Ask the Orthodontist

"Hi my name is tawnie, im twelve and i have a lot of questions for you. were is your destistry located? do you take medicaid? how do you get rid of a HUGE overbite? how many times do i have to visit you in a year? how much is it goin to cost us to have braces or the invislign or whatever is the best?"

Dr Pang: Tawnie!   All good questions and very important for your health!  And, you are only twelve?!   You are truly bright for your age.  ;-)

Since cost is one of your concerns, my advice to you is to locate a dental school in your area.    Usually, the fees at a school are the lowest and yet you are still assured quality supervised care.  You're orthodontist is the best to answer your other questions.  There are various techniques that can be applied to correct an overbite and which one is used depends on the individual patient.   Good luck and thanks for your questions.

Today's question was sent in by Jacqueline about being afraid of being teased if she gets braces.

"My Mom and dad say that I might get braces next summer. I am afraid that other kids will make fun of me at school. What should I do?"

Dr. Pang: Jacqueline---I think everyone has been teased by "friends" while growing up. Unfortunately, this is a part of life. Jacqueline, my advice is to look at the bigger picture and don't let your friends bother you. In fact, I'll bet they will tease you if you DON'T get braces. Kids get teased for having "bucked teeth" and crooked teeth every day. So, if you are going to be teased, it might as well be for a good cause right?

"Do these braces help overbites?"

Dr. Pang: First, let me make sure we are on the same page. A deep overbite is what dentists mean if your front teeth completely cover or hide your lower front teeth when you fully bite down on your molars. A certain amount of overbite is desirable. But, this should be slight. Most certainly, braces do correct deep overbites. A deep overbite in itself is a good reason to consider orthodontic correction. Deep overbites can lead to severe problems that may possibly cause teeth to be lost due to gum disease and/or severe wear. Best to follow your dentist’s advice. Smile…it’s contagious!

Today's question comes from Hadis regarding whether Invisalign or metal braces is better to have for those with spaces in their teeth.

"I am 18 years old and i always hated metal braces now i want to get invisalign because i have spaces between my teeth i just wanted to see can anyone with any kind of teeth problem use invisalign? or depends on your teeth situation? thanks"

Dr. Pang: Dear Hadis….thanks for your question. First, let me say that orthodontic brackets also come in clear porcelain. You don’t have to have metal brackets. However, regardless of porcelain or metal, there is still a wire that connects from bracket to bracket. By agreeing to orthodontic treatment with brackets and wires, you are giving your doctor the most control and precision available to give you the best results. And, the quickest treatment time. Invisalign is one method that can be used to close spaces. However, as you alluded to, it does not always move teeth as well as fixed archwires. In addition, if you have a deep overbite Invisalign may not correct this problem. Good luck and keep smiling!

Today's question comes from Annette about her frustration with her current orthodontist and her braces:

"Hi Doctor Pang.  I am having problems with my current dentist.  When I started my braces treatment in November, they had put on the brackets on my upper teeth and also the spacers.  I was told that time that they were going to put my wires on my next appointment.  When I went back for my next appointment just this past week, nothing was done but just the molding of my teeth which I was told they needed to send to the lab so that the lab can make my appliance.  I am a little frustrated now and do not want to continue with my braces treatment.  My question is, is it possible for another orthodontist or dentist to remove the brackets that I have as I would not want to go back to my current dentist to have them remove it.  Please advise.  Thanks"

Dr. Pang: Dear Anette…You seem very disappointed and frustrated with your particular treating office.  Perhaps there were other things that have upset you with the office that you have not mentioned.  Quite frankly, your reaction seems a bit extreme based on the information you gave me in the email.   

Are you upset because your treatment is not progressing according to YOUR time schedule?   Having orthodontic braces is one of those things in life that just can’t be rushed.  Your orthodontist may be waiting for your teeth to move in such a way that may not be obvious to you.  And, your treatment can not progress until this occurs.   Perhaps your orthodontist is waiting to see how you react to the new orthodontic brackets?   Are your teeth particular sensitive?   Do you brush well?   

My best advice to you is to admit to your doctor that you are frustrated.  Be honest, and try not to be angry.  Good luck.  Try to keep smiling!