How is it that you treat almost all of your patients without taking out teeth?

I use the H4 passive self-ligation system of braces. This system allows me to use light physiologic force to move the teeth and develop the bony arch that holds the teeth in ways that a decade ago we never dreamed was possible. When a patient has moderate, or even severe teeth crowding, I am able to reshape the anatomy of the bone and make room for all of your teeth so no extractions are necessary. If you have been told that you or your child needs teeth removed for braces, call 1-800-4Braces for a free second opinion and non-extraction option.

I visited another orthodontist who wanted to put screws into my bone to fix my bite and said that a narrow smile was more stable than a wide smile. I like the look of a wide smile. He also told me I would need to wear retainers after braces to keep my teeth straight. If a narrow smile is more stable, then why do I need retainers?

There are no studies that show narrow smiles are more stable than wide smiles. Most patients prefer a wide smile because of the positive impact it can have on their overall appearance. Retainers are always required after braces are removed to ensure stability, no matter the width of the smile. I use the high-tech H4 system of braces to create wide beautiful smiles. I do not use screws or unnecessary appliances and offer straight-forward treatment plans. Call 1-800-4braces for a second opinion and free consultation.

How do I know everything that was promised to me will be kept once I start braces?

Researching the orthodontic office by visiting its website is a good start. I understand that parents are busy and can’t spend a lot of time on the phone, so everything is available on our website. We list information about our fees, payment structure, what to expect at your first visit, how long it will take, etc. Word of mouth from current patients is also a great source of information – your friends will be sure to tell you if there were any hidden fees or surprises along the way. Trust is another element to choosing an orthodontist—it’s important for patients and parents to feel comfortable that their child will have a positive treatment experience.

My financial situation has changed, and I can no longer afford orthodontic treatment. My orthodontist told me I can't get my braces removed until I paid my bill. I can't pay the bill right now. Can you help me out?

Sure. I understand that good people sometimes get into a financial bind. I do not believe that people who can no longer afford treatment should be forced to keep their braces on. Please call my office at 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation and I will discuss removing your braces. If you cannot afford my normal fee for removing braces, I will remove them at no charge.

It seems that all orthodontists offer a free consultation. What makes your consultation different?

My staff and I provide a comprehensive consultation so that patients can make fully informed decisions about their orthodontic care. You will receive all X-rays needed for me to make a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan specific to your needs. You will have as much time as you need with me and my staff to have all of your questions answered. I will also give you a detailed explanation of my treatment plan and the high-tech H4 system of braces. Finally, I will show you photos of my finished patients with similar orthodontic problems so that you can get an idea of your outcome. Call 1-800-4BRACES today and see for yourself why my office was voted the best in the Four Corners.

I’d like to get information about the cost for braces but don’t want to come in for an appointment right now. Can I find out the cost for braces without coming in for an appointment?

Yes! I believe in transparency in fees, so I make it easy for people to find out how much braces cost. You can get a realistic picture of your total cost with just one visit to my website. I work hard to make my website relevant and informative for my patients. Our Getting Started page includes affordable payment options and gives you an accurate picture of your cost. Our Current Promotions page features the exact cost for you to start braces for that month. You can also call our office and speak with one of our friendly team members to find out the cost of treatment. Please call 1-800-4Braces or visit Herman4Braces.com for more information.

I just moved here and need an orthodontist familiar with the Damon system of braces to continue my treatment. My previous orthodontist informed me that special training was needed to use Damon braces. I called a local orthodontist whose website said they offer Damon braces and low prices. The lady I spoke with said they actually mix traditional braces with Damon braces on patients. She said both braces systems achieve the same result. Is this an effective treatment plan?

I do not agree with this treatment plan. As an orthodontist specially trained in passive self-ligation technology, including the Damon System, I know that traditional braces and Damon braces do not achieve the same quality result. It is like saying that a Walkman cassette recorder is the same as an iPod. They both allow for the mobile playing of music but no one would say they are the same. I encourage you to call my office at 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation to discuss finishing your treatment most effectively.

Is it easier to treat a crooked tooth problem by taking out teeth?

It can be easier but I do not believe it is better for the patient. I am very reluctant to remove healthy teeth because I use the new passive self-ligation technology, which allows me to treat patients without removing any teeth. I am passionate about creating a smile that best fits each patient's face. I found that taking out teeth creates a smaller width smile that does not always complement a patient's face. People who have had teeth extracted as a teen tend to lose their smile under their lip and wrinkle in the mid face area at an earlier age. Wide smiles are more youthful looking, even as you age. If you want a wide smile without having any teeth taken out, call 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation.

I hear great things about you, your staff and your results. I want to be clear; I do not want my daughter to get extractions, screws in her bone or an expander that rips her bone apart. I have already gone for a consult elsewhere and do not agree with any of these methods. Can you accomplish treatment without using these devices or removing teeth?

The answer is yes. I do not use screws in the bone or palatal expanders. I rarely take out any teeth and especially do not want healthy teeth extracted unnecessarily. I have patients here every day with mothers like you who want a second opinion. I listen to what my patients want, and I find your request for less invasive treatment a reasonable goal. Our reputation is well deserved, and I look forward to talking with you. Please call 1-400-4Braces to schedule a complimentary consultation.

I was a patient of yours 5 years ago and now my son is ready for braces. It’s been a while since I was a patient. Is there still a family discount I can use for my son?

Yes! We reward loyal patients with our “Smile Miles” program. Any patient that I’ve ever treated gets a credit toward future treatment that can be used on other family members. It is a straight forward program focused on affordable care. No prizes or contests here – just lower monthly payments for you! Call Riiana at 1-800-4Braces to see how many Smile Miles you have waiting for you and how they can be used on a family member or yourself!

I want to compliment you on my consultation at your office. I liked the fact that you showed me results on your patients.

Thank you. I understand that other orthodontists use models to sell their services. I want my patients and parents to see the results I achieve on real patients. I show them patients that are similar in gender, ethnicity, age and orthodontic problem. This helps the parent and patient better visualize what I can do for them. I recommend that during an orthodontic consultation, you ask to see the results on someone similar to you to help you decide on being treated by that orthodontist. Call 1-800-4braces if you would like to schedule a free consultation with my office.

I am seeing more and more adults with braces. Is this a growing trend?

Yes. A recent survey of adults ages 18-54 points out reasons why adult orthodontic treatment is a growing trend. The survey found that of adults who completed orthodontic treatment, 84% reported improved personal relationships, 58% reported better career success, and 92% reported they would recommend braces to other adults. The survey also asked, "Why would an adult not get braces?" The most common answers were: “What would others think?”, “How will I look?” and “I am too old?” The survey reported that 71% of the respondents stated that those concerns disappeared once treatment started and did not return at any time during treatment. Call 1-800-4braces if you would like a free consultation on what straight teeth and a great looking smile can do for you.

I hear that you correct crooked teeth problems without taking out teeth using a high-tech system of braces. Does that really work?

Yes, for 12 years I have treated 98% of my patients without taking out any teeth, but sometimes I hear that people still have questions. I use the high-tech Damon System of Braces, which allows me to treat almost all of my patients without taking out teeth. If you are advised that you must have teeth taken out to correct a crowding or bite problem, please afford me the opportunity to provide you a second opinion. Please call 1-800-4-BRACES for a free consultation.

My teeth are sensitive to hot and cold sensations. What causes this problem?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of reasons. Some of the more common culprits are cavities, cracked teeth, broken fillings, grinding your teeth, and receding gums. Everyone has microscopic tubules in their enamel that connect with the nerve of a tooth. If these tubules are exposed, temperature changes from eating hot or cold foods are transmitted more easily too the nerve. If your sensitivity is from a cracked tooth or grinding, then the changes in pressure on the tooth are causing your sensitivity. If your sensitivity does not go away after a few days, you can call 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation to discuss this problem.

My wife says that I seem to have trouble breathing when I sleep. Can this cause me long-term harm?

A recent study found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can take off years from a person's life expectancy. OSA is the cessation of breathing while sleeping because the path of airflow is blocked during respiration. It is estimated that more than 18 million Americans have OSA. Some of the more common signs or contributing factors are: snoring, being overweight, hypertension, diabetes, age, increased neck size (size 17 males and 16 females), morning headaches that soon disappear after waking up and constantly being sleepy during the day. A clinical exam may also reveal a large tongue or a narrow palate or mandible. If you think that you may have OSA it is very important that you seek a screening exam from a qualified health care provider. For a screening call 1-800-4-Braces.

I am a busy mom who needs to find an orthodontist for my child. What process do you recommend to find the orthodontist that best meets my expectations and needs?

First, do a web search for your area. Do you like what you see? Did the website have some pictures of finished patients? Next, call to set up an initial consultation. What is your first impression of the call? Was the person able to answer all of your questions or were there a lot of "it depends" type answers? Third, go to the consultation appointment. Do the website and phone conversation match what you see and hear at the office? Does the plan to fix your child's teeth include taking out teeth? Did you like the doctor and staff? To make it the easiest for you, please visit my website at herman4braces.com or call 1-800-4-BRACES for a free consultation.

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: 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.

Question: I recently read that TMJ jaw pain can be reduced by visiting an orthodontist. Is this true?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Yes, visiting an orthodontist will help most TMJ cases. TMJ or Temporal Mandibular Dysfuntion is usually a multifactorial problem that affects the muscles around the jaw and the back of the neck. It often leads to ringing in the ears, earaches and/or headaches. Women get it 7 times more than men. People who are under stress and/or grind their teeth, as well as those who have a deep bite or over bite, are at increased risk. I’ve had a great level of success in reducing or eliminating TMJ pain by changing a person's over bite to a more normal bite.

Question: My son had very crooked teeth, so he started braces. He looks good, but there are still a few things that could be improved. However, he has been in treatment for four years—when is enough, enough?

Dr. Herman's Answer: The question of when to conclude treatment is based on the ethical principle of beneficence. This means comparing the benefits of more treatment to the risk of longer treatment. You and your son entrust the orthodontist to exercise his/her best judgment to provide your son with the best possible results. At four years into treatment your orthodontist needs to have a risk versus benefit discussion with you and your son. Some questions to discuss are: How much better of a result can we reasonably expect? How long will that take to achieve? What are the risks of staying in braces longer?