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 dentist told me that one of my child's baby teeth is stuck to the bone and is delaying eruption of the permanent tooth. Is this a difficult problem to correct?

A baby tooth stuck to the bone is called being "ankylosed", and it can complicate the eruption of the permanent tooth. This baby tooth should be closely monitored. An ankylosed baby tooth usually does not fall out on its own. It usually needs to be extracted. The baby tooth should be removed if the eruption of the permanent tooth is delayed by six months or more. The baby tooth should be extracted as soon as possible if the permanent tooth underneath is ready to come in and if there are developing bone defects or significant changes in the bite. If you have concerns about your child's developmental changes as he or she transitions from baby teeth to permanent teeth, please call 1 800-4BRACES for a free consultation.

Q: I have a missing upper front tooth and I have crooked teeth, what are my options?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Since I rarely take out teeth, I suggest two options. One is to correct the crowding problem through orthodontics and replace the missing tooth with an implant. This is the more expensive plan but usually the best option. It involves placing a titanium screw (implant) into the bone and placing a cap or crown over the implant. The 2nd option is called a substitution plan which involves using another tooth next to the space and moving it into the empty spot. It can work surprisingly well. The main advantage is the cost is minimal and is not an extra charge if part of your orthodontic plan. I recommend a free consult with me to discuss which option may be best for you.