Q: At my consultation with you I had my expectations raised on what you could do to improve my smile. At my husband’s request I went for a consultation with another orthodontist. He told me my expectations were unreasonable. Adding he is no plastic surgeon and that I am no Julia Roberts. Why the different response?

A: I use the Damon System of braces and the other orthodontist uses traditional braces. The Damon System is more about creating a wider smile that enhances the face and traditional braces is more about straitening teeth along existing bone. To raise expectations I show all prospective patients photos of treated patients and educate them on anticipated results. After 4 years of using Damon, I continue to be impressed about what this system can accomplish.

Q: I went to a dentist who said that I should have my wisdom teeth out to reduce the chances of my teeth moving when the wisdom teeth come in. On the x-ray (panorex) it looked like the teeth had room to come in and he said they were not impacted. Do I really need them out to prevent my teeth from moving?

A: No. Some dentists believe this reasoning, however a recent study states" Extraction of wisdom teeth is not necessarily a wise choice". The data clearly showed that taking out wisdom teeth had little to no impact on preventing the shifting of teeth. Removal of wisdom teeth may be appropriate for reasons such as periodontal concerns or impaction, but not to prevent teeth from moving. Clearly and still, the best way to keep your teeth from moving is to wear your retainers.

Q: I am 34 years old. I have had a wired retainer glued on the back of my teeth for over 20 years. If I take it off will my teeth stay in place? Can I finally quit wearing my retainer?

A: A recent long-term study found that over time teeth shift on both people treated with braces and people never treated with braces. Teeth shift more as a teen and less as an adult. The research states that patients and their orthodontists need to recognize that the shifting of teeth is a normal physiologic process. Permanent retainers like your wired retainer "blocks" this process. If you remove that retainer or stop wearing your removable retainer your teeth will shift. They will shift no matter what your age. The question that no study has really been able to accurately predict if will your teeth shift just a little bit or a lot.

Q: I want to get my 11 year old son started in braces. His teeth are a mess. He is ok with getting braces but I don't think he really sees the need. Should I wait until he is asking me for braces?

A: Maybe, but age 11 is usually a great age to start treatment. It is partially my responsibility to help your son recognize the positive side of getting straight teeth and getting it done in Jr. High. I will obtain this by involving him in the treatment planning process. I will show him before and after photos of a patient with similar problems, similar age, same gender and same race. During the treatment I would routinely show him his before photo and compare that to how he looks now. Showing positive progress would add to helping him feel motivated towards treatment and hopefully improve compliance with his treatment responsibilities.

Q: I called an orthodontic office and I was told the orthodontist takes out permanent teeth to make time in treatment shorter. Really? I would think that taking out teeth would make treatment longer. What is your take on this statement?

A: I agree with you it makes little sense. It usually would add 6 months to a patient's time in treatment. I would state that in cases of moderate to severe crowding it makes it easier on the orthodontist to treat you by taking out teeth. Having treated patients both extraction and non extraction, I know it takes a greater level of skill to treat a patient with moderate to severe crowding without taking out teeth. In addition, I also am aware that patients, no matter what age, dislike having huge spaces for several months as the extraction spaces are closed. It is socially embarrassing to have four large spaces while undergoing treatment.

Q: My son is a patient of yours. A couple of years ago my other son went to another orthodontist. Today, I watched you use a horseshoe shaped piece of wax to record the size of the bone holding my son’s teeth. The wire you used to move his teeth was made to fit this mold. The other orthodontist did not do this. He just took a wire from a package and put it in my other son’s mouth. Why do you do it different?

A: The Damon System of Braces is based on a treatment plan customized for each patient. The research clearly shows that a customized “arch from” (the wax form) is better than a “one size fits all” approach. I customize all of my final or finishing arch wires to each patient. This makes a smile that is specific for each patients face.

Q: How are braces glued onto teeth and what makes them sometimes come off?

A: Braces are glued on using a bonding material (glue) that is very similar to the white, tooth colored material your dentist uses for fillings.The teeth are etched to roughen up the surface and then using a very small brush a liquid resin is painted into the tiny, rough areas caused by the etching. Last a thin paste is put on the brace (bracket). You want just enough paste to cover the bracket but you don't want paste (called flash) around the outside of the bracket. By far the main reason for a bracket coming off is biting into some food or candy right on the bracket and popping it off. Other reasons may be due to your bite being very deep or having a tooth that is really rotated.

Q: I want the new Damon Clear braces. Are they in yet?

A: They arrived last week and they look great. We are one of the first offices in the U.S. to receive these highly sought after new braces. Now you can get the benefits of the Damon® System of braces: less extractions + less pain +shorter time in treatment + longer times between appointments, and now less noticeable! Make an appointment today and discover how you can now get the confident looking smile that you always wanted with the most high tech clear braces available. Call for details on our special promotion on the "Damon Clear" braces.