Alpharetta Orthodontists

Can I Put Braces for a Second Time?

I have already worn braces as a teenager between ages 14-19 for straighter teeth and i put a mini implant (tad) on gum for closing the space because i haven't had a permanent tooth under the baby tooth .My main problem is the bruxism that i have during the night and has already damage my teeth ,bigs chips and cracks on fron teeth also has affected my speech beacause i have a lisp with s .I am really anxious because i am too young 21 years old and my teeth have been damaged too much already

Can I put braces on the second time? Of course.  That is simple, but putting you back in braces and straightening the teeh is not going to prevent any future damage and chips you are experiencing.  This process will continue to occur even after the teeth are well aligned because you are experiencing the signs of Sleep Apnea.  I have given you some information that you need to explore and I would highly recommend getting your primary care physician to refer you for a sleep study.  

There is clear evidence-based data to confirm that nocturnal bruxism is related to sleep apneic events and phasic lateral movements the jaw is performing during the microarousal episodes caused by sleep apnea.  This, inconjunction with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is the true cause of the excessive erosive, attrition and fracture of the dentition we see in many individuals like yourself.   I highly recommend  referencing articles from Dr. Jeffrey S. Rouse - The Bruxism Triad: Sleep Apnea, Sleep Bruxism and Sleep-Related GERD to get a better understanding of your problem.  

There are serious risk factors associated with Sleep Apnea, if left untreated for many years, that can include high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Your are young and the damage you have experienced to your teeth pales to these serious risk I have listed above. The reason for these risk is a deprivation of oxygen during sleep apneic episodes which sets up a systemic inflammatory response that, left untreated over many years, begins to have serious side effects on the health of your body.

I cannot emphasize enough that if you have a child that is having breathing issues at night this can adversely affect brain development and their performance in school for years to come.  You need to have an ENT evaluate the tonsils, adenoids and turbinates for possible removal and I would highly recommend a consult with a knowledgeable orthodontist for evaluation.  There is evidence to show that 1 in 6 children do experience sleep apnea.

You can reference many of the terms above to get a better understanding of this problem.

Best regards,

Dr. Jim Awbrey

James J. Awbrey IV, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist

What Should I Do with my Gap, Implant or Braces?

Hi,I have a triangular gap in the bottom of my two front teeth like 5mm between the gum and 4mm top of the teeth. I happen to have this gap due to two missing teeth, which was cause by twin teeth when i had in youth. The orthodontist advice me to get implant but it was bit off my budget and i heard there is severe failure in this tech as well. So I would really well prefer braces however I heard bottom teeth are harder to move and the gap might not close completely. Seeking for advice, thx

I would prefer a picture to give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If that is possible that would really help to give you my best advice.

Best regards,

Dr. Jim Awbrey

James J. Awbrey IV, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist

Do Lingual Braces Work for Crowded Teeth?

Lingual braces, as with traditional brace will correct and align crowded teeth. However, lingual braces will usually cost more, take more time.

Matt T. Walton, DMD

Alpharetta Orthodontist