Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for September 2014

Teeth coming loose

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I’ve had braces, but after they came off, my teeth started moving and the gap between my front teeth opened back up.  I’ve been wearing tooth effects bands to help keep the gap closed, but today my teeth feel a little loose. Do you know what is going on or recommend anything?

Julie S. – Portland, OR

Julie,

I want you to stop using the teeth effects band right away. Hopefully, we can catch this in time to save your teeth. These bands are very dangerous. You could permanently lose your teeth.

You have a couple of options: You can get a removable retainer or a permanent retainer. Either one could easily be made by a dentist who does orthodontic work. That should help you with your gap.

This blog is brought to you by Glenpool Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Orthodontist says my bite will cost extra

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My orthodontist  says I have a deep bite, which means it will cost extra to fix. Are there really some bites that are harder to fix than others?

Morgan D. – Pennsylvania

Morgan,

While it is true that there are some bites that are a little more difficult to fix than others, your dentist is not being honest about your bite. A deep bite is one of the most common, and I might add easiest, bites to fix.

I’m a little concerned that your orthodontist is trying to charge you extra for a common bite. You’re best bet may be to find a dentist who also does orthodontics, at the very least to get a second opinion.

The most difficult bite to treat would be an open bite. That is when the upper front teeth don’t touch or even go over the lower front teeth. The usual culprits for causing this type of bite is unusual tongue position and thumb sucking. About 20% of patients with this kind of bite still have an open bite after treatment.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.