I had an overbite that was corrected with braces at age 12. My 6 year old daughter looks like she will also have an overbite. What causes an overbite?

The main cause of an overbite is heredity, so if a parent had an overbite, there is a good chance a child will also have an overbite. Another common cause is a prolonged finger sucking habit. A recent study found that 20-30% of the U.S. population has a mild to severe overbite. Overbites are a result of either the front teeth sticking out too far, the lower jaw being too small and too far back, or a combination of both. I have achieved good results on patients with an overbite without removing any teeth. In cases when the overbite is caused by the lower jaw being too small or too far back, I do not recommend extracting upper teeth. While this plan fixes the overbite, it can create a very flat facial profile. For a free consultation, please call 1-800-4Braces.

My dentist said I had a suspicious looking area on the chewing surface of my tooth that may be a cavity. What is the chance of this spot turning into a cavity?

A recent study on this question shows that the chance of this spot turning into a cavity is rare. However, this assumes that the patient has reasonably good oral hygiene habits and is not overloading his or her diet with sugared food or drink. My recommendation is to always monitor suspicious looking areas and concentrate efforts on preventing this spot from turning into a cavity by stressing the importance of good home care and reducing a person's exposure to sugar.

I am looking for a job, and I feel that my crooked teeth are affecting my chances of getting the jobs that I want. Have you found this to be true?

A recent study asked large companies this question. The companies were asked to look at 100 photos of individuals with all types of smiles and select the ones they were most likely to hire. People with more ideal smiles were selected as being the most likely to be hired. One of the most common reasons is the companies believed they looked more intelligent. Having a good-looking smile can change a person’s perception of you. If you would like to improve your smile and overall appearance, call 1-800-4BRACES for your free consultation.

I visited a dentist for the first time in several years for a routine exam and to get a lost filling replaced. The dentist informed me I had periodontal disease and I needed a special deep cleaning. I declined treatment since it was unexpected. Should I go back for treatment?

Secondary findings are common in all areas of health care. It happens when a person comes in with one concern and finds out that there are other problems as well. It is normal for a person to need time to process new information. I find that if a person has enough information and time, he or she usually makes a decision to proceed with a reasonable plan for treatment. I recommend you address any concerns with your dentist and have all of your questions answered prior to beginning treatment.