*ORTHODONTIC FACTS*

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States.
• The American Association of Orthodontist is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 9 to 35 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 16,00 dentist in the United States and Canada 8,000 are practicing Orthodontist.
• Braces aren't just for children. The percentage of adults seeking orthodontic treatment increased from 17 percent in 1979 to 23 percent in 1992. Today adult patients makeup almost 40 percent of most orthodontic cases. 
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bone destruction. 
• Famous Orthodontist patients include: Dr.Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Cruise, Faith Hill, Gwen Stefani and Brandi. 

     

Before & After.....

Brace Friendly Christmas Cookie Recipes

While we all Love our Christmas cookies and treats but Kids & Adults who have braces should avoid hard cookies, nuts and other holiday foods that can damage/break braces or Orthodontic Appliances.


But just because you wear braces, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid Christmas cookies altogether this holiday season.

At Azizi Orthodontics we want our patients to enjoy the holidays and all the food and fun they offer. But we want to make sure your braces aren’t damaged, and you emerge from the holidays on course to the great smile you want

Here is a Brace Friendly recipe..... Ginger Bread Cookies

Here’s what you will need:

• One half cup of sugar.
• A half cup shortening.
• Half cup of molasses.
• One quarter cup of water.
• Three-quarter teaspoon of salt.
• One half teaspoon of baking soda.
• Three-quarter teaspoon of ginger.
• One quarter teaspoon of nutmeg.
• Two and half cups of all-purpose flour.
• An extra 1/4 cup of flour for cutting and rolling.
• A rolling pin and some cookie cutters.

Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. You will bake cookies for eight to 10 minutes.

In a big bowl, mix sugar, molasses, shortening and water. Use an electric mixer and beat until creamy.

Mix in salt, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg and flour. The dough will feel stiff.

Divide dough into two mounds and wrap each one in wax paper or in a sealed container. Chill them for a minimum of one hour.

Use your counter or cutting board, and dust them with flour. Place one of the chilled mounds of dough in the center. Sprinkle it with additional flour.

Use your rolling pin and roll out dough until it is about a quarter inch thick. Use the cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

Roll out and use scraps until dough has been shaped.

Place cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake them for seven minutes, at 375 degrees.

Enjoy & Happy Holidays from Azizi Orthodontics! :) 

Can Orthodontic Treatment Treat Sleep Apnea??

A straight smile and properly aligned teeth really are keys to having great overall health. Correction of malocclusion an bite problems can lead to better overall wellness. You may have heard about braces having the potential to treat Sleep Apnea. When you meet with Dr.Azizi you could go over this is much greater detail but for now here is an overview of Sleep Apnea and its treatment so you know what to expect.

What is Sleep Apnea? 
Sleep Apnea is more then violent snoring. Its a sleep disorder that involves cessation or interruption of normal at rest breathing. The stoppage of breathing is known as "Apnea" and can last between a few seconds and a few minutes. The number of Apneas per hour can vary from patient to patient. 

Causes of Sleep Apnea?
The cause of a persons sleep Apnea really depends on the kind of sleep Apnea that they suffer from. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea- The most common form. It refers to physical or psychological causes of Sleep Apnea like obesity, low muscle tone or blockage in airways.

Central Sleep Apnea- CSA refers to problems with the brain and central nervous system that affect the body's ability to regulate breathing during sleep. 

Mixed Sleep Apnea- Combinations or OSA and CSA.

Can braces really help treat Sleep Apnea?
in some ways yes, Tooth alignment, Jaw Alignment, and spacing of the dental arch can all affect the breathing passages in subtle ways. Braces and orthodontic care are preventative methods to addressing Sleep Apnea, improving the airflow helping make the structure of the mouth more ideal. 

Its not common that use of braces alone can treat Sleep Apnea. Many Dentist and Orthodontist will usually help patients through the use of an appliance. These are custom mouth guards that are worn during sleep and help adjust the position of the lower jaw that will help open up a better breathing passage.

 We look forward to meeting you and look forward to helping you make the best decision regrading your dental health and total wellness. 
Call us to set up a consultation with  Dr. Azizi at Azizi Orthodontic care 215-646-9514 or 215-576-6414

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!!

Braces Friendly Recipes for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a special day to celebrate a holiday with our family and friends to give thanks and enjoy turkey dinner with all the yummy sides.  However, if you are wearing braces, you may be a little limited to what you can and cannot eat at thanksgiving dinner. 
Even though Azizi Orthodontics gives you a guide line of all the foods to avoid while wearing braces, like hard, chewy and gooey foods. There are plenty of great recipes to try so you can still enjoy our thanksgiving. 

Here are a couple brace friendly recipes to try out fo you wont feel like your missing out on all the great food this year....

Mashed Potato Casserole: 

Ingredients: 
5 lbs of potatoes
1 Stick Of Butter
1 8 oz package of cream cheese at near room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 clove minced garlic or clove roasted garlic
2 tsp salt
Pinch of pepper and paprika

Directions:

Peel and cut potatoes into large pieces. Cook in boiling water until tender. Drain, return to pan and add butter. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and garlic together. Add the sour cream, salt and a bit of pepper and mix. Stir the now-melted butter into the potatoes and add a portion of the buttery potatoes to the cream cheese/sour cream. Beat together. Continue adding more potatoes until you have beaten in about ¾ of the potatoes. Stir in the rest of the potatoes so you get a few soft lumps!

Transfer the potatoes to a large casserole dish, sprinkle with paprika. Cover and put into the refrigerator overnight. The following day, remove from fridge ½ hour before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 45 minutes

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

While everyone else is enjoying sticky pecan pie and all the other desserts that can damage your braces like hard cookies and chewy brownies, you can enjoy these sweet, soft pumpkin cookies without worrying about your braces.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Grease two baking sheets. In a large bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Put sugar and butter in another bowl and beat. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well. Drop teaspoon sized balls of dough onto baking sheets. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until firm.

ENJOY!!!!!

Azizi Orthodontics wishes all of our patients and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your holiday. Call us at Azizi Orthodontics if you have any questions or concerns. 215-646-9514 or 215-576-6414

Causes and Prevention of Decalcification....

Getting your braces off is an exciting time, having that beautiful smile and straight teeth can build confidence that last a lifetime. Although at times it can be disappointing to find that your teeth are marked with chalky white patches after your braces are removed. If this has happened to you, dont worry there are several solutions that can help get your smile back to a normal white shade. Here are some helpful tips to keep your smile spotless!!

What Causes Decalcification?

Its common that people believe that braces can causes spots to appear, but in reality they are the result of plaque build up just like any other form of tooth decay. These chalky patches, or dental decalcification affect 24% of teenagers without braces. The number jumps to 50% of teenagers with braces. Even though braces are not directly responsible for causing the white spots to appear on your teeth, they can complicate the process of plaque removal.


How do you avoid Decalcification?

 The best way to prevent Decalcification is to keep your teeth clean of place. Keeping up with good Oral Hygiene during your orthodontic treatment is one of the best ways to prevent all of this. This can be done if you use a tooth brush specifically designed for orthodontic care and floss regularly. When plaque builds up on the surfaces and between your teeth it creates acids which deplete your tooth's enamel of minerals over time. When you brush, be sure to focus on the areas that are obstructed by your brackets and wires. Make sure to pay attention to Dr Azizi when he shows you how to brush and floss with braces. Its also important to stay away from sodas and other foods that are high in sugar and acids.

If you have any questions regarding how to brush and floss your teeth with braces, or notice any white spots that already formed on your teeth please call our office. 215-646-9514 or 215-576-6414

Orthodontic Appliance Used Most in Our Office.....

Quad Helix- A Fixed Appliance used to expand the upper and lower arch.

Bite Plate- A removable appliance used to open a deep bite (decreases the overlap of the upper and lower incisors)

Lower Lingual Arch- A fixed appliance used to keep lower molars from moving forward.

Nightguard (splint)- A removable plastic piece worn at night to minimize harmful effects of Bruxism (grinding).

During your orthodontic treatment it is VERY important to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Although it may seem obvious to some, cleaning your teeth fully at least twice daily after every meal is crucial to taking care of your teeth while in braces. The impact of poor dental hygiene during orthodontics can be both severe and lifelong. If you would like to avoid gum swelling, staining on teeth, bad breath and cavities, here are some tips to help maintain clean teeth during your treatment

• Brush after each meal and if you must skip real brushing at least rinse your mouth with water.
• Floss Daily!!!! 
• Use a fluoride rinse daily! Rinse for about one minute and spit it out. The extra fluoride can help protect and strengthen the teeth. 
• If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

Make sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for your cleanings even during your orthodontic treatment!!

Halloween & Braces

Dr. Azizi would like to remind all his patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month! All those Sour, sticky, and sweet candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as break braces, as well as delay precious treatment time!

Here is a list of Treats you should/shouldn't eat 

Avoid:                                                                          Enjoy:

Hard Candies                                               Chocolate

Chewy Candies                                            Peanut Butter Cups

Caramels                                                    Ice Cream

Jelly Beans                                                 Smoothies

Licorice                                                      Water Ice

Starburst                                                    Peppermint Patties

Skittles                                                      Kit-Kat Bars

Bubble Gum                                                Hershey Kisses

Lollipops                                                    Root-beer Float

Orthodontic Facts!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States.
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more then 12,000 members in the United State, Canada and Abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 9 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem..
• Of the 160,000 Dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontist.
• Braces aren't just for children. The percentage of adults seeking orthodontic treatment increased from 17 percent in 1979 to 23 percent in 1992. Today adult patients make up almost 40 percent of most orthodontic cases.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bone destruction.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr.Joyce Brothers,Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Cruise, and Brandi.

Benefits of Orthodontic treatment in Adults

• Can help prevent or improve periodontal (gum)disease
• Can help prevent or reduce further bone loss around teeth 
• Improves ability of the dentist to restore missing teeth
• Improves aesthetics for a better smile and facial appearance
• Improves function of teeth
• Improves self confidence and self-esteem

Protect your smile... Wear a mouthguard!!!

Always remember to wear your MOUTHGUARD!

General....
More then 200,000 injuries are prevented each year by wearing mouth protectors. Whenever an activity presents a risk for falls or head contact with equipment or other players, including football, baseball, hockey, soccer, skateboarding or gymnastics, no matter the age wear a mouth protector. These devices not only protect teeth, but also reduce the force that can cause concussions, neck injuries and jaw fractures.

Dental Emergencies....
Should a primary (baby) tooth get knocked out, rinse your mouth with water and apply cold compress to reduce swelling. When permanent tooth is knocked out, call your general dentist immediately. Find the tooth, rinse it gently with cool water and replace it in the socket if possible. If the tooth cant be set into the socket place it in a clean container wit enough mil or water to cover the tooth. Likewise, if a tooth is chipped or broken,  call your general dentist. In dental emergencies, fast action, may save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. 

Orthodontic Emergencies....
Should you have an orthodontic emergency, call your orthodontist immediately. The problem must be evaluated immediately. 
An Important reminder: Do not wear any retainers or removable appliances during any contact sports or during any recreational activities that put your mouth at risk for injury.  

 

All kids should get an Orthodontic Checkup No Later than age 7!

When most people think of Orthodontics, they think of teenagers. And the fact is, most orthodontic treatment begins between the age of 9 to 14, however, by age 7 most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That's important because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they're found early. For these reasons the American Association of Orthodontics recommended that your child get an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight there may be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. Of course, a check may reveal that your child's bite is fine which is comforting news. Even if a problem is detected your orthodontist may not recommend immediate treatment. Chances are your doctor may take a "wait and see" approach, checking on your child from time to time as the permanent teeth come in and the jaws and face continue to grow. For each patient who needs treatment, an ideal time for treatment to begin will be determined by your orthodontist, choosing the proper time personally for you. 
In some cases, your orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may take treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Typically, early treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances, which may be removable to guide the growth of young bones and create a better environment for adult teeth as they emerge. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that wouldn't be possible once the face and jaw have finished growing. Early treatment gives your orthodontist a chance to:

• Guide Jaw growth
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits 
• Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Improve the way lips meet

Why Straighten Teeth????

WHY STRAIGHTEN TEETH???


Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant"side effect" of orthodontic treatment. 
An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self confidence and self image- important qualities at any age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component self-confidence. A persons self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment bring teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success as well as improve a persons general attitude towards life. 
There are Psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self esteem. Confidence generates success, People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.

(AAO-Braces.org)

Warning Signs its time for an Orthodontic Exam

According to the American Association of Orthodontics....
Warning signs indicating it is time for an Orthodontic Exam!

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Mouth Breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds,or are protruding
7. Speech Difficulty
8. Biting the check or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth. 

Take your child for an orthodontic check up no later then age seven. If there is a problem detected your orthodontist can determine the best time to start treatment. 
Get your child an Orthodontic checkup if he or she is past the age of seven. Although an early checkup can be extremely beneficial, the fact is that most orthodontic patients begin active treatment between the ages of 9 and 14.
Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment can also benefit adults, less visible, more comfortable braces and Invisalign make treatment more appealing then ever.  

Accelerated - Non Surgical - Orthodontic Treatment of an Open bite Case with braces

Jacqueline came to our office for Orthodontic Consultation With Dr Azizi after a few consultations with other orthodontist in the area. Other Orthodontist recommended , Orthognathic Surgery, Jaw Surgery, plus over 2 years of Orthodontic Treatment to correct her open-bite.  
After Comprehensive Treatment planning, Dr.Azizi Assured Jacqueline, that her treatment will take about 12-14 months. Dr.Azizi also, didn't recommend any painful, Jaw surgery to correct Jacqueline's open-bite. 
Jacqueline's Orthodontic Treatment started in Feb. 2014 and we finished her treatment, without any surgery, in March 2015. 

What is an OPEN BITE?
An open bite is a malocclusion, or an abnormal bite, in which some teeth usually the front teeth cannot be brought into contact wit the opposing teeth. An open bite usually involved abnormalities in the structure of the jaw. You can actually see inside a persons mouth when she is biting down if she has an open bite.


What causes an Open Bite?
*Prolonged and incorrect use of feeding bottles and pacifiers.
*Thumb Sucking
*Tongue thrusting
*Chewing on pencil or similar objects
* Genetics can play a role

Why should an Open bite be treated?
An open bite should be corrected because it usually affects the functioning of the mouth. People with an open bite cannot, for example sheer off the lettuce in a sandwich when they bite into it. Another important reason to fix an open bite is to prevent or alleviate TMJ . TMJ can lead to head and cheek pain, a clicking or popping sound each time you open and close your mouth, limited range of motion of the jaw joint, and other symptoms. 



Correcting the Open-Bites
Orthodontic treatment can almost always correct an open bite, by use of braces, orthodontic appliance and rubber-bands. 

How long does the treatment for an Open Bite last? 
Length of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the open bite and the cooperation of the patient. 

How does Invisalign move teeth???

Invisalign is not only great for older patients who don't want to walk around with braces, but also for our teenagers who may be a little self conscious going to school with braces.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the process of moving teeth that uses clear plastic trays called aligners. Each Aligner is a customized mold shape of the patients teeth. However these aligner differ in one important aspect. While retainers are perfect molds of your teeth to keep them from moving, aligners are slightly different than your teeth so that the teeth shift little by little to fit the tray.

How it works?
Everyone's orthodontic treatment plan is different. But for most cases, the patient visits the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to get a new set of aligner trays. Each set of trays are specifically designed by the orthodontist to move the teeth into the right positions. This process can vary with treatment time depending on the specific case.
The aligner is made of molded, clear plastic, and they have to be worn 20-22 hours everyday!!!! They are meant to be taken out while eating and drinking and the patient must remove them to clean the aligners and teeth after every meal. The aligners can stain if they come into contract with food particles in the mouth, so good hygiene is VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

Advantages
The main advantage of this treatment is its cosmetic value. Invisalign is awesome because its INVISIBLE. Most people don't even notice that the person is wearing trays. This is a great option for adults who are trying to correct orthodontic problems and don't want to advertise their braces. Also for teens who are self conscious may also prefer this kind of treatment. Patients also love that they are able to eat whatever they like. Its also an advantage that they don't have to deal with broken brackets and poking wires. Call us for your consultation with  

Dr. Azizi 215-646-9514 or 215-576-6414

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