Cedar Rapids Doctors
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Recent Answers
Extraction or Nonextraction to Fix Moderate Class 2 Protrusion W/o Dished in Look?
Hi,42yo Asian man,Moderate bimaxillary Class 2 protrusive, ,lip incompetence.Confused w/various consults 2 fix CL2 toCL1 #1Ortho said he would extract 4 teeth+ braces to fix profile but that10 yrs from now, my face would like much older bc of retrucline(sp)? #2Ortho says 4 extracts+braces to fix prob 100%,says Dish in look WON'T OCCUR. #2Gen Dentist said 4 extracts would age my face 15 yrs w/dish in look,instead says appliance 2 expand my arches+ braces will retrude lips What r my best options?
A: Extraction vs non-extractionBased on what you have said and without any pictures, the real question here is why are you getting braces? Is it for you appearance? Is it to help headaches? Is it so you can clean your teeth better? I'm not sure but if you have teeth removed it will create space and the way that space is closed is to bring the teeth in toward your tongue and back. That will change your appearance and if that is what you want, great. I prefer a fuller face and I also like to make sure the tongue has enough room, so I usually vote for expanding and keeping all of the teeth. I think this leads to better muscle function and isn't pushing the tongue back into your airway. Keep those things in mind when you make your decision. Hope this helped some. Enjoy!
There are many different ways of enhancing your smile without removing teeth. Sometimes removing teeth is the easiest way so it may be suggested, but there are a lot of troubles that can go along with removing teeth. We have had patients suffer from sleep apnea, headaches (including migraines), posture problems, tmj pain, etc., and these are all related to having teeth removed. Orthodontics without extractions is definitely an option for some people, but you have to make sure that the teeth are worth saving. Hope this helps
Blaine McLaughlin DDS
Is the Best Option for me to Replace Current Braces with Invisalign? (Photos)
I am a 16 year old girl. I have had braces for 15 months now. But I had to move with my family. Now the new dentist proposes 2 treatments because by continuing this treatment the front teeth will not come properly back he says and I do want them back. 1) remove one upper premolar each side to make space. And replace the current braces with ceramic braces. it will take two more years, 2) remove two upper premolars and use invisalign. It should take 2.5 more years. Thank you for your feedback.
A: replace current braces with InvisalignThe first thing that I look at when I see the upper teeth is all the space that is there. I can't imagine why you would need to remove any teeth at all. It is hard to know the whole story without all of the information, but based on what I see, I would recommend staying in braces, keeping all of your teeth, and finishing that way. The doctor has more control with braces than Invisalign. If they insist that you need teeth out, you might want to see someone else for a second opinion.
Blaine McLaughlin DDS
