NetWellness Braces

Post-Crown and Braces

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST

Question: One of my front tooth, has a crown that holds on the metal (gold) post. It was done around 10 years ago. I have just put braces on and before doing so, I did raise a concern whether or not this tooth will survive braises.I was worrying that the pressure can maybe cause the breakage of the root, but . . .

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. The answer to your question is Yes.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Cross Bite and Open Bite in Two Brothers

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:12:00 EST

Question: Dear Orthodontists, Is it really necessary to undergo jaw surgery(such as breaking the jaw) in order to correct cross bite and open bite problems? Please let me know how I can educate myself as to all the options possible for treating these problems. Obviously I am not in favor of jaw surgery if it . . .

Answer: Open bite and crossbites related to mandibular prognathia are both complex orthodontic conditions that could require surgery of the jaw bones to correct. In general, surgery is not recommended for persons who are still growing. For boys this means up to the age of 21 and for girls 18. Jaw surgery is . . .

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Movement of Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:11:00 EST

Question: How much pressure does braces have against the teeth during movement? # 8 & # 9 have root canals due to injury. Ortho is pleased so far after movement but now the movement is to get rid of spaces and try to bring the front teeth in from over bite. I am sure he is taking precautions. My question . . .

Answer: Most orthodontic pressure to central incisors should not exceed 75 grams. There is a gauge that can measure the elastic forces or the amount of pressure to deflect the wire.

Your orthodontists needs to xray the affected teeth every six months. Sounds like things are going ok, but keep as . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Solution for Crossbite & Receding Gum - Adult

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:11:00 EST

Question: I have one front bottom tooth that is being pushed forward due to crossbite. Over the last year or so, this has also caused the gum on that tooth to recede and I am having sensitivity. My dentist suggested I get braces to correct the crossbite (with an option to keep the tooth & do a gum graft o . . .

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. Braces are the best solution.

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Reversing Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST

Question: Before I had braces. My teeth used to lay on top of each other. Not necessarily stick out my mouth but it made mouth overly protrude out. The orthodontist recommended that I take out four teeth to pull my teeth back. Now, I notice my lips are smaller, my teeth are all dented inwards, and the space b . . .

Answer: It sounds to me as though you need another examination by a different orthodontist. If you contact the American Association of Orthodontists at 401 N. Lindbergh Ave., St. Louis MO 63141-7816 and give them your address with zip code, they can give you the names of some trained orthdontists in your ne . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Missing Tooth

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:10:00 EST

Question: is it possible to strongly support a missing front tooth while having braces

Answer: Certainly. The orthodontist needs to select a pontic ( artificial tooth), bond a bracket to the pontic, and then tie it on the archwire, the same as any other tooth. It is done all the time.

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Rubber Bands on Brackets

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:09:00 EST

Question: my daughter got top braces last week and hse got to choose a colored tie I assume..that goes over the brackets my question is some have them around the entire brackets and some are on half? Did the ortho Dr. mean to do that or did it pop off? they were like then when she walked out and I did not rea . . .

Answer: The bracket on your daughter's braces has two wings. It has in the past been called a twin bracket. The orthodontist, in order to keep pressure from being too great, probably only tied part of the twin bracket, especially at the beginning of treatment. I would not worry about it unless there is no . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Headgear

Mark Hans DDS, MSD — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:09:00 EST

Question: How long is headgear typically worn with braces?

Answer: It depends on the type of headgear. The most common is the one that goes around your neck and is usually worn for about one year.�

Ask an Expert: Mark Hans DDS, MSD, Braces

Jaw Has Changed Since Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:08:00 EST

Question: my jawline has change since having braces. I wore invisilgn for 9 months and my trays were made wrong making my teeth crooked. I had straight teeth going in just a cross-bite. Could this of changed my facial structure and the braces chould not fix the problem afterward changing my looks. If I didn`t . . .

Answer: I'm sorry, but there are too many confusing and unclear questions. I suggest you return to your orthodontist and ask what he thinks happened and further, what he now recommends. It may be necessary to use standard braces to correct your problem, particularly crossbites. There are some things for whi . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces

Self Litagating Braces

Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:08:00 EST

Question: What are self litigating braces I heard them called speed braces and are they better than normal braces very confusing? My friend has them and they look very different and only goes less often for appointments. Is there reasons why some orthos dont use them?

Answer: Self ligating brackets are a recent development. The Speed bracket is the first iteration of this concept, hence the name Speed used as a synonym. There is little proof that they are any better than standard brackets, and sometimes doctors have more trouble correcting rotations. There may be a littl . . .

Ask an Expert: Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS, Braces