Albuquerque Doctors

Do Patients Have to Pay More Money to Fix Residual Spacing Due to Excessive IPR?

I am on my last tray of Invisalign Express, and the place where my doctor performed an IPR has not closed. Are patients expected to pay additional costs for more aligners in cases like these?

Just like regular braces, there are many times when your orthodontist must make course corrections in your Invisalign treatment to address normal variations between patients. The digital estimate made at the beginning of treatment is the best case scenario. It represents the result if every thing goes perfectly. It almost never does. Luckily Align Technology, the manufacturer of Invisalign, allows doctors to resubmit cases for "revisions" at the end of the first set of aligners for no additional charge. This should not be looked upon as failure, but reality. Our bodies don't always respond to prescriptions as they should. If you are not completely satisfied with your Invisalign outcome, discuss it with your doctor and suggest a revision. Good luck!

Greg Jorgensen, DMD, MS

Albuquerque Orthodontist

Could Distended Lower Abs After Tummy Tuck Be A Seroma?

I am 5 weeks post tummy tuck. My upper abs are very flat but right below my incision is extremely distended . It's as though I have a donut around my belly. My PS says this is where the swelling naturally travels but I keep wondering if it is a seroma. I cannot find pictures of a seroma on the web. the area is even all the way around . I cannot fit into my old clothes and am worried. Please help.

It is possible, but less likely at 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Positioning , garment use, and activity levels all can affect the swelling -and therefore early appearance of your abdomen at this time frame. I f you see a "wave' under the swollen area when you push on the skin- then it may be a seroma. Best to follow up with your surgeon.

William Loutfy, MD

Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Get a New Retainer?

I had my 12 year old molars surgically removed 12 days ago. after my surgery i couldn't wear my clear retainer for a week after due to pain.. How long do i need to wait before i get a new one made?

It is always scary to go for a period of time without your orthodontic retainer. Your situation (having teeth removed) is a common time when you cannot wear your retainer as prescribed. Obviously you want to get back to wearing a retainer as soon as possible. Your old retainer can possibly be altered so that it will fit your mouth again. Take it in to your orthodontist and see if that is possible. If not, get an impression for a new one as soon as your mouth has healed enough so that you are comfortable. That should be less than a week. Good luck!

Greg Jorgensen, DMD, MS

Albuquerque Orthodontist