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Dentistry/"gummy" smile

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Expert: - 11/7/2008


Question
hello. i currently have braces and my ortho told me i can take them off within the next couple of months. however, i have a 'gummy' smile. my ortho said i could opt for surgery to correct that.

what kind of surgery is he talking about? how long will it take (surgery + healing time)? is it worth it?

i also go to college out of state. will i need to stay home to heal?

Answer
Dear Mellina:
The surgery that your orthodontist is probably referring to is called Orthognathic surgery-a LeForte 1.  It involves reducing the height of your upper jaw.  It is done by an oral surgeon after careful planning in accord with your orthodontist.  You should ask your orthodontist for a referral to an oral surgeon with whom the orthodontist works closely on cases such as yours.  The recovery time depends upon several factors such as your own body chemistry, the extent of the surgery etc.  Without any more information, I cannot give you anymore details.  Many people elect to have the surgery done over summer or winter vacation, as to not affect their studies and have plenty of time to recover at home with family.
As to the value of the surgery... only you can decide if it is worth it.  Many people have severe issues, and do nothing about them, others insist on injecting toxins under their skin to straighten out a few wrinkles.  I do not know how important this issue is to YOU! and only you can make that decision.  When you go for the consultation with the Oral Surgeon, ask to see some before and after pictures and decide for yourself.
Best wishes and good luck,
Dr. Zev Kaufman

Dentistry

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Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.

Expertise

I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.

Experience

Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC. Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry. Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program. Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program. Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Organizations
Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics. Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration. Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society. Member of the American Dental Education Association.

Education/Credentials
Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry. Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics. Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry. Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management. Honors-program in Orthodontics.

Awards and Honors
NYU Cervice award to the community. OKU honor society. National Dean's List. National Who's Who.

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