Q: My dentist wants me to get a second opinion from you because the first orthodontist I went to wants to pull some of my teeth. Why do I need a second opinion? Aren't all orthodontists pretty much the same?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Not all orthodontists are the same. We differ based on where and when we trained, our years of experience and the number of patients we have treated. The system of braces used also greatly affects your treatment. I use the Damon System of Braces, so I take out far less teeth than orthodontists using traditional braces. Many patients come to me because I am known for treating almost all of my patients without extracting teeth. A second opinion is always wise when extracting healthy teeth is part of an orthodontist’s treatment plan. I offer free second opinions. Call 505-564-9000 for your free consultation.

Q: Can I chew gum if I get braces?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Yes! I encourage my patients to chew gum, but it must be sugar-free gum. Several studies have shown that chewing gum after orthodontic appointments decreases initial discomfort. Sugarless gum does not increase the risk of damage to braces. Also with the Damon System of Braces, eating popcorn is permitted. The smaller brackets and the elimination of the tie wires prevent popcorn from getting stuck. You still cannot eat popcorn if you have the larger traditional braces. If you want to find out more about how little the Damon System of Braces changes your eating habits, call 505-564-900 for your free consultation.

Q: I am from the Window Rock area. My orthodontic office has closed down. I was told that I can go to an office in Shiprock for the rest of my orthodontic treatment. Can I go to you instead?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Yes. We've had a lot of calls from patients or parents in your same dilemma. My staff and I are working hard to help patients and parents make the best of a difficult situation. I will discuss as many treatment options and payment plans as possible with you during your visit to my office. The patients who have transferred to me over the past few months have been very happy with the experience. I encourage you to call my office at 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation.

Q: I see many of your articles about the Damon System of Braces but none on Invisalign. Why?

Dr. Herman's Answer: I like Invisalign and I use Invisalign when my patients request it. The advantages of Invisalign are that it’s clear, removable and patients do not have any food restrictions. The disadvantage is that Invisalign cannot correct severe orthodontic problems, so not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. Also, it’s the responsibility of the patient to wear the aligners as directed and not misplace the aligners. Many patients, especially teens, have trouble maintaining the discipline needed to have a successful treatment. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, please call 1-800-4-Braces for a free consultation.

Q: I am 43 years old and I don't like my smile. I want to get braces to fix it. Are there many adults like me wanting braces?

Dr. Herman's Answer: The American Association of Orthodontists recently surveyed 1,000 adults ages 18 and older. This survey found that 1/3 of the adult respondents were unhappy with the way their smiles looked. In the sample, 36% of respondents felt that a better looking smile would result in a better social life. 76% of the respondents said that people with crooked teeth were perceived to be less successful than people with nice looking smiles. Lastly, 14% of those people that did not like the way their smiles looked thought that it caused them to miss out on getting a better job. It is widely accepted that a smile has a large impact on one's self-confidence at any age. This survey once again proved this finding. If you’re one of the many adults wanting to improve your smile, call 1-800-4-Braces today for your free consultation.

Q: I read an article that stated the amount of periodontal disease among adults over age 30 was worse than anyone thought. I also heard more adults are getting braces. Are these two facts related?

Dr Herman's Answer: The study found that 47% of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Mild, moderate and severe rates were 8.7%, 30.0% and 8.5% respectively. The AAO and AAP put out a joint recommendation that undiagnosed periodontitis can worsen with orthodontic treatment, and orthodontists should be prepared to deal with this complication. For this reason, I have a periodontal health department within my orthodontic practice. I am prepared to diagnose and treat most periodontal conditions before or during orthodontic treatment. Call 1-800-4-BRACES for a free consultation.

Q: I had four teeth taken out as a teen when I had braces. I am now 40 years old and I snore. My dentist says that the jaw holding my teeth is too narrow and needs to be widened in order to reduce my snoring. Are there any other side effects to having teeth removed?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Back in the last century, all orthodontists had no choice but to take out teeth. But since 2002 orthodontists, using the Damon System of Braces rarely remove teeth. We know that removing four healthy teeth can lead to a narrower jaw, create spaces later in life and sink in the mid face making a person age poorly. For over 10 years I have encouraged people to get a second opinion if an orthodontist wants to remove four healthy teeth. Call 1-800-4-BRACES for your free consultation before you remove any healthy teeth.