I just got a mail advertisement from an orthodontist. It features a patient who says she got braces at age 7 to correct her cross bite. Is age seven too early?

It is best to correct a cross bite early. There are two types of cross bites: anterior cross bite, better known as an under bite, and a posterior cross bite. A posterior cross bite is when the upper back teeth bite inside of the lower back teeth. It can be on just one side or on both sides. The goal is to correct the cross bite in a year or less through braces, take off the braces, and let the child resume growth for another year or two. I find that most cross bites can be corrected with upper braces only. I correct almost all cross bites without using invasive palatal expanders. If you think your child has a cross bite call 1-800-4Braces 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.

Soul Surfer’ Bethany Hamilton endorses the Damon® System of Braces to promote fast, high-tech, comfortable orthodontic treatment! Here’s more information from Bethany and the makers of the Damon System…

Pro Surfer, Bethany Hamilton began orthodontic treatment at age 14 for a severe underbite with significant crowding and a narrow arch. She also had an open bite, which means there was open space between her upper and lower teeth when her jaw was closed. These types of cases are typically among the most difficult to treat and often require surgery. Hamilton relied on the Damon System instead of traditional braces for her treatment.

The light pressure used in the Damon System stimulates broad, natural arch development and typically delivers results up to 25 percent faster than traditional braces, according to clinical studies. While traditional braces require elastic ties to hold wires in place, these ties can accumulate bacteria and often require "tightening" that can hinder tooth movement and prolong treatment.

In contrast, the Damon System combines "tieless" braces with high-tech memory-shaped wires that don't need to be "tightened." Damon System braces are easier to keep clean, which promotes better patient hygiene throughout treatment. Additionally, treatment with the Damon System rarely requires tooth extractions and frees patients from the use of headgear, rapid palatal expanders and other invasive appliances. The cost of treatment with the Damon System is comparable to that of traditional braces.

"Smiles are a blessing and an infectious tool for spreading happiness and bringing joy to others. "The Damon System transformed my smile, allowing me to confidently share my story of perseverance and encourage others undergoing adversity,” said Bethany Hamilton.

To learn more visit, damonbraces.com