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Dentistry/tooth extractions and braces

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Question
Hi, I'm a 57 yr. old female having 3 teeth extracted for braces and after braces will have 2 implants elsewhere which I lost previously. I have a small mouth and narrow lips and my teeth are quite off center in front along with a fang on one side.  My destist is very well qualified but he did say something about a concern with my teeth setting back too far after my braces.  Does that mean when it is all finished I will have a sunken mouth?  Can this be helped after the braces have come off at the end of the ordeal.  Just want to look more presentable to the world and not any worse.  It is more about confidence and aesthetics than vanity.  Nowadays, everywhere you look there are folks with gorgeous smiles and perfect white shiney teeth.  It's intimidating and I would like to just not scare people away.  I need to get a job.  Thank you so much for your time and expertise.

Answer
If there is a risk of retracting the teeth excessively then the treatment must be controlled to prevent that from happening.  If the teeth are over retracted that could produce a sunken in appearance to the mid-face.  Once this happens it is virtually impossible to reverse.  Proper treatment planning and delivery is the key to avoiding this problem.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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