Orthodontist

If you’ve never been to an orthodontist before, you might be wary of what to expect during your first visit. Your dentist may have recommended an orthodontic appliance if it could improve the state of your oral health. More often, you may suspect that you or your child should have orthodontic work done if the time is right financially. Understanding the various options your orthodontist can perform will be helpful to know before your appointment. Your initial appointment usually lasts at least an hour. It’s common that diagnostic work will need to be done. This might include getting X-rays so Dr. Sheeba Zaidi can better understand the overall structure of your mouth. A quick mold of the mouth may also be taken if braces are a possibility. Your first appointment is intended to find out how we can efficiently give you a great smile! Here’s a list of common questions you might ask during your first visit: Is now the right time for treatment, or should it wait? What is the estimated length of time for the treatment? How much should I expect to pay? What are the payment options? What can I do to prevent or minimize pain? Is it likely that I will wear extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite, underbite, or other problems? Are there specific foods I will need to avoid? Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument? How can I keep my teeth clean with braces? How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments? Don’t be afraid to ask these and other questions before you or your child commits to getting braces. Dr. Sheeba Zaidi and our team are happy to answer any of them before or after your visit. Once you’ve had your initial consultation, our team will be here throughout the entire process if any problems arise. We look forward to seeing you at your first appointment in our Wallingford, CT office!

Although major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, when they do happen it is important to seek immediate attention. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue is something you can usually take care of yourself, or wait until your next scheduled appointment for care. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and a minor issue. Orthodontic Emergencies Acute, Direct Injury to the Mouth, Jaw, or Teeth Whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, if you injure your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine the extent of your injury. If the injury affects the orthodontic appliances, they will need adjustment or possibly replacement, depending upon the extent of the injury. Infected Teeth It is possible for teeth to become infected following orthodontic treatment. This may or may not be related to your orthodontic appliances. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care as soon as possible. Minor Orthodontic Issues While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, minor issues are much more common. Here are some examples of minor orthodontic issues that can be remedied on your own and/or fixed at your next office visit: Poking wire Loose bracket Loose elastic band Loose wire Loose appliance Headgear does not fit Lost or broken elastic band General soreness Any of the above issues can happen as a result of normal usage, shifting, and wear of your braces. Eating unusually hard or sticky foods can cause or exacerbate these problems. Vigorous brushing of the teeth can also be a factor. None of these issues are emergencies unless they are accompanied by acute or prolonged pain or discomfort. As for on-the-spot remedies, covering a loose bracket or wire with wax can be a quick fix to alleviate discomfort until your next orthodontist visit. Poking or protruding wires can be moved with a cotton swab or tweezers, or clipped down with nail clippers. Be sure to sterilize the tweezers or clippers in alcohol first. Cover any clipped wire ends with a small ball of wax. Some soreness or small abrasions in the mouth are normal, especially with recent orthodontic work. Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution comprised of eight ounces or warm water and one teaspoon of salt. When in doubt, be sure to contact our Wallingford, CT office with any questions, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheeba Zaidi at Zaidi Orthodontics.

The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at Zaidi Orthodontics is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially known as the third molars. The teeth typically erupt, or break the surface of the skin, in young people between the ages of 13 and 20. Sometimes, wisdom teeth are impacted. That means they cannot break through the gum tissue. This typically happens when the mouth or jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, and some dentists and orthodontists may want to remove them as prophylaxis to prevent possible future infection. Justification for removing wisdom teeth Dr. Sheeba Zaidi will tell you that in some cases, wisdom teeth attempt to come in the wrong way, either tilting in the jaw, or sideways. If the mouth is too small to accommodate these additional teeth, they inevitably become impacted. Swelling or infection of the gum flap above an impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain. The greatest danger is pericoronitis, a potentially dangerous infection that can occur in the gum area around an impacted wisdom tooth, or around a wisdom tooth that has erupted. Orthodontists base their decision to remove wisdom teeth on each patient’s individual circumstances. To learn more about the impact wisdom teeth have on orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Sheeba Zaidi, please give us a call at our convenient Wallingford, CT office!

The goal of orthodontic treatment at Zaidi Orthodontics, which may include the use of braces, retainers, and aligners, is to straighten your teeth. Treatment often starts in the pre-teen or teenage years, but adults may also need orthodontic treatment. The treatment can feel like a chore that lasts for several months or a couple of years, but it can fix important problems. These include: Crowded teeth spaced too close together Gaps between your teeth Crooked teeth Overbite or underbite Upper and lower teeth that do not meet Straight Teeth are More Attractive You are more likely to be proud of your smile when your teeth are straight and evenly spaced. Pride in your appearance can give you more confidence and encourage you to try new things. This can be particularly important for adolescents. In addition, people often judge others based on first impressions. A smile that shows straight teeth is more attractive. Better Oral Health is Easier Brushing and flossing your teeth are two basic components of an oral health routine to protect your teeth from conditions such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque build-up. As Dr. Sheeba Zaidi and our staff know, caring for your mouth is easier when your teeth are straight. The American Dental Association says the following conditions are less likely to occur if you have the proper orthodontic treatment. Dental caries Gum disease or gingivitis Tooth loss Impaired speech Worn tooth enamel Orthodontic Treatment Improves Nutrition Poorly aligned teeth can reduce your ability to chew properly or make certain foods more difficult to eat. Many of these more challenging foods are healthy, and avoiding them can cause you to limit your diet to softer, often less-nutritious foods, such as ice cream and canned soup. Straighter teeth and a better ability to chew let you eat crunchy foods, such as apples and carrots; stringy foods, such as asparagus and chicken; and chewy foods, such as raisins.

You can learn just about anything on the Internet these days. You can also order just about anything on the Internet these days. But would you order your braces on the Internet? There’s a new trend involving websites that claim to offer a solution for straightening teeth, without your ever seeing a dentist or orthodontist in person. These companies usually have patients take an impression of their teeth using putty and a tray. Then you mail the impressions back to the company where a dentist reportedly examines them and suggests a course of treatment using 3D modeling software. A series of clear aligners are made, to be worn by the patient in order to attain the desired result. Although this form of orthodontic treatment may cost less than seeing an orthodontist in person, there are several reasons why you should avoid it: Potential health hazards are missed: If your oral health is not up to par (e.g., you have cavities, gingivitis, chipped teeth, etc.), an orthodontist would not suggest orthodontic treatment. Only after these issues are addressed would treatment be considered as an option. Whether this is the case with a person can’t be known when all the doctor sees is a set of impressions. Lack of information about the patient: Before you receive any orthodontic treatment, an orthodontist will have X-rays taken to make sure you are a good candidate. If the bones or teeth do not look like they would align properly with treatment, another course of care may be suggested, even necessary. None of this background is available to over-the-net orthodontic providers. No regular checkups: The purpose of regular checkups with Dr. Sheeba Zaidi is to ensure that everything is moving properly, on schedule, and most important, safely. This lack of hands-on care with Internet orthodontics could be a hazard for you as a patient and has the potential to do more harm than good. It’s not worth the risk of getting orthodontic treatment over the net just to save some money. Our Wallingford, CT office is committed to working with you, whatever your financial situation may be. Let’s work together to give you the smile you deserve!

At Zaidi Orthodontics, there are a few things we want to remind you of when you’re on vacation, so that a day with friends and family won’t be spent dealing with an orthodontic emergency. Firstly, we are here for you whether you are in town or out of town on vacation. Give us a call and we may be able to address the problem over the phone. Second, if we are unable to help you fix the problem over the phone, we will help you find an orthodontic practice in your vacation area that can help you. If you experience problems reaching our office, we suggest going online and searching for orthodontic practices in your area. Most orthodontists will lend a helping hand to another orthodontic patient and get them out of pain or discomfort. If you have braces, whether they are metal, ceramic, or lingual, Dr. Sheeba Zaidi and our team suggest steering clear of the following foods to avoid broken brackets and/or wire distortion while you are on vacation: Chewy, sticky, or gummy food Apples, pears and other whole fruits (cut fruit into thin wedges before consuming) Bagels and hard rolls Bubble gum Corn on the cob Hard candies Hard cookies Pretzels All varieties of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews Finally, if you have clear aligners and you lose your tray, don’t worry! Simply put in either the previous tray or the next tray and contact us as soon as you get home! Follow these tips and you can have a worry-free vacation!

How You Can Start Preparing Now When you first start thinking about going to the orthodontist, it is normal to feel apprehensive. What will your orthodontic experience bring? Whether you have been advised by a dentist or chosen to seek out orthodontic care from Dr. Sheeba Zaidi on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation at Zaidi Orthodontics. One of the best ways to prepare for an orthodontic consultation is to understand your options. With so many choices available today, orthodontic care is a lot more versatile than in the past. You can start preparing now by seeking out and understanding those options. With a few specific things in mind, you can be totally confident and prepared for your consultation. Questions to Ask During the Consultation As you consider orthodontic care, it is likely that a few questions may naturally arise. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have. Our orthodontic team is here to help. Here are just a few examples of questions you may want to ask at your consultation. Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces? How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options? Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain? Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems? Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces? Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument? How can I keep my teeth clean with braces? How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments? Once your consultation is over, you don’t have to feel like your options are exhausted. If questions arise after the consultation, don’t be afraid to ask. Our orthodontic team will be here to help throughout the entire process. Confidence throughout the Process With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatments. From the initial consultation to the day your braces come off, your orthodontic treatment at Zaidi Orthodontics can be a smooth and simple process. The moment you see that beautiful smile, you’ll know it was all worth it. We love bringing nothing but the most amazing smiles to our patients!

Crooked or crowded teeth aren’t always just a cosmetic issue; they also are more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Likewise, if your teeth don’t align properly when you bite (known as malocclusion), this can cause chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems. You can put these risks to rest and look amazing, however, with well-thought-out orthodontic treatment from Dr. Sheeba Zaidi. More and more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and changing their lives in the process. Childhood is of course the ideal time to get treatment, since the mouth and jaws are still growing, but many adults still can get beautiful and lasting results which can be achieved discreetly and effectively with modern orthodontic appliances and technologies. Traditional braces used to be the only thing going, and many adults understandably don’t like the way they look. There are so many other options for braces these days that it’s possible for almost any patient to be treated effectively and efficiently — usually in one to two years. Here are some of the technologies being implemented in our modern Wallingford, CT orthodontic office: Clear aligners: Practically invisible clear plastic aligners are great for less severe cases. Lingual braces: These are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front, and can handle anything that traditional braces can. Ceramic braces: Translucent ceramic brackets make for effective and more discreet treatment. Self-ligating braces: These require less manipulation by the orthodontist, which means fewer appointments and quicker results. It should also be noted that the goal of orthodontic treatment (especially in adults) isn’t always limited to straightening teeth and/or correcting a bite. Teeth provide support for the lips and cheeks and help define your face. The relationship between the jaws, teeth, face, soft tissues, and underlying skeleton of the face are important, and an orthodontist takes this into account when designing a smile. In short, getting orthodontic treatment won’t just give you a good-looking and healthy smile; it can help define and enhance the entire appearance of your face. Knowing just how crucial your teeth are in determining how you look and live will help you age positively and confidently.

We hear this question a lot at Zaidi Orthodontics, and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off! During your initial consultation with Dr. Sheeba Zaidi, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment. Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others. Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment. Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment! Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Dr. Sheeba Zaidi and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit. When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances. Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities. Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment. If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at Zaidi Orthodontics will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Wallingford, CT office or ask us during your next visit!

We often think of braces as a rite of passage for kids in middle and high school. So you might be surprised when your child’s dentist recommends a visit to see Dr. Sheeba Zaidi years earlier than you anticipated. In fact, dentists and orthodontists generally suggest a visit to the orthodontist by age seven at the latest. Why see an orthodontist so early? After all, your child is still growing, and many adult teeth haven’t come in at that age. And that’s the whole point. Around this age, your child will probably have a mix of both baby and adult teeth, so your orthodontist will be able to assess whether there’s enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt without crowding or spacing problems. And malocclusions, or bad bites, caused by problems with jaw size or symmetry can be addressed while young bones are still forming and developing. If your child has a first appointment coming up on the calendar, here’s a heads up on what often happens during a first visit, and potential problems your orthodontist will be on the lookout for. What can you expect at a first visit? The first visit is designed to evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaws work together now, and to look for potential future problems with tooth alignment and jaw structure and development. First, Dr. Sheeba Zaidi will carefully examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and mouth. Your child will be asked to bite down several times to see how the teeth and jaws fit together, and if there’s any discomfort. Other helpful diagnostic tools could include: Scans or X-rays to evaluate jaw structure and the position of teeth which haven’t erupted yet Photos of your child’s teeth and face An impression of your child’s teeth If there’s no immediate need for treatment, we might recommend periodic checkups at our Wallingford, CT orthodontic office to follow the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. If interceptive (early) treatment is your child’s best option for a healthy smile, your orthodontist will explain any immediate orthodontic issues and design a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. What are the benefits of early treatment? Interceptive treatment not only helps correct current orthodontic problems, it can help reduce the need for more complicated treatment in the future, when all of the adult teeth have arrived and bones are fully formed. Among its many benefits, early treatment can: Prevent crowding If your child has a small upper palate, it can be gently enlarged while the palate is still growing with the help of a palatal expander. This will give the upper teeth the space they need to come in without crowding. Provide space If primary teeth are lost too early, other teeth can shift out of alignment to fill the empty space. A space maintainer can be custom-made to keep the spot open until the right tooth is ready to erupt. If primary teeth are overstaying their welcome, Dr. Sheeba Zaidi might recommend extraction to allow the adult teeth to erupt in the proper place. Create jaw symmetry Malocclusions can develop because the upper or lower jaw is too narrow, too far forward, too far back, or the jawbones don’t fit together properly. Dr. Sheeba Zaidi might suggest the use of a functional appliance such as the Herbst® appliance or headgear to help guide symmetrical bone development while your child’s young bones are still growing and forming. Protect teeth Children with overjets, or protruding upper teeth, are more likely to suffer chips, cracks, and other trauma to those vulnerable front teeth. Functional appliances can help bring the upper and lower jaws into alignment as needed, and braces can move the teeth into alignment. Every journey to a healthy smile begins with a first visit. And you don’t need to wait until your child is seven. Any time you’re concerned about an orthodontic issue is a good time for a consultation. Talk to Dr. Sheeba Zaidi about what to expect at your first visit to help create a comfortable experience for your child as you begin this journey together.