Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in North Hollywood

Home | Frequently Asked Questions

An orthodontic treatment like dental braces is an investment in looking better and in living a healthier life. It's also one in which if you're like other people North Hollywood and Valley Village, you probably have many questions. Our practice is here to, hopefully, address your concerns and answer your questions about appointments, Fees & Insurance and Living with Braces. Should you be unable to find the answers that you're looking for, please call our Laurel Canyon Blvd. office at 818-980-5300.

Must my family dentist refer me to Dr. Sands & Dr. Fotovat for orthodontic treatment?

No. Although their family dentists refer most patients to us, many others simply take their health and appearance into their own hands and Request an Appointment.

Back to Top

What is the best age to schedule my child's first orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this time, the six-year molars, as well as several permanent teeth have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate most potential orthodontic problems. Often times, no treatment is indicated, but Dr. Sands and Dr. Fotovat will monitor the growth and development of the patient and place them observation recall.

Will my child's teeth straighten out on their own?

No. The available space for front teeth does not increase as a child grows. In most people, with the emergence of the permanent 6-year molars, the space available for the front teeth actually decreases with age.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?

Simply call our office on Laurel Canyon in Valley Village at 818-980-5300, send an e-mail to info@straighttoothjunction.com, or Request an Appointment and we will be happy to schedule one that's convenient for you or your child.

Is there a cost for the initial consultation?

No, your first visit is complimentary.

Back to Top

What will happen at the initial consultation?

At Your First Visit to our Valley Village office, you will be greeted by one of our Treatment Coordinators who will introduce you to our practice. Then, Dr. Sands or Dr. Fotovat will conduct a brief but thorough examination of your teeth and gums.

What will I learn from the initial consultation?

Five questions will be answered at the initial consultation: is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it? What must be done to correct the problem? Will any teeth need to be removed? How long will the orthodontic treatment take? How much will it cost? Dr. Sands or Dr. Fotovat will also answer any additional questions you might have.

Will I have to have any teeth removed for braces?

Maybe. Removing teeth is sometimes needed to achieve the desired orthodontic result. However, because of the state-of-the-art orthodontic treatments and technologies at our office, the need to remove teeth has been greatly reduced.

How long does it take to complete an orthodontic treatment?

Although it depends on the individual, in general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. An average time a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

What is the cost of braces in Los Angeles? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide the precise cost of braces prior to a thorough consultation at our Laurel Canyon in Valley Village practice. At that time, we are happy to review Fees & Insurance, as well as discuss the many financing options. We do file insurance on your behalf. Proper orthodontic treatment to correct a problem early on is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems such as gum disease that can develop later in life.

Back to Top

How often will I have appointments?

Again, it depends on the individual. Most patients with braces will need to be seen every 6 to 10 weeks.

Can all of my child's appointments be scheduled after school?

Unfortunately, no. However, because appointments are typically scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart, most patients miss very little school. Our practice references school calendars in the San Fernando Valley area, including North Hollywood, Valley Village, Burbank, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, and makes every attempt to meet the scheduling needs of its patients.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes, although on occasion, Dr. Sands or Dr. Fotovat may need to speak with you before or after treatment. Therefore, we request that you check in with your Treatment Coordinator when dropping off your child.

Do braces hurt?

Braces don't have to hurt to work! And, generally, braces are not painful, although following some appointments, some patients might experience sore teeth for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil® or Tylenol® can be used to ease any discomfort.

Can I return to school the same day I receive my braces?

Yes.

Back to Top

Do you give shots?

No. Shots are not necessary for an orthodontic treatment.

Do you use recycled braces?

Absolutely not! Our practice believes that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the very best orthodontic result possible. Dr. Sands and Dr. Fotovat have never and will never use worn, used or recycled braces.

Can I still play sports?

Yes. A mouth guard is recommended, and one can even be customized upon request.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Absolutely. Regular checkups are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine how often you should be seen for regular cleanings.

Are there foods I should avoid while in braces?

Yes. A comprehensive list will be provided, but includes ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky food items such as caramel and taffy. Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can easily be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding the foods to avoid.

Back to Top

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Living With Braces doesn't require much more maintenance than living without them. You should brush your teeth at least four times a day: after breakfast, lunch (or as soon you get home from school), dinner and before going to bed. Additionally, you will receive instruction as how to properly floss teeth with braces. Finally, you may be provided with a prescription for a special fluoride gel to further protect teeth.

What is an emergency appointment and how is one handled?

Although unlikely, should a situation arise where your braces break or become damaged, resulting in pain, please visit Emergency Info or call our office at 818-980-5300. In most cases, we can address the issue remotely.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child still has some baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if your child is not yet ready, we can follow his or her development to determine the perfect time to begin orthodontic treatment.

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

In those children that could benefit from it, Phase One treatment is initiated between the ages of 7 and 10, with treatment usually lasting 12 to 21 months. There are several primary objectives for Phase One treatment: address significant problems early so as to prevent severe corrections later; to develop jaws with crowding concerns and modify jaw growth for an improved jaw relationship; and, to improve self-esteem during a child's formative years.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period of time following Phase One treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, you will be kept informed as to any potential future treatments.

Back to Top

Will my child need an expander?

At the completion of the initial consultation, Dr. Sands or Dr. Fotovat will determine whether or not your child will benefit from an expander.

I'm an adult. Is it too late for me to have braces?

Absolutely not! There are Braces For Adults because no patient is too old to benefit from the health, happiness and self-esteem that can result from healthy teeth and gums.

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and / or missing teeth?

Yes and yes. A tooth with a crown moves just like a tooth with a filling. Also, an orthodontic treatment can aid in the alignment of remaining teeth, filling in the gaps left by missing ones.

Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist such as Dr. Sands and Dr. Fotovat?

Teeth and even entire facial structures are sometimes permanently altered by orthodontic treatment. Therefore, it is imperative that the treatment be, first, appropriate and then, properly administered. Both Dr. Sands and Dr. Fotovat have extensive experience and specialized training enabling each to provide patients of any age in North Hollywood, Valley Village and surrounding areas with the professional and state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment they deserve.

Back to Top

It's never too late and it's rarely too early to enjoy the many benefits associated with braces. You don't have to live with less than perfect teeth. Regardless of your age, our office located on Laurel Canyon Blvd. in Valley Village, has an orthodontic treatment that is sure to put a smile on your face. Our Valley Village office is close to several freeways, and an easy drive from North Hollywood, Studio City, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Pacoima, Sylmar, Toluca Lake, Glendale and Sun Valley. Set up an appointment for a free complimentary initial consultation.

Click Here to Request an Appointment Fun and games with braces