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Dentistry/gap after orthodontics

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Question
My teenage son had orthodontic work requiring a number of extractions and metal bands for two years which were removed at sixteen, at eighteen he had his wisdom teeth removed. At twenty one he started to develop a gap between his front teeth which is getting wider,he is twenty two and I'm wondering what can be done to close the gap again. Thank you

Answer
There are several possibilities depending upon the precise details of the bite relationship.  One possibility may be to use a retainer to close the gap.  Another possibility might require more substantial treatment using Invisalign (www.invisalign.com).  In some cases when the front teeth are somewhat small the gap might be closed by building up the teeth with composite resin or crowns.  This needs to be determined after an evaluation examination is done by an orthodontist.

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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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