NetWellness Braces

Gums

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST

Question: My daughter will be getting her braces off in a few months. She has extra gum tisse above her front teeth and the ortho suggested it to be removed. Is this normal ..what is the procedure called and does it HAVE to be done ? Sure insurance will not cover probably falls under cosmetic

Answer: Yes, it is quite common and can easily be removed with a laser or surgical knife. It is important to have the gum tissue contoured for the future health of the area. Sometimes it is necessary to add a little local anesthesia to the area but it is a really minor procedure. Often insurance companies . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Discoloration of Teeth After Braces

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:12:00 EST

Question: I am 46 years old, recently got my braces off after 2 1/2 years. I am very unhappy with the discoloration that has occurred. There is a faint grayish uniformed line on the entire top row of my teeth! The bottom row does not have this.I maintained my teeth hygienically very well during the braces. Th . . .

Answer: This is not related to your braces. It sounds like an intrinsic stain that was the result of something that happened when the teeth were forming; you just did not notice it before your braces were placed.

As far as treatment, you need to talk to your dentist about treatment options.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:12:00 EST

Question: ok i am 17 and emancipated. my father is dead and mother in jail. i am in need of braces and cannot afford them i ws told my pallet is not big enough, which is why i need the brace i live in louisiana and the medical card does not pay for braces no exceptions i need help to get them and i dont know . . .

Answer: I suggest you contact the American Association of Orthodontist in St. Louis MO and see if they can give you the name of someone in Louisiana.

Please see this link and type in your address to find an orthodonist near you.&nb . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Best Option and Most Affordable

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:12:00 EST

Question: Nine years ago I was pregnant with my first child. Before my pregnancy I had very healthy teeth no cavities, no problems, even through my teeth are very crooked and crowed. During the pregnancy I experienced vomiting at least twice a day, absence teeth and tooth decay. I did so and see many differen . . .

Answer: Since I do not know where you reside, I suggest you contact the American Dental Association and let them know your location. I am sure they have some member that would be glad to see you. Sometimes with a history of repeated vomiting there can be loss of enamel which might be a contributing factor. . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Significant Midline Discrepancy

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:12:00 EST

Question: I had braces as a child but at 55 my midline is now 4 mm out of alignment. Approximately how long would you estimate it would take to correct this to 2mm or less with orthodontic treatment?

Answer: This is difficult to say without seeing you. Usually adult orthodontics takes 30 to 36 months.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Tooth Becoming More Crooked

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EST

Question: My daughter has had braces for a year and four months, and her teeth are pretty much all straight, except for her top front left one(central incisor). This tooth is slightly pushed up and back and was pushed back even more with the last visit four weeks ago. I am unsure if this is the tooth itself a . . .

Answer: Well I too would be concerned. However if the orthodontist stepped back to a lighter wire to correct second molar placement, this could be the problem in that the wire in the front is not strong enough to hold the anterior tooth in position. As he returns to a heavier wire this should correct the pr . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Crowns after Braces

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:10:00 EST

Question: My daughter is 15 has braces and will be getting them off in abour 6 months. She had 2 type 3 fractures of the front teeth root canal and bonded. My question is it seems my insurance will not pay for crowns until she is 18. Do you know why this is so? Would they consider crowns instead of rebonding . . .

Answer: The gum tissue around the front teeth shrinks (called passive tooth eruption) up until about age 18. If you have a crown done at 15 before the gum shrinkage has occurred, the margin of the crown (where the crown meets the natural tooth) will show when your daughter smiles at 18.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

X-Rays While in Braces

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:09:00 EST

Question: Is it the normal practice of an orthodontist to take xrays while a child is in braces? Should xrays be taken by the general dentist or is it a procedure that is required of the orthodontist to perfrom and view the xrays to check for root resorption or root alignment or other issues while in braces a . . .

Answer: X-rays should be taken when there are clinical signs of a potential problem or before beginning extensive dental work like braces. It is not routine to take x-rays for braces at any time other than the beginning and end.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Ever hear of snap on smile?

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:08:00 EST

Question: Have you heard of snap on smile? Do you believe it is a good alternate to those who cannot afford braces? I was wondering if this snap on smile is something that people use as a long term solution to their crooked smile?

Do you know what the cost is?

Answer: I don't know.. If you are thinking of orthodontics, be sure to find a specialist in Orthodontics - one whose education requirements are determined by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists who supervise accreditation of Orthodontics specialty training. It . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Bonding After Removal of Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:08:00 EST

Question: My daughters two front teeth have had root canals and bonding. She has about 6-9 more months of her braces being on. What is the best option to repair the bonding after the removal, new bonding or crowns?

Answer: It is a good question. It really depends on the amount of enamel that was lost as a result of the injury. It is important to realize that the incisal edges (biting edges) of the front teeth are somewhat fragile under certain chewing movements.

On the other hand, bonding may be an in . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces