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.  

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

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

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