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Low-intensity laser therapy can reduce orthodontic treatment time and soreness caused by orthodontic braces

May 152012

low intensity laser The long duration of orthodontic treatment is a major concern for some patients. A noninvasive method of accelerating tooth movement in a physiologic manner has been proven to be quite effective. Infrared radiation from a semiconductor diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm is used once every other week, during the crucial time when most orthodontic tooth movement is required. From the application of this low-intensity laser therapy, an average increase of 30% in the rate of tooth movement can be expected. Pain scores, when measured through a visual analog scale, are signiﬁcantly lower compared with scores obtained from patients who do not receive the laser therapy.

Generally, the time required for ﬁxed appliance treatment is 20 to 30 months. Reducing the treatment time requires increasing the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Different methods can increase the rate of tooth movement, including local injections of prostaglandins around the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. These substances stimulate the rate of tooth movement, but have the undesirable side effects of local pain and discomfort during the injections. Another technique to very effectively increase the rate of tooth movement involves a surgical intervention, called AOO (Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics), also known as Wilckodontics. To learn more about this technique please refer to Dr. Saba’s article on Wilckodontics in 2011.

Ablasive use of lasers has become common in dental practice. Low-intensity laser therapy has an energy output that is low enough so as not to cause the temperature of the treated tissue to rise above normal body temperature. Low-intensity laser therapy in its initial days was applied only in medical sciences such as orthopedics, surgery, and
medicine. It is used to facilitate wound healing and to accelerate the callus formation at fracture sites.

The orthodontist uses a handpiece that emits the laser beam. For bio-stimulation, the output power is usually higher than for analgesic purposes. An exposure time of 30 seconds are used for pain reduction, versus an exposure time of 10 seconds to stimulate tooth movement.

Different researchers have found different results, but the increase in the amount of orthodontic tooth movement ranges between 1.3-fold to 2.08-fold. Some studies have shown that a pulsed mode, as opposed to a continuous mode of laser radiation can create more of a bio-stimulatory effect. Although the continuous mode also has peaks and valleys because the laser unit cannot emit continuously in real time.

To relieve orthodontic pain, several methods have been used. One is non-steroidal antiinﬂammatory drugs. Although they are effective in relieving pain, they might also reduce the rate of tooth movement. Studies have concluded that there is a signiﬁcant pain reduction with the application of the low-intensity laser therapy immediately after placement of orthodontic braces until day 4.

Low-intensity laser therapy increases the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in a physiologic manner. It causes no side effect on the vitality of the teeth or the periodontium (the tissue surrounding a tooth). Low-intensity laser therapy also is an effective method of analgesia during orthodontic treatment.

Saba Orthodontics Celebrates a Decade of Creating Beautiful Smiles in Sterling, Virginia

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Jan 172012

For Dr. Shadi Saba, orthodontics is about making a positive impact in her patients’ life. She became intrigued by the profession at a young age, under the influence of her father. Throughout high school and college she excelled in math and science and had a special talent and interest in arts, ever since she was 5 years old. As a teen ager she would spend hours sketching, painting and doing charcoal drawings.

Orthodontics was the career that satisfied her love of science and her ability to be creative, as well as her desire to work with people. She received her Bachelor’s of science degree in Biology with a minor in French from George Mason University. She then attended Medical College of VA, School of dentistry for an additional 4 years to receive her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. After graduating Magma Cum Laude from Dental School, she attended NYU School of dentistry to obtain her orthodontic certificate, where she was granted an award for high academic achievements.

Dr. Saba has been the owner of Saba Orthodontics since February 2002, where the main focus is on customer service and quality care. She has created a patient-centered practice where she builds relationship with each patient “so that they are more like friends by the end of the treatment”. “One of the favorite aspects of my job is the ability to build relationships with patients” says Dr. Saba. “I enjoy seeing them on a regular basis and learning about who they are”.

For Dr. Saba, everyday is a chance to inspire her patients. “The best part of my job is being able to take someone who isn’t proud of his or her smile and completely flipping that person around into someone who is always smiling” she proudly explains.

Dr. Saba approaches orthodontics with the mind of an artist; “It’s like a puzzle, figuring out how to most efficiently make the teeth fit together”. She has implemented numerous technologies that have advanced the capabilities of her business. Saba Orthodontics utilizes state of the art orthodontic technologies, such as Invisalign, lingual Incognito braces, self-ligating brackets, ceramic braces and traditional metal braces for children, teens and adults to provide excellent aesthetic results. Dr. Saba has a wide range of expertise when it comes to treating patients and using advanced technology makes her areas of expertise even vaster. “We really excel when it comes to the difficult cases”, she claims.

Much of her success in this aspect is because she works very closely with the general dentists in the area to coordinate difficult treatment plans in a multi-disciplinary fashion. “I don’t treat every patient in the same way”, she adds. She devotes much of her spare time to furthering her education through reading as well as attending conferences, continuing education courses and study clubs. Currently Dr.Saba is a member of American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Southern Association of Orthodontics, Virginia Dental Association, VA Association of Orthodontics, Northern VA Orthodontic Study Club, American Board of Orthodontics. For the past decade Dr.Saba has found great success as an orthodontist and the owner of Saba Orthodontics. “Our success is directly related to our ability to do the right thing. I care about people. I care about what I do, and I care that I do the job in the right way. As a result, we have a successful practice with a great team and fantastic patients” she explains.

Wilckodontics Shortens The Time To Wear Braces Drastically

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Dec 222011

Many people often wonder why are braces so important for dental health? The reason why this question is often posed is primarily because of the discomfort that generally goes along with braces. Initially, they seldom see the benefit of getting braces. However, there are several oral health as well as overall health advantages to braces. What this orthodontic treatment will do is correct whatever dental problems that an individual might have, such as reshaping and realigning teeth. Some other problems that braces can fix are a protruding jaw line, an overbite or underbite, and the prevention of irregularly sized teeth, just to name a few.

Given this information and the practicality of braces, the next question that generally follows is the length of time the braces have to be on. Actually, that answer will vary depending on the person and the severity of their teeth. However, typically the average time frame is about two-three years. When patients hear that, some tend to shy away from getting the procedure. In response to that apprehension, new developments in the field of orthodontics have made it possible to shorten that time frame drastically. This new method is called Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO) or Wilckodontics.

The Wilckodontics procedure will shorten the length of the treatment down to a period of three to eight months. This has become a very attractive alternative to teenagers and adults alike who do not want to keep traditional braces on for such an extended period of time. Wilckodontics is feasible for just about anyone, no matter the age, just as long as all of their permanent teeth are available. It is a type of mild invasive surgery combined with the traditional or lingual bracket system. An oral surgeon would go into the gum and adjust the affected bone so that any teeth realignment that needs to happen can occur at a much faster pace with the aid of the brackets attached to the teeth. Additionally, because the patients’ teeth are shifting or moving through bone that has been softened the discomfort that is normally associated with braces is markedly reduced. An added bonus is that patients can even choose which bracket system they want, from metal, ceramic, lingual, and even speed braces, if they are concerned with how they will look with braces. Although this procedure costs more than conventional orthodontic treatment, because of the added surgical expense, many cite the advantage of being able to get the braces off in less than a year, and to be able to resume their normal life, as the best benefit. To learn more about Wilckodontics, visit our website at www.sabaortho.com. To get started, you will need to schedule a consultation appointment with an orthodontist trained and experienced in Wilckodontics, who will then refer you to an oral surgeon who is also trained in this technique.

Lingual Braces An Alternative To Traditional Braces

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Dec 192011

People have been getting braces for decades in order to correct crooked, misaligned, even buckteeth. A smile is usually a person’s calling card; it can lower or heighten a person’s self-esteem depending on the condition of his or her teeth. Getting braces is a difficult decision for some individuals, primarily because of the cost associated with them, concern with keeping them in for a two or more years, along with a significant shift in a person’s normal routines such as eating and diet. Both adults and teenagers that have a smile that they want to correct, tend to be put off by traditional metal braces because of aesthetics. To deal with this issue, many dentists have created alternatives to traditional braces.

Lingual braces are a new development in the orthodontics and are becoming a desired alternative to traditional braces. This type of orthodontic treatment differs from regular braces in that the brackets and wires that are normally on the front of the tooth are instead attached to the backside of the tooth.

Lingual braces are an advanced and modern evolution in the field of orthodontics. For many people the reason for choosing lingual braces aside from the functionality of the treatment, is that it will realign your teeth and give you a straighter smile, without them showing. When you smile, no one can see the braces. That is the biggest advantage of lingual braces over traditional braces. Interestingly enough, people who need braces do not get them because of the not-so attractive look of a lot of wire and metal in your mouth. Teenagers are at a very impressionable time in their life, where their self-image is being developed and many do not like the idea of being taunted by their peers. Conversely, adults shy away from traditional braces because they do not want to look like an adolescent when they smile. So not only are you getting your smile fixed, but also, you can still maintain a certain aesthetic value in the process.

The look of braces should no longer be a deterrence for people who really need them. Oral health is a vital part of your overall health and better teeth and periodontal (the gum and the supporting bone) health is a necessary expense. With the emergence of this new orthodontic technology, undetectable lingual braces are both practical in terms of both convenience as well as looks. So now there are other options to people in order to get a better smile that is more appealing that will in the long run be more beneficial for you.

Why Two-Phase Orthodontics?

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Nov 012011

Phase I (Interceptive) Orthodontic treatment
The goal of Phase one treatment is to develop both jaws to ultimately accommodate all permanent teeth and to correct upper and lower jaws so that they fit each other correctly.

Some children may develop early jaw problems as early as age four. Your dentist can recognize the signs that early orthodontic treatment for your child may be necessary, he may see: one arch smaller than the other arch, or larger, too narrow or even too wide.

Most phase one treatments begin at the age of seven, this allows the specialist to take advantage of the child’s still developing bone growth. Orthodontic appliances are used to encourage bone growth, these appliances are sometimes glued in place; other times are removable. Most dentists know the benefits of early orthodontic treatment but are unsure of the ideal time to start with phase one treatment. Dr. Saba offers complimentary consultation, so we, at Saba orthodontics, encourage you to take advantage of this. Early interceptive treatment can prevent the removal of adult teeth to correct overcrowding and eliminate the need for surgical procedures to expand or align the upper and lower jaws. We have found that children aged 7-8 to be the most compliant of all our patients!

Phase II (Braces) Orthodontic treatment
Post Phase I treatment, Phase II may be suggested. This treatment can accomplish the ideal healthy, functional and esthetically pleasing results that will last a lifetime.

Phase II includes braces of all types, metal, ceramic even the removable Invisalign. Dr. Saba also is one of the few orthodontists in this area to offer behind the teeth braces – Incognito. This technology is relatively new to the states, less than five years.

What we sometimes hear from parents is that they will skip Phase I and wait until all the baby teeth have come out and all the permanent ones are in place. This mindset usually ends up being regretted. In a case like this, Phase II will end up being a longer and more costly route to go, often times involving extractions of permanent teeth.

To learn more about two phase Orthodontics visit our website at www.sabaortho.com, or call us at (703)404-SABA.

What is Wilckodontics (AOO) ?

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Sep 172010

Q. What is Wilckodontics (AOO)?

A. Wilckodontics, also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics, involves a periodontal procedure combined with orthodontics to reach end results of straight teeth 3 to 4 times faster than conventional orthodontic treatment.

In the 1950s, periodontists were using corticotomy procedures to increase the rate of tooth movement. An oral corticotomy is a type of surgery where cuts are made in the jaw bone that surrounds and supports your teeth, called the alveolar bone. In the 1990s, the Drs. Wilcko, using CT scans, concluded that a marked reduction in mineralization of the Alveolar bone was the reason for the accelerated tooth movement following corticotomies. In 1995, Drs. Wilcko patented the AOO (Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics) technique.

Unlike a usual corticotomy, AOO doesn’t just cut into the bone, but decorticates it – that is, some of the bone’s external surface is removed. The bone then goes through a phase known as osteopenia, where its mineral content is temporarily decreased. The tissues of the Alveolar bone release rich deposits of calcium, and new bone begins to mineralize in about 20 to 55 days. While the bone is in this transient state, braces can move your teeth very quickly, because the bone is softer and there is less resistance to the force of the braces.

Research has shown that the results of AOO are as stable and long-lasting as conventional orthodontic braces. There seems to be more Alveolar bone present in patients who have undergone AOO, compared to before surgery, which is advantageous if your profile needs to be built up to improve your facial aesthetics.

Pros and Cons of Wilckodontics:

Pros:

Shortened treatment time (3-4 times)
Decreased chance of root resorption following orthodontics
Increased Alveolar bone providing better support for your teeth and facial profile
Less likelihood for relapse
You can choose from metal, ceramic, or gold brackets, or even Invisalign.
Since teeth are moving through a softened bone, there is less discomfort associated with teeth movement (following each orthodontic adjustment) compared to traditional orthodontics.

Cons:

More expensive than conventional braces
Being a mildly invasive surgery, it has its risks
Expect some swelling and tenderness immediately after surgery
Need to recover for a week and must stay away from school or work.

Dr. Saba works very closely with oral surgeons who perform the corticotomy procedure. Typically the braces are installed on all your teeth prior to your visit with the oral surgeon for the corticotomy procedure. On your follow up visit with the oral surgeon, after the removal of all the stitches he will then refer you back to Dr. Saba for the placement of arch wires to initiate tooth movement. Patients who undergo Wilckodontics procedure must visit their orthodontist every two weeks as opposed to the usual 6-8 weeks office visit frequency seen with the traditional orthodontic treatment. It is recommended that the patient takes one week off from work/school to recover from the surgery. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, and it can take two to three hours for both upper and lower arches.

Dr. Saba believes that AOO technique can correct most orthodontic problems, except for situations where the lower jaw has overgrown the upper jaw and the chin protrudes. Dr. Saba treats both adults and adolescents with Wilckodontics as long as they have healthy periodontium. Those who have had dental bone loss, periodontal disease, root damage or root shortening are not candidates for this procedure. The same types of braces (metal, or ceramic) as well as retainers are used in AOO as in traditional orthodontics.

To find out if you are a candidate for Wilckodontics contact Saba Orthodontics or call (703) 404-SABA (7222) for your complimentary consultation!

Six Month Smiles Treatment?

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Aug 062010

The Six Month Smiles treatment is so called because it straightens the teeth in just 6 months. It consists of wearing a specially-designed brace for a period of 6 months. Many patients are especially attracted to this treatment option by the fact that the 6 month smile braces are more discreet than other types of braces.

This treatment incorporates the very latest in orthodontic technology and methods which will reposition one’s teeth quickly and safely. As the treatment’s main focus is the teeth shown during a smile you are not waiting for all the teeth in your mouth to be moved. To achieve this, specially designed wires made from nickel titanium are used to ensure that the treatment is fast and effective.

What can the treatment be used for?

The Six Month Smiles treatment can be used for anyone with any of the following dental diagnoses:

Teeth that are Crowded and overlapping each other – This dental problem creates an unesthetic appearance and most importantly interferes with good hygiene, which can lead into future periodontal disease (gum disease).

Overbite – the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth considerably, in a vertical direction.

Spacing – there are large, unsightly gaps between the teeth

Overjet – the upper front teeth jut out, creating an unesthetic situation and exposing the front teeth in danger of trauma from sports injury.

Underbite- the lower teeth protrude (creating a cross bite situation). This can lead to excessive wear of the enamel of all the teeth involved with cross bite. Excessive wear will lead to future need of full mouth cosmetic work such as crowns and veneers.

Openbite – when there is no contact between the teeth of opposing arches. This creates a difficult situation to bite into food and be able to grind food particles effectively.

Misplaced Midline – the middle lines of both sets of teeth aren’t in alignment with each other.

Crossbite – the teeth do not bite on the right side of each other. This will lead to excessive wear of the enamel of the teeth.

At first your orthodontist will collect all diagnostic records and determine if you are a candidate for the Six Month Smiles.

On your next visit your unique Six Month Smiles Braces will be fitted. These are special wires and white brackets which will come straight from the 6 Months Smiles lab in the US.

Once your 6 Month Smiles Braces have been fitted you should expect to return to your orthodontist approximately every four to five weeks for shorter appointments. During these 10 to fifteen minute sessions your braces will be adjusted – this will continue until you finish your treatment.

Advantages of Six Month Smiles

Reduced treatment time, sometimes by up to 75%
Less discomfort, since teeth are moved slowly.
More cost effective, usually half as much as for Invisalign or traditional braces.
More esthetic than regular braces as the appliances are tooth colored.
If you want a ‘last minute’ perfect smile for an upcoming event in six or so months time you can use Six Month Smiles to achieve this.

Six-Month Smile™ braces offer patients with poorly aligned teeth an attractive alternative to traditional braces, crowns, veneers, and Invisalign. If you have always been looking for a faster alternative to the traditional braces and did not want to compromise your natural tooth structure while creating a perfectly even smile,

Saba Orthodontics has the answer for you! Call our office at (703)404-7222 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Saba and see if you qualify for the Six Month Smiles braces or contact Saba Orthdontist via email and get directions to our office!

The Need for Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

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May 102010

In our society, if teeth are noticeably irregular or protruding or if there is an obvious jaw deformity, people seek surgical orthodontic treatment to improve both jaw function and facial esthetics. The more severe problems with facial deformities cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone and will require a combination of surgery and orthodontic treatment. The patient’s physical health can be affected by a dentofacial deformity in several ways. If the problem is severe enough, chewing can be impaired, with an impact on digestion and general health. Most patients maintain adequate nutrition but learn to avoid certain foods that they simply cannot handle. Despite the marvelous adaptations that are possible in speech, tooth and jaw malposition can cause speech problems.

It is more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene if the teeth are markedly protruding and irregular, and patients who resent their teeth are less motivated to do so- thus susceptibility to tooth decay and gum disease may be increased. There is some evidence that temporomandibular (TM) joint pain and TMJ disease are more likely to develop in some types of jaw deformities. The National Research Council has reported that psychosocial impact of a dentofacial deformity is usually more important than the related physical problems. This is not to say that the physical impact is unimportant- the physical effects are both real and important-but rather that an individual’s entire life adjustment and role in life can be altered by the psychosocial effects.

If facial deformity exists it is recommended that the patient starts by visiting an orthodontist for an initial consultation and exam. The orthodontist will then refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon he/she works with routinely to have a comprehensive treatment plan. This teamwork approach between the two specialists right from the beginning is very crucial to ensure the best possible results are achieved in correcting the dental as well as the facial/jaw positions. The patient undergoes an initial period of orthodontic treatment to align the teeth so that they will fit properly after surgery is completed.

Jaw surgery is usually scheduled after the teeth have been properly aligned, which could take as little as 6-7 months to 24 months. Orthodontic appliances used to align teeth prior to surgery are left in place during the surgical procedure to aid in stabilizing the teeth and jawbones. After the completion of surgery, there is a period of follow-up orthodontic treatment to achieve final alignment of the teeth, thus complementing the new facial symmetry.

In younger patients, surgery can be avoided by early orthodontic intervention, as early as age 7, to correct protrusions and/or retrusions of the jawbone. The orthodontist can use one of several orthodontic appliances to direct the bone growth, thus eliminating the need for surgery in some patients. However, in adults, and those patients who have completed their bone growth, the improper tooth/bone relationship will have to be corrected with orthognathic surgery.

Find out more about surgical orthodontic treatment. Contact us today and we will direct and guide you specifically to what you need to improve your jaw function and facial esthetics!

What are Self-ligating Brackets?

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Apr 122010

Achieving a beautiful smile used to take forever, or so it seemed. Any adult who wore braces as a teen knew that inevitably their senior picture would be graced with a tinsel smile. What are self-ligating brackets? Technology has come a long way. Now both children and adults have more options to achieving that beautiful, healthy smile. One of the most advanced systems in orthodontics is the self-ligating bracket.

What are self-ligating brackets? Self-ligating brackets, also known as In-Ovations, Damon or speed braces, offer the most aesthetic and technologically advanced approaches to orthodontics. Combining the speed of friction free alignment with choices in metal, ceramic and lingual brackets, self-ligating brackets exceed all the needs of orthodontic patients.

Traditional braces use elastics or ties that hold the archwire in place. This slows down the treatment time due to fluctuation on the force of the wire and most often causes discomfort after an adjustment appointment. With the self-ligating system there are no ties and no pressure because of the free-sliding technology; virtually eliminating any discomfort. This also means you have less irritation, less plaque build-up and less difficulty in keeping teeth clean.

Another advantage of the self-ligating system is fewer appointments. Because of the free-sliding technology, the continuous movement that is applied to the teeth reduce the time in braces an average of 30%. The average treatment time in braces according to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) is 20-24 months. With the self-ligating system treatment is generally 12-18 months.

For more information on self-ligating brackets contact us today! With fewer appointments, reduced treatment time and greater comfort, self-ligating brackets definitely give adults and children a reason to smile!

Choose Saba Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Care

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Mar 262010

Ask Dr Saba’s many peers and patients who have voted her Top Orthodontist, an honor that she humbly accepts.

Saba Orthodontics has been named by Washingtonian magazine, Northern Virginia magazine and Family magazine as the leading orthodontic office in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.

Consumer’s Research Council of America has recognized Dr Saba for her outstanding continuing education, her history of professional performance and reputation as a leader in the orthodontic field.

Our attitude is what brings our current patients back along with their referrals of friends. Professionalism amongst the staff and camaraderie along with respect for your time and comfort are what make each visit stand out from other orthodontic offices.
Dr Saba and her team listen to each patient’s concerns and needs, designing a treatment plan that incorporates optimum results, comfort, function and esthetics for the long term. Our commitment also extends to providing budget arrangements that are gentle on your finances. Most dental plans are accepted and the paperwork is handled completely by our staff.

You do not need a referral from your dentist to be seen for an initial evaluation and there is no cost to you! On your first visit Dr Saba will complete a thorough examination. She will address if there is an orthodontic problem and if so why? What must be done to correct it? Will any permanent teeth need to be removed? How long will the treatment take? How much will the treatment cost? In addition to these questions Dr Saba will take the time to answer any other questions you may have.

Dr. Saba is one the few orthodontists certified in iBraces, or Incognito. These are the lingual or hidden braces that are placed behind your teeth. Newer technology has made them more affordable and far more comfortable than the previous generation of lingual braces.

Dr.Saba is a premier Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider. The state of the art Invisalign consists of a series of removable aligners that are virtually invisible, a more subtle and discreet way to straighten teeth. Invisalign allows you to brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Invisalign Teen is the same as traditional invisalign but designed for the ever changing growing young adult. Now teens no longer have to be self-conscious when they go to the prom, take school photos or participate in other activities they love.

Clear Braces (Ceramic) braces are made of a nearly translucent (clear) material, and are popular with young adults and adult patients, because of their cosmetic appeal. They are also easier to clean and somewhat more comfortable.

Speed Braces (self-ligating) brackets have many benefits, the most appreciated benefit is the reduction in treatment time. On average the treatment is reduced by 30%, another added bonus of the system is that they require less frequent office visits.

Teeth Whitening is also available. Custom trays are made for you and take home gel is given and used twice a day for fifteen minutes each time. Within two weeks you will notice a much brighter smile!

To read what other patients say about our office, visit http://www.doctoroogle.com. Contact Saba Orthodontics today for your Orthodontic care!!