Dentistry/Overjet

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Question
Hi,
I have previously had braces, but had an orthodontist that didn't know what he was doing so we had my braces taken off in the middle of treatment and switched to a different orthodontist. I had braces for 3 years and now I am 14 and have an "overjet" which is really starting to bother me.(It doesn't hurt, just bothers me.) My problem is that I do not have a deep bite which apparently would help in fixing the overjet. I was told my jaw wouldn't grown anymore. My new orthodontist said that I could just live with the bite/teeth I have, but it's been three months and my jaw has grown considerably (I used to have a very unprominant jaw which has now changed. Now my profile looks normal.) I was wondering if there was anything that I might be able to do to fix my bite so that I don't regret not fixing it when I get older? Like can rubber bands fix my bite? I am willing to get braces again if need be.  Thanks so much!

*Laura*

Answer
Your question is an excellent one but can only be answered by an orthodontist who has examined you and evaluated recently taken x-rays.  I suggest that you go to an orthodontist for a complete evaluation and any necessary x-rays so you can have the answer that you need.

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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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