expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Monika A. Barakat, DMD

Orthodontist

Dr. Monika Barakat practices Orthodontics in Scottsdale, Arizona. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes metal wires that are inserted into orthodontic brackets, which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Barakat may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Barakat must recognize various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Dr. Monika A. Barakat, DMD
  • Peoria, AZ
  • Accepting new patients

Is an X-ray required for braces?

Yes, in order to diagnose your problems correctly, an X-ray is required. Orthodontists need to asses your bone health as well as the position and health of the roots of your teeth. READ MORE
Yes, in order to diagnose your problems correctly, an X-ray is required. Orthodontists need to asses your bone health as well as the position and health of the roots of your teeth.

What helps swollen gums after getting orthodontics?

Hi! Swollen gums are most often a result of inadequate flossing. Try to floss and water pick every night and watch fur improves. If you truly clean throughly and see no change, READ MORE
Hi! Swollen gums are most often a result of inadequate flossing. Try to floss and water pick every night and watch fur improves. If you truly clean throughly and see no change, you could have nickel sensitivity and you should speak to your orthodontist about it.

What's the best pain relief for braces?

Alternating Tylenol and Advil every 4-6 hours seems to work best.

Is it normal for adults to have braces?

Absolutely! We treat children and adults with braces all the time

What is the maximum age to get braces?

H! Good news - there is no maximum age to get braces. We have patients from 6- 76 years young :) Depending on your needs, you definitely have options

How long do braces take for crowded teeth?

Hi there! It is a tricky question to answer. All patients are different and have different treatment requirements. Depending on the severity of your crowding, the treatment READ MORE
Hi there!

It is a tricky question to answer. All patients are different and have different treatment requirements. Depending on the severity of your crowding, the treatment might range anywhere from 6 -24 months. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Most of us offer complementary consultation so you can get your questions answered at no cost.
Hope that helps :)

Can you straighten your teeth if you have implants?

Hi! Absolutely! You can definitely straighten your teeth and improve your smile even if you have dental implants. The implant itself cannot be moved, however, we are able to READ MORE
Hi!

Absolutely! You can definitely straighten your teeth and improve your smile even if you have dental implants. The implant itself cannot be moved, however, we are able to shift all the teeth around the implants and give you a more confident smile.

Cheers :)

Is it normal to leave Invisalign in all the time?

While clear aligners should be worn ALMOST all the time, it is important to remove them to eat and properly brush and floss your teeth after meals in order to avoid dental problems READ MORE
While clear aligners should be worn ALMOST all the time, it is important to remove them to eat and properly brush and floss your teeth after meals in order to avoid dental problems from developing

My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. Should I take him to an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommend patients be seen by an orthodontist at age of 7, however in some cases we do see patients as young as 5.

My daughter is 4 years old and is used to sucking her thumb. Will it cause her teeth to grow outwards?

Unfortunately, yes. The most common side effects of prolonged thumb sucking are: narrow upper jaw due to cheeks applying pressure to a growing jaw, flared upper front teeth and READ MORE
Unfortunately, yes. The most common side effects of prolonged thumb sucking are: narrow upper jaw due to cheeks applying pressure to a growing jaw, flared upper front teeth and pushed back lower front teeth, as well as a pretty big gap between front teeth due to a thumb or a finger applying g pressure to teeth while in the mouth.

Speech therapy or braces first?

It’s difficult to say without seeing what the problem with your teeth might be, however most commonly, if your teeth are interfering with your tongue space, they can affect your READ MORE
It’s difficult to say without seeing what the problem with your teeth might be, however most commonly, if your teeth are interfering with your tongue space, they can affect your speech. If you move them around and allow your tongue to move more freely, that might correct your speech problem.

Does having braces hurt?

I usually explain to my patients that treatment adjustments can cause soreness similar to the way muscles might feel after working out. It's more of a tenderness rather than sharp READ MORE
I usually explain to my patients that treatment adjustments can cause soreness similar to the way muscles might feel after working out. It's more of a tenderness rather than sharp pain. Braces, which are brackets glued to your teeth, are rough feeling to your cheeks initially. At first, while your mouth is building up a tolerance to the braces, you can experience some sores in your mouth. It is best to keep your braces clean and to swish warm salt water to help the sores heal quickly. It doesn't take long for your mouth to build up a tolerance to the braces, similar to calluses.

Is Invisalign as good as normal braces?

Invisalign can be as good as braces, depending on the treatment goals. Most of the time I find that Invisalign is equivalent to braces AS LONG AS PATIENTS WEAR THEM! ;-) Since READ MORE
Invisalign can be as good as braces, depending on the treatment goals. Most of the time I find that Invisalign is equivalent to braces AS LONG AS PATIENTS WEAR THEM! ;-) Since braces are glued to your teeth, they work constantly. Whereas Invisalign can be removed easily and potentially not worn as often as prescribed. Compliance (lack of), is typically the biggest set-back with aligner treatments.

Can braces damage my child's gums?

Braces themselves shouldn't affect gums. However, not flossing daily while in treatment will.