Teeth with Short Roots and Braces?

Question

My 9 year old son's front teeth has short roots. The teeth are protruding and he's overbite so he needs braces. We saw 2 orthodontists with different approaches. What is correct - long treatment and light forces or short treatment with more force? The cause of short roots seems to be genetics, no trauma but thumb sucking til 3 years old. He also grinds his teeth at night. What should I do to prepare him for orthodontic treatments. I can provide copy of x-ray if needed. Thank you

Michael Firouzian, DDS · Answer

Light forces are always less traumatic to teeth and generally work better. With regard to the short roots, I would confirm the short roots by taking x-rays from different angles. If the teeth are severely flared, taking x-rays that are not parallel to the roots can cause distortion and make the roots seem much shorter than they really are.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

In most cases light continues forces will move teeth the best with least amount of damage good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD     CEO Baystate Dental PC

Teeth with Short Roots and Braces?

Answers (2)