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About 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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Dentistry - too young?

Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 11/7/2009

Question
I took my son for a very exiting first visit to the orthodontist and I have some questions. After my son climbed into the big chair and the orthodontist examined him he told me that my son needs some orthodontic work, which I am not surprised about sense I can see his crossbite, but instead of doing it when he is 12 he says he need to start now with a palate expander and a herbst appliance. I told the orthodontist that I wasn't too keen on doing all of this on my on while he is so young, but he said it is best to do this now while he is still growing to avoid a tougher when he is older. Still not in complete belief I when to another orthodontist who said the same thing. What will a palate expander and herbst appliance do and why does it need to be done so young when people actually stop growing at 21 and not 7?

Answer
Both of these appliances correct the types of bite problems that often become apparent at a young age. These problems if not corrected early will continue to distort bite development. When they are corrected early the remaining growth can be more normal. If left uncorrected future growth and development will often make matters worse. That's not to say that early correction will eliminate the need for treatment later on. It's just that it can simplify the problems that will need treatment later on. Also, appliances like the Herbst work best when the individual is growing vigorously and your son is probably at that point right now.

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