jaw alignment.
Misaligned teeth may be difficult to clean and maintain, which may result in tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss. Improper jaw alignment could lead to abnormal wear of the enamel, problems with chewing and stress on the bone supporting the teeth.
"Treatment may be a success at any age," says Dr. Aly Kanani, a
Vancouver orthodentist. "A beautiful smile can be the best benefit of orthodontics."
Kanani talks about the different options that a patient can have for orthodontic treatment.
Miniature Self-Ligating Metal BracesMetal
braces are typically a form of braces for kids. Orthodontist Kanani offers these state-of-the-art self-ligating brackets, which can make orthodontic treatment more efficient with its built in "sliding door" that holds the wire in place.
"This form of treatment uses high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth mobility with less pressure," says Kanani. "Less adjustments need to be made with these brackets, resulting in fewer visits and a dramatically reduce treatment time."
Clear BracesThis form of treatment may be a low-profile option for many patients. The clear brackets could create a vibrant smile without the look of metal. The shade of the brackets may differ from looking crystal clear to having a pearl-white tint.
The arch wires are typically metal; however, some wires can be coated with a tooth-colored paint for less detection.
Invisalign Clear AlignersInvisalign and
Invisalign Teen can be the type of treatment for adults and teenagers who are afraid of the traditional metal braces.Invisible orthodontics, such as Invisalign, are a form of treatment that could straighten the teeth with clear, removable aligners. This is generally a more popular pick among teens and adults because the treatment could go virtually unnoticed.
"Patients may remove the aligners to eat, brush and floss with ease," says Kanani. "Also, they can be comfortable to wear, since the patient doesn't have brackets and wires getting in the way."
Lingual BracesThis type of braces is placed on the inside surface of the tooth, for a completely invisible treatment. The iBraces, a brand of lingual braces, could be customized to the shape of the patient's teeth and dental needs. Adjustments could be made in the same way as traditional braces, but it is done on the backside surface of the teeth.
"Lingual brackets could give a patient efficient, effective tooth movement, while being the only truly invisible option of braces on the market," says Kanani. "No one will notice the patient is under the care of an
orthodontist unless they are told."
RetainersOnce the braces are removed, the patient can be fitted for a retainer. Retainers may be worn full-time, until the orthodontist says otherwise. Retainers should be cleaned every day and kept in a case when not in the mouth. It is important to take care of the retainer because replacement may be expensive.
Usually, treatment time can range from one to three years. This time frame could change depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and the severity of their
dental problem. Patients could respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the time they are in braces can differ from the original estimate.
"In order to get the most effective treatment possible, it is important to follow the directions of the orthodontist," says Kanani. "This may be anywhere from the placement of brackets to the wear of the retainer after treatment."
About Dr. Aly KananiDr. Aly Kanani was born and raised in the Lower Mainland area. He has a bachelor's degree in physiology from McGill University and a master's degree from the London School of Economics in England. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and completed his master's in education at the University of Pennsylvania.
He has a master's degree and a specialty certification in orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy. Kanani is working on a master's in public health from Johns Hopkins University.
Kanani previously taught clinical orthodontics to dental students at the University of British Columbia Dental School. He has taught at McGill University and the University of Detroit Mercy. His research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
He received the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation Scholarship to conduct oral health research in New Delhi; the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is a UBC Chancellors Circle lifetime member, and he and his team of orthodontists are Invisalign Elite Preferred providers. He also belongs to the BC Orthodontics Group.
© 2011 Dr. Aly Kanani and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Aly Kanani and Master Google, a company that provides the answer to what is seo, are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.