Braces Questions with Dr. Herman

Question: Is it necessary to get teeth removed to achieve a straight smile and a better bite? 

Answer: My experience has been that it’s almost never necessary to remove healthy teeth to get straight smile or an improved bite when using technology like the high-tech H-4 System of Braces. I strongly recommend that a person get a second opinion if they’ve been told that healthy permanent teeth needed to be pulled in order to get braces. Call 1-800-4BRACES for your free consultation.  

Dr. David Herman, Orthodontist Farmington NM

Question: I feel bad that I told my dental hygienist that I floss every day, but I hate flossing and only do it 2 or 3 times a week. Is there anything more high-tech than using a string to clean in between my teeth?

Answer: Yes, and you have probably heard about it. It is called a Waterpik® or water flosser. A recent poll conducted on the behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology found that 25% of patients surveyed greatly exaggerated to their dentist on how often they flossed. : My dental hygienists routinely recommends a water flosser because we believe it works almost as well as floss, and is more likely to be used by our patients. This product is available at my office and may large retailers. Visit www.herman4braces.com for more information.

Braces in Farmington, NM

Question: My first son was treated by an orthodontist who put screws in his mouth to fix his overbite. My second son also has an overbite, but is being treated by you without the use of screws. Why is there a difference in the treatment?

Answer: Orthodontists treat patients using a variety of different techniques. I try to practice minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. I feel that screws are usually too invasive and often overused in orthodontics. I find that I can accomplish similar results for my patients while providing them with greater comfort using the high-tech H4 system of braces. Visit www.Herman4Braces.com to learn more about my treatment philosophy.

Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Braces in Farmington, Orthodontist in Farmington

Question: I don’t understand why I have to get teeth pulled in order to get braces. Why is this necessary?

Answer:  It’s not always necessary to have teeth pulled in order to get braces. I use the high-tech H-4 system of braces that works with the body’s natural forces to gently create space in a patient’s mouth. This technology is why my patients can expect to be treated without extractions and get wide beautiful smiles.  I encourage you to get a second opinion before having healthy teeth extracted. Call 800-4-Braces today to schedule a free consultation

Gallup Braces & Gallup Orthodontist

Question:  I avoid sugary foods to protect my teeth, but I just heard citrus fruits are bad too! Is this true?

Answer:  It’s great that you are avoiding foods high in sugar, but unfortunately even citrus fruit can be too much of a good thing. If citrus is in constant contact with your teeth it can erode and soften enamel. Lemons and limes are especially corrosive to tooth enamel. A simple way to protect your teeth is to drink a glass of water after consuming citrus. If you are need of dental exam and cleaning call 800-4-Braces today.

Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Orthodontist Farmington New Mexico

Question: I think and my dentist also thinks that it is the orthodontist's responsibility to help my daughter reduce
her risk to white spots around the braces. As an orthodntist do you agree with our thought process?

Answer: Yes, I do agree that it is the responsibility of the orthodontist to help reduce the risk of white spot lesions on patients while in braces. White spot lesions and gingivitis are of concern to all orthodontists, which is why I have taken a very aggressive approach to reduce the risk of these issues. In order to prevent white spot lesions and gingivitis, I use smaller brackets which allows for better cleaning and apply a fluoride varnish around the brackets of at risk patients every six weeks. In addition, I require all of my patients to receive a dental cleaning and exam, with the removal of their orthodontic wires, by my dental hygiene staff every six months.

Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Braces in Farmington New Mexico

Question: Other than providing brushing instructions, does your office do other things to help prevent my son from getting white spots around his braces?

Answer: Yes. Studies show that applying a flouride varnish around the brackets every 6-8 weeks reduces a person's
risk to white spot lesions by 70%. At my office, patients who are at risk to white spot lesions have fluoride
varnish applied around brackets every 6 weeks and all of my patients must have a dental cleaning and exam
every 6 months. I offer the exam and cleaning services at my orthodontic office because cleanings done with
the orthodontic wire removed are much more thourough than cleaning done with the wire remaining. My goal

is to significantly reduce my patient's risk to gum, cavity and white spot lesion problems.

Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Questions about Braces with Dr. David Herman Farmington

Question: How does your office prevent white spots around braces?

Answer: At my office, patients who are at risk for white spot lesions receive fluoride varnish around their brackets every 6 weeks. Studies show that applying a fluoride varnish around the brackets every 6-8 weeks reduces a person's risk to white spot lesions by 70%. I also offer dental exams and cleanings at my office. My team removes the orthodontic wire before cleaning which allows for a more thorough cleaning. All of my patients are required to have a dental cleaning and exam every 6 months. My goal with these practices is to significantly reduce my patient's risk to gum disease, cavities and white spot lesions

Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Dr. Herman: Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

Question: I know that poor brushing while wearing braces can cause white spots around the braces. What causes the white spots to form? Are these cavities?

Answer: White spot lesions are not cavities. Poor brushing leads to plaque accumulation around the brackets. The most abundant accumulation is between the bracket and the gum tissue. The plaque contains bacteria that produce acid. A person's saliva normally neutralizes or buffers this acid. However, if there is more acid produced than the saliva can buffer, demineralization of enamel begins. If demineralization occurs for a long enough period of time then white spots appear. My office is one of a few orthodontic practices in the country that has an onsite dental hygiene department to attempt to minimize a patient's risk of getting white spot lesions and make it convenient for a patient to maintain great oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Call 1-800-4-BRACES for a free consultation.

-Dr. David Herman, Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental

My son has crooked front teeth. Does he need to lose all his baby teeth before he visits an orthodontist?

No, but I do recommend patients lose their lower first baby tooth molars before beginning orthodontic treatment. These teeth usually fall out between ages 8-10 with girls losing them before boys. They are the teeth behind the canines, and the teeth that replace them are called first premolars. I try to have most of my patients’ orthodontic treatment completed in two years or less. I find that in most cases, waiting until the lower primary first molar falls out helps me achieve this time period. I always offer free consultations, regardless of age or number of baby teeth remaining. Please call 1-800-4BRACES to discuss how orthodontic treatment can improve your son’s smile.