Why Straighten Teeth?

Straighter teeth perform chewing, biting and speaking functions more effectively than crooked teeth.  In addition, a straight smile boosts confidence, is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and can help stave off a wide variety of dental ailments.

There are several types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding.  Each of these alignment problems negatively impacts the functionality and cosmetic appearance of the teeth.

Here is a brief overview of some of the main disorders associated with crooked teeth:

Periodontitis – Periodontitis or gum disease begins with a bacterial infection.  The bacterial infection is caused by inadequate oral hygiene.  Crooked teeth are hard to clean effectively, which means that debris, plaque and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach areas.  Straight teeth are much easier to clean and are at less risk of contracting gum disease.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) - Crooked teeth can lead to improper jaw alignment, which in turn causes a painful condition known as TMJ.  Severe headaches, jaw pain, lockjaw and the grinding of teeth characterize this debilitating disorder.

Tooth injury – Straight teeth creates a strong wall, which means injuries are less likely to occur.  Crooked teeth are weaker and often protrude, making them far more vulnerable to external injury.

Uneven wear – Crooked teeth cause some of the teeth to work harder than others when biting and chewing.  Straight teeth share the workload evenly, meaning less risk of injury and better aesthetics.

Teeth can be straightened using either orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays.  Orthodontic braces are usually affixed to the teeth for a set duration.  The brackets and archwires are tightened regularly by the orthodontist and removed when treatment is complete.  Fixed braces can be placed on the front side or back side of the teeth and are effective for most types of malocclusion.

Aligning trays are fully removable and are used where the malocclusion is less severe, and the teeth need to move a shorter distance.  These trays are replaced every few weeks for the duration of the treatment, and have proven to be equally effective for straightening teeth.

If you have questions about orthodontics and straightening teeth, please ask your orthodontist.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

Dr. Hekmat's chairside manner is something that should be cloned, and all young dentists and doctors should be able to see the tender insight that this man gives his patients. Dr. Hekmat is one of the nicest, most skillful, most dedicated men I have ever met. I can't believe I was so lucky to have found him in such a huge, busy metropolis as Los Angeles.

John Burbank, CA

Dr. Hekmat has been my trusted family dentist for many years, not only taking care of me--but my wife, sister, mother, brother-in-law and mother-in-law, too! From the warm smiles that greet me when I walk in the door to the compassionate, skillful and concerned care that Dr. Hekmat and his staff provide, my visits to his office are always like visiting a member of the family. ...And I don’t want to forget to mention that I appreciate the fact that in busy Westwood, Dr. Hekmat still provides completely free, validated parking. That’s no small feat in my part of town!

Louis Santa Monica, CA

Dr. Hekmat and his team are true professionals. He is kind and always has time to answer ALL of my questions and concerns. I began visiting him after a a friend referred to me several years ago and I have not visited any other dentists since getting work done with him because he continuously provides me and my family with excellent work. I have had a root canal, crowns, bonding, whitening and removal of amalgam fillings with him and I could not be happier with his work.

He is also totally available for emergencies, something other doctors shirk at. I was on my way to LAX when my front tooth (it was being prepped for a root canal) totally came off, I panicked, called him and drove myself to his office within a hour he had me all patched up.

He never tries to sell you anything, he and his staff know my name and always make me feel welcome and calm the anxiety that comes with getting dental work done.

Lizzie West Los Angeles, CA

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