Alborzi Orthodontics - May/June 2023

Straighten Out Your Oral Health

The Need for In-Person Exams

With the introduction of mail-order orthodontics and the teledentistry industry, some individuals have wondered whether seeing an orthodontist in person for their treatment is necessary. If you’ve already had orthodontic treatment, you may be confused about how this treatment method is possible. Understand that mail-order orthodontics and teledentistry are not a replacement for traditional in-person orthodontic treatment. Most who choose this path and avoid seeing an orthodontist in-office will experience many issues with their teeth and smile going forward. If you read our article on page 2, you learned all about mail-order orthodontics and the dangers they pose. These mail-order companies like to claim that their aligners and treatment are for cosmetic purposes only, but this can’t be true when it comes

to orthodontic treatment. Moving teeth is a complex biological process. When done poorly, it can lead to tooth loss, overcrowding, and pain. Some have even tried to straighten their front teeth with mail-order appliances, only for a gap to open on their back teeth, disrupting chewing functions. It’s not just the need for accurate orthodontic appliances that require patients to see an orthodontist before beginning treatment. An orthodontist will also examine the patient’s teeth and mouth to ensure that orthodontic treatment is possible and will be successful. Periodontal probing is necessary for orthodontic and dental treatments and can not be conducted virtually. It has to be done in person by a dental professional. If the patient has periodontitis (gum disease) and proceeds with orthodontic treatment, they

could experience tooth loss, hypersensitivity, root decay, and aesthetic concerns.

There are many other actions that can not be performed virtually that are necessary for orthodontic success. Without seeing the patient in person, a dental professional cannot observe if a patient’s jaw clicks or functions properly when opening or closing. They can’t tell how a patient’s gums feel or if there is any potential for noncompliance. Additionally, the patient won’t be able to ask a dental professional any questions or get the information they need to ensure treatment is successful. In-person exams are essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Don’t take a chance on mail-order orthodontics. Give us a call today!

Enjoy this salad’s warming cinnamon and crisp bites of radish and arugula. ROASTED SWEET POTATO ARUGULA SALAD

Ingredients • 3 medium sweet potatoes, cubed • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced • 3 small radishes, thinly sliced • 2 cups arugula, thinly sliced • 1 1/2 cups cooked lima beans, drained and rinsed • Balsamic salad dressing of choice

• Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 red onion, thinly sliced

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and arrange in a single layer. 3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are nicely browned and fork-tender. 4. In a large salad bowl, combine onion, bell pepper, radishes, arugula, and lima beans. 5. Toss the salad with dressing, then top with roasted sweet potatoes.

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