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

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