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Dentistry/Orthodontics query

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Question
Hi doctor,
This is Richa from India.
I am 28 years of age an had started the orthodontic treatment 1 year back with ceramic braces and tooth coloured wire.
After 1 year my teeth have become straight and my dentist has removed the braces. And gave me clear retainers to wear.
But I still notice small gap between molar and premolar teeth and between teeth on which metal bands were put.

My question is that did the dentist hurried up to remove the braces or it will be corrected on its own?
because the clear invialign type retainers he gave will not move the teeth or close any gap as it is for retaining purpose.

Pls let me know your response.
Regards
Richa

Answer
You are correct in that the clear retainers will not allow the tooth to move and "settle in" completely.  It may be possible for your orthodontist to revise the retainers to cover only the six front teeth on the top and bottom while your back teeth "settle in" to a more intimate contact relationship.  Once that has happened a new set of retainers can be made.

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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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