Expert: Zev Kaufman, D.D.S. - 11/16/2008

Question
I just went to the dentist and was told that I might want to consider braces because I have two baby teeth (canines, I think) in my mouth with the adult teeth still in the gums!  Very high in the gums!!  Can you give me the scenarios' what what can be done and what you have experienced!  I am 36 and male!!  Let me know and thanks in advance!!  Mac

Answer
Dear James:
Without any further information, the choices are as follows:
1.  Go to an orthodontist and have braces put on.  The orthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon to surgically expose the impacted teeth and connect them to the braces.  Then the teeth might be able to be erupted into the proper position.  This is the "best" choice, since it will re-establish the proper relationship of teeth in your mouth and will not involve any other dental treatment modalities.  It will allow you to use your own teeth and the prognosis is the best.  The only draw backs to this treatment is the time it takes to erupt the impacted teeth, also, your age; it is far easier to do on a teenager.
2.  Go to a Prosthodontist (the specialist in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry), have the baby teeth removed and the impacted teeth extracted (you might have to go to the oral surgeon for that).  Then, have implants placed and restored with the proper crowns.  This is probably a more expensive course of treatment, probably shorter in total time, but involves using artificial means to replace your dentition.  Prognosis is excellent, but like with any man made device, problems can occur with the implants over time (highly unlikely).
I would advise you to go to the Prosthodontist in any case, since we deal with your type of situation on a more common basis, and a Prosthodontist will know to refer you to the best Orthodontist and Oral surgeons for you  adult needs.
www.prosthodontics.org is the website for the American College of Prosthodontists.  It will have a link to locating a Prosthodontist near you.  www.braces.org will do the same for the Orthodontist.
If you are having a problem, please do not hesitate to call on me and I'll direct you to the proper individuals. www.DrZevKaufman.com will have my info.
Best regards,
Dr. Zev Kaufman